Harnessing the Power of Community
Mar 13, 2025
Today, we discover the lessons behind successful community-driven marketing strategies with Chris Sands, the creative genius behind Totally Locally. Whether you're a newcomer to the business world or a seasoned entrepreneur, Chris's insights promise a wealth of practical tips and motivation.
Introducing Chris Sands: The Mind Behind Totally Locally
Chris Sands embarked on a mission to revitalise local economies across the UK and beyond with Totally Locally. A marketing professional with years of experience working with major organisations, Chris turned his focus to grassroots marketing and has made incredible strides in strengthening the ties between businesses and their communities. His journey began with the simple idea of applying big-brand strategies to small towns, and the results have been nothing short of transformative.
Simplicity as a Strategy: Creating Impactful Marketing Plans
One of Chris's most significant contributions lies in his ability to craft simple yet powerful marketing plans. He believes that small businesses don't need complex or expensive campaigns to succeed. Instead, they can thrive by leveraging the strength of their community. Chris emphasises the importance of failing fast and learning from mistakes. By implementing strategies that work and discarding those that don't, businesses can adapt and succeed in any market environment.
The Magic of Collaboration: Working Together for Success
In the world of small businesses, the notion of competition often takes a backseat to collaboration. Chris's approach focuses on promoting the idea that when a town thrives, every business within it benefits. His philosophy is
"When the town gets busy, we all win."
And so encourages businesses to work together, fostering an environment where everyone supports each other. By using tools like the "We Recommend" posters, businesses can promote fellow shops, creating a network of collaboration that benefits everyone involved.
Adapting Proven Strategies: The Totally Locally Toolkit
Chris's belief in open-source resources has led to the development of the Totally Locally toolkit, a comprehensive set of marketing materials designed to help small businesses initiate their campaigns without reinventing the wheel.
"It's not about reinventing the wheel; it's about bringing communities together with proven strategies that work."
From meeting invites to house rules (with many meetings taking place in local pubs!), the toolkit empowers businesses to jumpstart their marketing efforts with tried and tested templates. The concept of "Be nice or leave," a rule embraced by communities, underscores the importance of a positive and supportive environment.
Fiverr Fest: A Simple Concept with a Big Impact
Among Chris's most notable strategies is the Fiverr Fest, a simple yet powerful initiative encouraging consumers to spend five pounds locally rather than online or at large stores. This campaign has resonated with communities worldwide, illustrating the substantial impact that small contributions can have on local economies. By promoting special offers and uniting businesses around a common goal, the Fiverr Fest brings vitality and visitors to local high streets.
Embracing Community to Enhance Business Success
Chris Sands’s work with Totally Locally is a testament to the power of simplicity, collaboration, and community engagement. His strategies empower small businesses to enhance their impact without relying on elaborate tactics or massive budgets.
"Fail fast, learn, and move on—that's how you create effective grassroots marketing."
As entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is clear: supporting one another and harnessing community strength can lead to thriving businesses and vibrant local economies.
We invite you to dive deeper into these valuable lessons by tuning into our full podcast with Chris Sands.
Gain insights into grassroots marketing and discover how you can implement these strategies to foster growth and collaboration within your own community.
Let's continue to celebrate the power of regional businesses and redefine success together.
Join us for an inspiring journey into the world of grassroots marketing by listening to the latest episode featuring Chris Sands.
Enhance your business skills, foster collaboration, and witness the impact of community-driven strategies!
