Hello, Nick Ponte here! We run a successful marketing agency in Maui, and love to share our findings about marketing with local Hawaii businesses.

Last week, we discussed how new developments in Google’s search experience will affect Hawaiian business. Today, we want to give strategies for success for marketing Hawaii businesses in general.

Hawaii is a special place to do business, which means that different marketing tactics will see different levels of success as compared to other places in the United States or abroad. Businesses who embrace this and learn how to win locally will thrive, and businesses who try to operate as if they were on the mainland may not be so lucky.

What makes Hawaii so special?

Also Read: What is Google SGE, and What Does It Mean for Hawaii Businesses?

Why Hawaii Is a Unique Business Context

Geographical, cultural, and historical factors shape commerce in Hawaii. Situated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii’s archipelago is the most remote major population center on Earth. This relative geographic isolation impacts everything from supply chain logistics to real estate prices. Import costs and a limited local agricultural base can drive up prices, impacting both businesses and consumers. Plus, Hawaii’s economy is largely driven by tourism, making it sensitive to global economic shifts, travel trends, and anything that can influence visitor numbers.

In addition, Hawaii boasts a rich tapestry of Native Hawaiian traditions intertwined with influences from Asia, the U.S. mainland, and other Pacific islands. This multicultural heritage draws for tourists and also shapes local consumer preferences and business practices. The “Aloha Spirit,” emphasizing harmony, respect, and community, plays a pivotal role in the business ethos.

Historically, Hawaii’s colonial past, its status as a U.S. state, and its strategic military significance have all influenced its business environment. From land use policies to defense spending, these historical factors have shaped economic priorities and opportunities.

All these factors combined mean that winning as a Hawaiian business means reaching the local, multicultural customer base while honoring the island’s history.

Also Read: Unlock Success: Collaborate with Top Hawaii Marketing Firms for Web Design

How to Master Business Marketing in Hawaii

Here are 3 tactics for gaining more local Hawaii customers through better marketing:

1. Sponsor Local Events and Festivals

Participate in or sponsor local events, festivals, and celebrations. This could include things like the Merrie Monarch Festival, Lei Day, and more. Sponsoring these kinds of local events and engaging with the community are invaluable marketing strategies. Such involvement fosters genuine connections, showcasing a business’ commitment to community welfare. Residents tend to support businesses that give back, seeing them as more than just profit-driven entities. 

Additionally, local event sponsorship offers direct access to potential customers, allowing for authentic interaction and feedback. This not only builds brand awareness but also fosters trust and loyalty. By positioning your business as a community pillar, you transcend traditional advertising, creating lasting relationships and achieving organic, word-of-mouth promotion, which often proves more effective than any advertisement.

2. Embrace Local SEO and Google Business

Given the archipelago’s heavy reliance on tourism and local trade, Hawaii businesses must prioritize Local SEO and Google Business’ tool set. Being discoverable in local search results ensures tourists and residents alike can easily find and support you. 

Google Business, in particular, offers businesses a platform to share key details like location, hours, and reviews, directly influencing purchasing decisions. With many travelers using search engines to plan their visits, having a robust local online presence can significantly boost foot traffic and sales. Embracing Local SEO and Google business isn’t just a strategy; it’s an essential move for sustained business growth in Hawaii.

3. Partner with a Pro

Hawaiian businesses stand to gain immensely by partnering with a local Hawaiian marketing agency. Firstly, such agencies inherently grasp the unique business context of the islands, from its cultural nuances to logistical challenges. This intrinsic understanding ensures that marketing strategies are tailored to resonate with the specific dynamics of Hawaii, rather than employing a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Secondly, a Hawaii marketing agency can showcase proven results for other Hawaiian businesses, providing a track record of success within the same environment. This lends credibility and shortens the initial trial-and-error phase. 

Lastly, and perhaps most crucially, they have insight into the local customer’s psyche. A Hawaii marketing agency’s intimate knowledge of local values, preferences, and behaviors means they can craft campaigns that genuinely connect and breed trust. In a market as distinctive as Hawaii’s, this deep local expertise can make the difference between a business that thrives and one that merely survives.

If you want to learn more or want help formulating your business strategy, reach out to us today! We’ll perform a free audit of your Hawaii business’ web presence and give you action items for gaining more customers.

Further Reading: AI SEO Is Coming. Is Your Hawaii Business Ready?

Photos Courtesy of Jennifer Pallian, Savannah Rohleder, and Fiona Smallwood