What is Geofencing Advertising — and How Can It Help Your Business?

Imagine being able to send targeted ads to your ideal customer the moment they walk into a specific location — like a competitor’s store or a local event. That’s the power of geofencing advertising, one of the most precise and cost-effective tools in digital marketing today.

At StoryArk Digital Marketing, we use geofencing to help local businesses reach the right people, in the right place, at the right time — and it’s working.

What is Geofencing?

Geofencing uses GPS, Wi-Fi, or mobile data to create a virtual “fence” around a physical location. When someone with a smartphone enters that defined area, they can be served highly targeted display ads across websites, apps, or even connected TV devices — based on their location behavior.

In other words: if they’re physically nearby, your ad can show up on their screen.

Benefits of Geofencing for Small Businesses

1. Pinpoint Targeting

Reach people based on where they go, not just who they are. Target locations like:

• Competitor storefronts

• Event venues or trade shows

• Your own store to reinforce promotions

2. Real-Time Engagement

Geofencing allows you to connect with potential customers while they’re making purchasing decisions or immediately afterward — making your ads more timely and effective.

3. Cost-Efficient Advertising

Because you’re only targeting specific areas and behaviors, you reduce wasted ad spend. No more casting a wide net hoping it reaches the right people.

4. Measurable Results

With advanced analytics, we can track impressions, clicks, and even foot traffic from those who viewed your ad and later visited your location.

Real-World Examples

Auto Body Shop Promo

A local body shop geofenced nearby dealerships and tire shops. When someone visited those places, they began seeing the body shop's ads — reminding them where to go for dent repair.

Education Conference Awareness

An education provider geofenced a large professional development conference. Attendees began seeing ads for their digital PD tools during the event — and signed up afterward.

Retail Store Special

A boutique store geofenced a busy shopping mall and offered a “10% off your first purchase” ad to new shoppers. The campaign drove foot traffic and increased first-time customer visits.

Pro Tips for Geofencing Success

• Combine demographic filters (age, interests, behavior) with location data for ultra-precise targeting.

• Use clear, compelling CTAs in your ads (“Visit us today!” or “Show this ad for 10% off”).

• Pair with remarketing to stay top-of-mind after the initial location visit.

• Be strategic — don’t just geofence your competitors. Think events, lifestyle locations, or complementary businesses too.

Ready to Set Up a Geofencing Campaign?

At StoryArk, we help local businesses create smart, high-impact geofencing campaigns that drive real results — not just impressions.

Want to see how it could work for your business?👉 Contact us today to book a free discovery call. We’ll help you identify the best geofencing locations, create powerful ad creatives, and deliver results you can track.

Let’s put your brand in the right place at the right time — and in front of the right people.