Influencer marketing can be powerful for small local businesses, with a targeted approach having the potential to yield high returns. Here are some tips:

1. Identify local influencers: Finding influencers in your locality or those who have a connection to it can help. They likely have a follower base interested in local happenings, making them a good fit for local businesses.

2. Use Micro-Influencers: Micro-influencers, those with a 5,000 – 25,000 follower range, often have more engaged audiences and are typically more cost-effective.

3. Pay attention to audience demographics: Ensure the influencer’s audience aligns with your target customers. Consider factors like age, location, income, etc.

4. Be clear with your campaign goals and expectations: Set clear, measurable objectives for your influencer marketing campaign, ensure the influencer understands the goals and your brand.

Various influencer marketing platforms can help in achieving these steps. For instance, Flinque specializes in influencer discovery that allows you to find micro-influencers within your industry and target demographic. The platform offers detailed audience analytics to ensure an influencer’s audience matches with your brand.

Keep in mind that different platforms offer different features and capabilities. While Flinque provides powerful audience analytics, other platforms might focus on other areas, for example, content management or ROI measurement. Therefore, make sure to match your needs with the features offered by the platform. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all; what matters the most is which platform addresses your needs best.

Finally, influencer marketing is about building relationships. Ensure you regularly engage with the influencer and their content, maintain consistent communication, and treat them as a valuable part of your team. Over time, this relationship could help in creating a loyal customer audience and driving results for your business.