With the internet and social media, launching a small biz has never been easier. But in a city like NYC, you gotta hustle harder to get noticed. That's where savvy online marketing comes in, certain strategies always work - like SEO and social media. But for small businesses, there are a few extra steps to make sure you connect with your local audience. 

Here are four pillars you need to know:

1.    Boost your SEO game. Make sure your homepage and product descriptions are packed with relevant keywords. For example, if you run a bakery called "Butter Baby," that name is great but it won't tell people what you sell. So add in keywords like bakery, cookies, cakes, and coffee. Also, don't forget about local SEO - claim your biz listing on Google My Business and manage your ratings and reviews on review sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor.

2.    Step up your social media ads. Always have ads running on Facebook, Instagram,TikTok and other social media platforms in your neighborhood and borough. It's a budget-friendly way to reach your local audience and let them know what you're all about.

3.    Use Google Ads to your advantage. Get specific in your ad copy to target your local audience. Mention nearby landmarks like "next door to the ___ Main Street Bank" to increase click-through rates.

4.    Launch a newsletter. Email marketing is still a great way to connect with your local community. Share your latest products, news, and blogs, and offer special discounts to people who live in specific zip codes.

These are just a few tactics to get you started. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, get involved in your community. Donate to a local food drive or participate in a farmer's market. Build your local network and you'll create partnerships, cross-promotions, and great content for your website and social media.