If i was selling a product that anyone could use, then I would go get some backlinks in that niche, but that maybe not be the best for me, if someone in FL finds me, that will be useless. I am getting into Food/Vendor, so i need to know how I can advertise in a local market as a food vendor.... any ideas?
Well, it depends on whether you have budget or not, but I have had success with local radio advertising for broad-based lead generation in a market. Compared to other media (print, TV, etc.,) local radio ads are a bargain and there is no chance that you are wasting money on prospects outside of your geography.
Most PPC networks let you target location. Make sure your business comes up in local searches by location. Use local classified ads. Tell all your friends to tell all their friends to tell all their friends...
Find local businesses that are complimentary and try to partner up with them, whether posting flyers, putting events on together, or simply starting a referral program.
You should get on Google Places, and also participate in Adwords PPC. These 2 alone will help an offline business to stand out. If you can combine this with good SEO, you will be a front runner in your industry locally. You can combine this with local direct mail (postcards are really handy here), along with newspaper advertising - or even a local seminar to attract new customers, and get more referrals.