Franchise Marketing Strategies to Expand Your Business

franchise marketing strategies

Running a franchise business can be exciting and rewarding, but growing it takes more than just offering a great product or service. You need strong marketing strategies to get your brand out there and attract new customers—or even new franchisees. And not just any strategies, but ones that make sense for how franchises work. Let’s break down some practical marketing ideas to help you grow your franchise without feeling overwhelmed.

 

Start with a Clear Brand Message

Your franchise needs a solid identity. What do you stand for? What sets your business apart? This should be consistent across all locations—from your logo and colours to how your staff greet customers. Here’s what helps:

  • A short brand message or tagline
  • A guide for tone, visuals, and messaging
  • Consistency across websites, ads, and social media

Your brand feels more reliable and professional when every location is on the same page.

 

Use Local Marketing for Each Location

Even though you’re running a franchise, each location needs to connect with its community. What works in downtown Toronto might not work in a smaller town in Alberta. Encourage franchisees to:

  • Get involved in local events or sponsorships
  • Build relationships with nearby businesses
  • Offer location-specific deals or specials

You can provide templates or tools but allow some freedom. Local marketing builds stronger customer loyalty.

 

Leverage Social Media the Smart Way

Social media is an excellent tool for reaching local and national audiences, but it can get messy if not managed well. Consider using a central system or scheduler so the head office can keep control while local stores still post their content. Tips for better results:

  • Post regular updates with real photos or behind-the-scenes content
  • Use Canadian English and hashtags that match your local area
  • Share customer stories or reviews to build trust

And don’t forget to engage—respond to comments, DMs, and mentions.

 

Run Targeted Online Ads

Paid advertising can yield quick wins, especially if you know who you’re targeting. With tools like Google Ads and Facebook Ads, you can target people looking for your product in specific cities or regions with your message. Split the effort like this:

  • Franchisor: Run national brand awareness campaigns
  • Franchisee: Promote local deals, events, or hiring needs

Make sure your ads lead to the right landing pages. People should get information that matches what they clicked on.

 

Make Your Website Work for You

Your website is often the first thing people see when they’re curious about your brand. It should look sharp, load fast, and be easy to navigate. But more importantly, each franchise location should have its own page with the following:

  • Contact info
  • Opening hours
  • Directions or a map
  • Location-specific promos

Also, make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Most people search from their phones, especially when they’re out and about.

 

Focus on SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

SEO is your best friend if you want your locations to appear in Google searches. It’s not just about keywords anymore. Think about what people in your area are typing when looking for something. Here’s how to improve your local SEO:

  • Claim and update your Google Business Profile
  • Use consistent business info (name, address, phone number) everywhere online
  • Collect genuine customer reviews and respond to them
  • Add local keywords to each location page on your website

Better rankings mean more foot traffic and online leads.

 

Support Franchisees with Marketing Tools

Franchise owners are busy running their locations. Help them out by giving them ready-to-use marketing materials. This could be:

  • Social media templates
  • Printable flyers
  • Email campaign templates
  • Promo calendars

The easier for them to market, the more consistent and effective your brand will be across all locations.

 

Think About Long-Term Growth

Marketing isn’t just about today’s sales. It’s also about building your brand and making people trust it. That’s how you grow. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers or bring in more franchisees, the right marketing strategy will keep your business top of mind.

 

Build your marketing like you’d build a house—on a solid foundation, with room to grow and a style that reflects who you are.  Franchise 360 can help you grow your franchise through franchise marketing. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in your franchise strategies.