Podcast Summary: Grow Your Local Business – Episode 121: The Local Instagram Formula 2.0
Host: Leslie Presnall
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Episode Title: The Local Instagram Formula 2.0
Introduction
In episode 121 of the Grow Your Local Business podcast, host and local marketing expert Leslie Presnall delves into "The Local Instagram Formula 2.0." Building upon the success of her original formula introduced in episode two, Leslie presents an enhanced, step-by-step strategy tailored to help local business owners optimize their Instagram presence to attract more local followers and convert them into loyal clients.
Evolution of the Local Instagram Formula
Leslie begins by reflecting on the original Local Instagram Formula, acknowledging its popularity among listeners and its effectiveness in helping local businesses grow. However, recognizing the dynamic nature of Instagram and the evolving needs of business owners, she has refined the formula into a three-part mini training series hosted within the LocalPreneur Academy. This updated version incorporates insights gained from auditing hundreds of Instagram accounts and addressing thousands of queries from diverse businesses.
“Since I first recorded this episode in like 2022, obviously Instagram has changed and I have worked with so many more business owners... I have just created a better step-by-step version of how to apply the local Instagram formula to your Instagram profile and to your post so that number one, you can get more local followers so that when people land on your profile, they actually click the follow button.”
— Leslie Presnall [04:00]
The Five-Part Local Instagram Formula
Leslie outlines the five crucial elements every local business must incorporate into their Instagram strategy to ensure clarity and effectiveness:
- Who You Are
- Where You Are
- What You Do
- How You Can Help Them
- How They Can Work With You
1. Who You Are
Leslie emphasizes the importance of introducing the person behind the business. Establishing a personal connection fosters trust and relatability, essential for local businesses that often engage face-to-face with clients.
“You want people to know the person behind your business. People want to know us ahead of time. They want to trust us, they want to feel connected with us, they want to know us.”
— Leslie Presnall [08:30]
2. Where You Are
Clarity about your geographic location is paramount. Leslie points out that many businesses fail to specify their city or service areas, making it harder for local clients to find and engage with them.
“When people see that they're local to you, that makes them want to follow you. They want to buy from you, they want to support you.”
— Leslie Presnall [12:45]
3. What You Do
Precision in describing your business services is critical. Leslie advises against vague or overly creative descriptions, advocating for straightforward communication about what your business offers.
“I always would rather you be clear over creative. So just be really clear with what you do.”
— Leslie Presnall [16:10]
4. How You Can Help Them
Differentiating your business by elaborating on your unique approach or the results you deliver helps position you as the go-to local expert.
“This is where you get to really show or talk about what you want to be known for locally. This is where people really start to think like, yes, like this is the person that, that I've been looking for.”
— Leslie Presnall [19:50]
5. How They Can Work With You
Leslie highlights the necessity of guiding potential clients on the next steps to engage with your business. Clear calls to action eliminate confusion and make it easy for followers to become clients.
“You have to tell people how they can work with you. You have to tell people what the next step is. We have to be really clear and direct and say it over and over.”
— Leslie Presnall [23:15]
Importance of Instagram for Local Businesses
Leslie underscores Instagram's transformation from a mere social media platform to a powerful search engine for local services. Optimizing your profile with the five-part formula ensures visibility and attracts clients actively seeking your offerings.
“Instagram today is not just a social media app anymore. It's a search engine. People are searching for local businesses, they are searching for services... If your Instagram isn't super clear and using keywords...you could be missing out on clients who are literally looking for what you offer right now.”
— Leslie Presnall [10:40]
Turning Followers into Clients
A significant focus of the episode is on converting Instagram followers into paying clients. Leslie identifies common pitfalls, such as overcomplicating engagement processes, and provides strategies to simplify interactions, making it easier for followers to take the desired actions.
“Sometimes as business owners, we make it harder than we need to for people to work with us. So I'm really going to show you some blind spots, really common mistakes that I see happening.”
— Leslie Presnall [21:30]
Promotion of Mini Training
Leslie introduces a three-part video mini training series that delves deeper into each aspect of the Local Instagram Formula. This training is designed to be actionable, enabling business owners to implement strategies immediately for tangible results.
“In this mini training you will go through three actionable videos where I walk you step by step through how to optimize and leverage your feed with the local Instagram formula so you can get found on Instagram by locals.”
— Leslie Presnall [07:30]
Listeners are encouraged to access the mini training through the show notes or by visiting her website:
- Website: lesliepresnel.com/formula
Conclusion
Leslie wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the Local Instagram Formula in ensuring that local businesses not only attract local followers but also convert them into clients. She invites listeners to engage further through her complimentary consult calls and the LocalPreneur Academy for a more in-depth learning experience.
“You will walk away knowing exactly what to update and how to start getting real local results on your Instagram.”
— Leslie Presnall [29:00]
Key Takeaways
- Optimize Your Instagram Profile: Ensure clarity in who you are, where you are, what you do, how you can help, and how to engage with you.
- Leverage Instagram as a Search Engine: Utilize keywords and location tags to enhance discoverability.
- Simplify Conversion Processes: Make it easy for followers to become clients with clear calls to action.
- Engage with Targeted Content: Create posts that attract and convert your ideal local audience.
- Utilize Available Resources: Take advantage of Leslie’s mini training and consult services for personalized guidance.
By implementing the Local Instagram Formula 2.0, local business owners can significantly enhance their Instagram presence, attract a steady stream of local followers, and convert them into loyal clients, thereby driving sustainable business growth.