If you're running an agency or selling software to small businesses, you know the drill: endless hours of searching online, combing through directories, and hoping you've found the right contact information. It's enough to make anyone pull their hair out.

But here's the good news: you don't have to do it the hard way anymore. Thanks to smart tools like ProspectUp.ai, what used to take days can now be done in hours. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about finding and connecting with local businesses – from tried-and-true traditional methods to cutting-edge automation techniques that'll save you precious time.

Are you an agency or software provider selling to local businesses?

While everyone else is fighting over national and global markets, there's a goldmine of opportunity right in your backyard. Local businesses are often overlooked, which creates a perfect sweet spot for agencies and software providers who know where to look.

Here's what makes local businesses such attractive clients: First, you're swimming in a smaller pond. Instead of competing with hundreds of similar providers, you might only be up against a handful in your local market. This means you can stand out more easily and win clients without breaking the bank on marketing.

Methods to Find Local Businesses Near You

Before you build a local business email list, you need to know who you’re targeting. Not all businesses are a good fit. A restaurant won’t need the same services as an auto shop. A local gym won’t have the same pain points as a law firm. The more specific you get, the better your outreach results.

1. Google Search & Google Maps

Let's start with what you probably already use every day – Google. But trust me, there's more to it than just typing "businesses near me." Here's how to become a Google search ninja:

Try these useful search operators:

• Looking for plumbers? Type "plumbers in [your city]" site:*.com -yelp -yellowpages
• Hunting for coffee shops? Use "coffee shops near [zip code]" "contact us"
• Want to find company pages? Try intitle:"about us" "local business" [city name]

Google Maps is another goldmine, but you've got to know how to filter the good stuff. Start broad, then narrow it down using:

• Star ratings (aim for 4+ stars for quality leads)
• Business hours (active businesses keep these updated)
• Category filters (get specific about who you're targeting)
• "Recently opened" filter (these businesses often need the most help)

2. Online Directories & Listings

Don't overlook the classics – online directories still pack a punch when it comes to finding solid leads. Yelp works great for consumer-facing businesses. Not only do you get contact info, but you can also gauge how active and successful they are based on their review activity.

YellowPages might seem old school, but here's a secret: lots of legitimate businesses still keep their listings updated here. It's especially good for B2B prospecting. Angi (you might remember it as Angie's List) is your go-to for service businesses. While it focuses on home services, you'd be surprised at the variety of businesses you can find there.

BBB listings are great for finding established, reputable businesses. Plus, these businesses often have the budget for your services.

Also check out: Top directories for different business categories.

3. Social Media & Local Community Groups

Facebook Groups: Join local business networking groups, chamber of commerce groups, and industry-specific communities. These groups often have active business owners sharing updates and seeking connections.

LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn's advanced search to find local business owners and decision-makers. You can filter by Location, Industry, Company size, Job titles, etc.

Instagram: Leverage location-based hashtags and geotags to find local businesses. Popular formats include:

• #[City]Business
• #[City]Small Business
• #[Industry][City]

4. Attend farmers markets and craft fairs

Farmers markets and community events are goldmines for connecting with local business owners in a natural, low-pressure environment. Here's how to make the most of these opportunities:

• Check your city's event calendar for upcoming markets and fairs
• Follow local event organizers on social media for announcements
• Sign up for community newsletters that list weekend events
• Look for industry-specific shows (craft fairs, food festivals, home improvement expos)
• Visit during off-peak hours when vendors have more time to chat
• Return regularly to build familiarity with vendors
• Consider getting a booth yourself at relevant events
• Attend seasonal markets where different vendors rotate through

5. Participate in chamber of commerce events

Personal recommendations remain one of the most powerful ways to discover quality local businesses. Here's how to systematize word-of-mouth lead generation:

Create a Referral System

• Develop a simple template for asking for recommendations
• Keep track of who's given referrals and follow up with thanks
• Offer to make introductions in return
• Consider implementing a referral reward program

Ask Smart Questions

• "Which local businesses do you regularly recommend to others?"
• "Have you worked with any great local [industry] companies lately?"
• "Who provides the best [service] in our area?"
• "Which local business owner would you say is really innovative?"

Target Specific Sources

• Local real estate agents (they know many business owners)
• Insurance brokers
• Accountants and bookkeepers
• Business attorneys
• Chamber of commerce members

6. Check community bulletin boards

While digital marketing dominates, physical bulletin boards remain valuable for finding local businesses. Here's where and how to use them:

Prime Locations to Check

• Coffee shops and cafes
• Community centers
• Libraries
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Local grocery stores
• Coworking spaces
• University campus buildings
• Religious institutions
• Apartment complex common areas
• Local government buildings

What to Look For

• Business cards and brochures
• Event flyers featuring local vendors
• Workshop announcements
• Grand opening notices
• Service advertisements
• Community event posters that might feature local businesses

How to Track Postings

• Take photos of relevant postings
• Use business card scanning apps
• Create a spreadsheet to track findings
• Note when materials were posted (to gauge activeness)

7. Check Out Local Media Sources

Local media remains one of the most reliable ways to discover thriving businesses in your community. Start with your community newspapers' business sections, which regularly feature success stories, new openings, and company milestones. 

These publications often run "Best Of" editions and special features highlighting standout local enterprises. Business journals are particularly valuable, offering detailed rankings of local companies through their annual "Book of Lists" and regular coverage of industry leaders. Don't overlook local radio and TV stations – their advertiser lists and business news segments can reveal active, marketing-savvy companies. 

Local lifestyle magazines frequently publish neighborhood spotlights, service directories, and business owner profiles, providing deep insights into specific market segments. Digital platforms, including neighborhood blogs and city guide websites, often cover businesses that traditional media might miss. 

The key is to monitor these sources consistently – consider setting up Google Alerts for terms like "[City Name] new business" or "grand opening" to stay informed. Many outlets also offer free email newsletters that aggregate local business news, making it easier to track potential leads.

8. Government Resources

Government databases and public records offer a treasure trove of verified business information that's constantly being updated. Start by exploring your city or county clerk's website for new business registrations, professional licenses, and permit applications. 

These records not only reveal new ventures but also signal when existing businesses are expanding or relocating. Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) maintain detailed member directories and often publish newsletters highlighting active businesses in their areas. Public records like tax assessment rolls and UCC filings can uncover business ownership structures and financial stability. 

Local economic development offices typically maintain lists of businesses participating in incentive programs or enterprise zones. Many cities now have "Open Data" initiatives that make these records easily accessible online. 

The key advantage of government sources is their accuracy – this information is required by law to be current and correct. While these resources might not be as immediately user-friendly as media sources, they often provide more detailed and reliable business intelligence for lead generation.

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Lead Generation Tools & Prospecting Software

It’s grunt work to go through so many sources to find local business owner contacts on your own. If you don’t have the time or just want an easier process, you can also use a lead tool like ProspectUp to automate this.

Such tools can help you find relevant local businesses automatically, pull contact details in seconds, check if the information is current, and help you personalize your outreach. ProspectUp has over 50 local business categories you can filter through in your area. It also gives you in-depth data points on your prospects such as their directory presence, social media presence, tech needs, digital maturity, operational needs, and much more.

This is data you’d spend days finding manually. You can also have an AI simply pull in local business leads based on the criteria you tell it.

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Summing Up

Finding and connecting with local businesses doesn't have to be a headache. By combining smart traditional methods with modern tools like ProspectUp.ai, you can build a steady stream of quality leads without losing your mind in spreadsheets.

Remember:

• Use multiple ways to find leads
• Keep your data clean and current
• Make your outreach personal
• Scale smart with automation