You know the feeling – you’re driving down the street and spot a “Coming Soon” sign for a new location of your favorite franchise. Fan favorites include Chick-fil-A, WaWa, or Buc-ee’s… Suddenly, you’re excited! You text a friend, maybe post it on your story, and count down the days till opening. That kind of buzz doesn’t happen by accident – it’s the result of strategic, intentional marketing magic.
If you’re a multi-location franchise looking to turn heads (and drive traffic), let’s talk about how to build real hype, stand out from the crowd, and become the next household name in your area.
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Build Anticipation Like a Blockbuster
The launch of a new location should feel like a movie premiere. Start teasing it early – share construction progress, introduce the local team, and create behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. Think Instagram reels, Facebook countdowns, and digital billboards. The more familiar people feel with your brand before you open, the more likely they are to show up on opening day.
SEO Tip: Optimize your content for local search terms like “new [franchise name] opening in [city]” or “best [industry] in [location]” so people searching nearby can easily find you.
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Get Social — and Make It Shareable
Your social media content shouldn’t just inform – it should spark conversation. Run polls, ask for name suggestions, or post “2 truths and a lie” about your new location. User-generated content (UGC) is gold, so encourage fans to share their own excitement or memories with your brand.
And by all means, don’t be afraid to be funny. Brands like Charmin and Snickers know how to use humor and personality in their marketing—and it pays off in a very big way!
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Highlight What Makes You Special
In a world full of choices, your franchise needs a differentiator. Are you lightning-fast with service? Do you have locally sourced ingredients? A legendary sauce? A mascot people adore?
Craft your marketing around those key brand values. Give people a reason to choose you over someone else. A strong brand story and consistent voice go a long way in building loyalty—especially when expanding into new markets.
SEO Tip: Include keywords like “unique franchise experience,” “why choose [brand name],” or “[franchise name] vs. competitors” to drive search traffic looking for comparisons or reviews.
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Don’t Forget the Digital Side of the Street
Before anyone walks through your doors, they’ve Googled you. Make sure your Google Business Profile is optimized for each location, your website includes local landing pages, and you’re running geotargeted ads to reach people near your latest locations.
Digital marketing for franchises is all about making a big brand feel personal and local. Investing in SEO, geofencing, and targeted social ads can make a huge difference in how your franchise is perceived by the local community.
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Get the Community Involved
Host a soft opening, partner with a local charity, or invite influencers in the area for a private tasting or experience. People want to support businesses that support their community. Word-of-mouth, especially from trusted sources, is a powerful tool that many overlook.
Be the Brand Everyone’s Talking About
Franchises like Chick-fil-A, Lululemon, and Starbucks didn’t build cult-like followings by being average. They became local legends by showing up, standing out, and staying true to their brand experience.
With the right blend of digital strategy, local marketing, and authentic storytelling, your franchise can build that same kind of loyalty and excitement—no matter how many locations you’ve got.
Want help making your multi-location franchise the talk of the town?
Let Kymera turn your strategy into something truly unforgettable.
👉 Contact us today to get started!
