The Loca Blog
Local Marketing & Creator Economy Blog
Guides and data on local marketing, creator earnings, and turning nearby foot traffic into loyal customers.

Discover 7 practical summer marketing ideas to help attract more customers, increase foot traffic, and grow your local business without a large advertising budget.
Aug
05
Best New Restaurants Austin 2026: Your Guide to August
Discover Austin's best new restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and hidden gems to try this August, from East Austin favorites to local spots worth the drive.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jul
28
Best Places to Cool Down in Austin This Summer
Discover the best places to escape the Austin heat, from Barton Springs and Deep Eddy to Lake Travis, Krause Springs, and refreshing local cafés.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jul
22
Local Restaurant Marketing Plan: A Complete Guide to Growing Your Business
Learn how to create a local restaurant marketing plan that attracts more customers through SEO, social media, email marketing, reviews, paid ads, and community partnerships.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jul
07
Best CRM for Small Business
Looking for the best CRM for your small business? Learn how CRM software helps manage leads, improve follow-ups, streamline customer relationships, and support long-term growth.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jun
29
Best 4th of July Things to Do in Austin 2026
Discover the best 4th of July events in Austin 2026, from fireworks and live music to BBQ spots, rooftop bars, and family-friendly activities.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jun
17
East Cesar Chavez: Eating, Drinking, and Getting Lost in Austin's East Side
A local guide to East Cesar Chavez in Austin, covering its history, safety, best restaurants, breweries, nightlife, shopping, and cultural highlights.
Nancy J. Hassler
Jun
03
Google Business Profile for Local Business
Learn how to create, claim, and optimize your Google Business Profile to improve local visibility, attract more customers, and rank higher in Google Search and Maps.
Nancy J. Hassler
May
19
AI Tools for Content Creation
Explore the top AI tools transforming content creation in 2026. From AI writing assistants and video editing tools to thumbnail generators and viral content workflows, this guide breaks down how creators use AI to save time, increase engagement, and grow profitable personal brands with tools like Claude, Jasper, Descript, Midjourney, Canva, and Loca.
Nancy J. Hassler
May
12
Small Business Ideas 2026
Looking for practical small business ideas in 2026? This guide explores profitable local, digital, and online business opportunities that solve real problems, attract repeat customers, and are easier to start without huge upfront costs.
Nancy J. Hassler