How to build local hype around your business in Manchester

Want to put your business on the map in Manchester?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your presence in the city, building hype in Manchester means thinking smart, staying authentic, and knowing your audience inside out. From where they spend their time to what really grabs their attention, local insight is key.

In this blog, we’ll share practical, performance-driven ways to build awareness, spark conversation, and turn local interest into real results.

Here’s how you can successfully build local hype around your business in Manchester:

1. Collaborate with local creators

Manchester is home to a vibrant network of creators, from TikTok trendsetters to respected visual artists and hyper-local influencers. Collaborating with these voices allows your brand to tap into ready-made communities that already trust and engage with them. Choose creators whose values and audience align with yours, and work together on authentic content, whether it’s a behind-the-scenes look, a product drop, or an event takeover. These partnerships add credibility and help your brand feel rooted in the city.

2. Be seen at key events in the city 

From Manchester International Festival and Parklife to GRUB food fairs and independent makers' markets, the city is bursting with cultural moments that draw in engaged, local audiences. Having a visible presence, through sponsorships, stalls, branded activations or giveaways, positions your brand as part of Manchester’s cultural calendar. Events are a prime opportunity to make in-person connections, build awareness, and create real-time buzz.

3. Create hyper-local partnerships 

Teaming up with neighbourhood favourites like local cafés, gyms, galleries or retail stores helps you reach niche, community-driven audiences. Whether it's a co-branded coffee sleeve, an in-store installation, or a limited-time product collab, these partnerships show you're invested in the local scene. They also create multiple small-scale touchpoints that can build up to big brand recognition in key Manchester postcodes.

4. Local storytelling and culture 

Manchester’s cultural heritage and unique identity provide endless opportunities for meaningful storytelling. Reflect this in your brand’s messaging by celebrating local events, sports, music, and people. Whether you highlight Manchester’s famous music scene or share stories about local heroes, connecting your brand to the city's values and cultural moments creates deeper emotional engagement and positions your business as more than just a commercial entity, but as part of Manchester’s story

‍5. Launch shareable, city-specific campaigns

Create campaigns that feel uniquely tied to Manchester, using local references, humour, and visuals that residents instantly recognise and connect with. Whether it’s a creative mural, limited-edition merchandise, or an interactive activation, make sure your campaign is designed to encourage social sharing. The more personal and relevant the campaign feels, the more likely people are to engage with it and spread the word, amplifying your brand’s visibility and creating organic hype.

Building local hype in Manchester takes a well-rounded approach, including OOH advertising, event activations, local creator partnerships and a tailored social media strategy. 

At Serotonin, we specialise in delivering results-driven campaigns across all these touchpoints, Whether it’s crafting impactful OOH ads, creating memorable brand experiences at local events, working with the right influencers to amplify your message, or developing a social strategy that connects authentically with your audience, we ensure every element is optimised for performance. With our deep understanding of Manchester’s local market and a data-backed approach, we help brands create lasting engagement and drive measurable success. Contact us today to see how we can support your next campaign.