As Canada’s first local mobility network, Local Pass connects communities with their favorite local vendors—but success on the platform requires more than just signing up. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, food producer, or local business new to digital marketing, these eight proven strategies will help you maximize your visibility, build customer trust, and drive meaningful sales growth on Local Pass.

Strategy 1: Optimize Your Keywords for Discovery

Your keywords are the bridge between hungry customers and your delicious offerings. Local Pass uses these terms to connect searchers with relevant vendors, making keyword optimization crucial for visibility. Smart keyword selection includes:

• Cuisine types (“thai”, “italian”, “vegan”) • Specific dishes (“pad thai”, “shawarma”, “butter chicken”)
• Location-based terms (“downtown”, “James Bay”, “Saanich”)
• Dietary options (“gluten-free”, “organic”, “plant-based”) Think like your customers. When someone craves your specialty, what terms do they actually type? A Thai restaurant might use keywords like “thai food”, “pad thai”, “green curry”, and “asian cuisine” to capture different search intentions.

Action Step: Review your current keywords and add 3-5 terms that customers use when describing your food or services.

Strategy 2: Craft Compelling Business Descriptions

Your business description is often a customer’s first impression—make it count. Effective descriptions go beyond listing what you sell; they tell your story and highlight what makes you special. Elements of winning descriptions:

• Unique selling points: “Victoria’s only wood-fired pizza using locally-sourced ingredients”
• Local connections: “Featuring organic produce from Saanich Peninsula farms”
• Awards and recognition: “Winner of Best Fish & Chips 2024”
• Personal touch: “Family-owned since 1987, serving authentic recipes passed down three generations”

Keep your description authentic and conversational. Customers connect with stories, not sales pitches.

Strategy 3: Leverage Kyla AI for Enhanced Descriptions

Local Pass’s built-in Kyla AI gives you a competitive edge by helping create professional, engaging content quickly. This intelligent writing assistant helps overcome writer’s block while maintaining consistency across your marketing materials. Benefits of using Kyla AI:

• Saves valuable time while ensuring quality
• Maintains professional tone throughout
• Optimizes content for search and engagement
• Provides fresh perspectives on describing your offerings

Pro tip: Use Kyla AI as your starting point, then add your personal voice and specific details that make your business unique.

Strategy 4: Showcase Your Products with High-Quality Images

Visual appeal drives purchasing decisions, especially for food businesses. Customers eat with their eyes first, making high-quality photos essential for converting browsers into buyers. Photography best practices:

• Natural lighting: Shoot near windows during daylight hours
• Multiple angles: Show products from different perspectives
• Context shots: Include lifestyle images showing your food being enjoyed
• Consistency: Maintain similar lighting and style across your gallery Technical considerations:

Upload high-resolution images that load quickly

• Organize photos by category for easy browsing
• Update images regularly to showcase seasonal offerings
• The gallery feature allows multiple images per category—use this to tell your product’s complete story.

Strategy 5: Build Trust Through Customer Ratings

Local Pass’s comprehensive rating system covers four key areas: Food Quality, Service, Atmosphere, and Value. These ratings significantly impact your visibility and customer choice. Strategies to encourage positive reviews:

• Deliver consistently: Excellent service should be your standard, not exception
• Ask satisfied customers: Politely request reviews from happy diners
• Respond professionally: Thank reviewers and address concerns constructively
• Implement feedback: Use ratings to identify improvement opportunities

Remember, a 4.5 average rating across categories signals reliability and quality to potential customers.

Strategy 6: Engage Actively with Your Customers

Building relationships beyond transactions creates loyal customers who become your advocates. Active engagement on Local Pass demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. Current engagement opportunities:

• Respond promptly to reviews and ratings
• Keep business hours and information updated
• Share updates about new menu items or seasonal specials
• Maintain accurate contact information

Strategy 7: Drive Sales with Strategic Promotions

Well-timed promotions attract new customers and encourage repeat business. Local Pass supports various promotional formats to suit different business needs. Effective promotion types:

• Dollar discounts: “Get $5 off when you spend $15+”
• Percentage deals: “10% off all entrees”
• Product-specific offers: “Buy two pizzas, get garlic bread free” Timing strategies:
• Target slower business periods
• Create holiday-themed promotions
• Use limited-time offers to create urgency
• Bundle complementary items to increase order value

Track your promotion performance to identify what resonates with your customer base.

Strategy 8: Reduce Food Waste with “Soon to Go” Labels

The “Soon to Go” feature helps food businesses reduce waste while generating revenue from products nearing expiration. This environmentally conscious approach appeals to budget-minded customers and demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. Implementation best practices:

• Price items with significant discounts (20-40% off)
• Be transparent about freshness timelines
• Use for items that are safe but close to expiration
• Update inventory regularly to maintain accuracy

This feature not only reduces waste but also attracts price-conscious customers who may become regular patrons.

What’s Coming Next: Exciting Features on the Horizon

Local Pass continues evolving to serve vendors better. Upcoming features include:

• Stories Feature: Share behind-the-scenes content, daily specials, and fresh arrivals to build stronger brand personality—similar to social media stories but focused on your local community.
• Direct Chat: Real-time communication with customers will enable special requests, questions, and personalized service experiences.
• Customizable Loyalty Programs: Create unique reward systems, track customer patterns, and increase repeat business through personalized incentives.

Your Action Plan for Success Success on Local Pass comes from consistent effort and genuine customer focus. Start with these immediate actions:

• 1. Audit your keywords and add customer-friendly search terms
• 2. Update your business description with compelling, authentic details
• 3. Upload high-quality images that showcase your best offerings
• 4. Set up a strategic promotion to attract new customers
• 5. Engage with existing reviews professionally and promptly

The digital marketplace rewards businesses that prioritize customer experience and maintain active, optimized presences. By implementing these eight strategies, you’re not just competing—you’re building a sustainable, growing business that serves your community while achieving your goals. Ready to transform your Local Pass presence? Start with strategies that feel most natural to your business, then gradually implement the others. Your customers—and your bottom line—will thank you.