How are you increasing business from within your community? Understandably, your answer may have something to do with print or broadcast advertising. You might even have a website to help promote your brand. Hopefully, your marketing methods include a professionally placed local search engine listing. If not, you are missing out on an important revenue building resource that I urge you to consider.
-
Why Local
-
The enormity of the internet has its pros and cons. It’s great to be able to access information from any part of the world, but it can be overwhelming for a consumer looking to make a purchase from a nearby business. Enter the local search.
Local searches are rapidly increasing in popularity. In fact, it is estimated by some small business experts that this method of online searching will see an almost 400% growth by 2010. Why? Focus, speed and a reduction of the frustration that comes with trying to sift through millions of results, are the biggest reasons.
-
When someone uses a local search engine, they are presented with detailed listings of products and services in the town or city where they live and do business. There are reviews of businesses, coupons and specials, as well as additional features such as directions and maps to help online searchers find exactly what they need locally. Consumers who the local search sites are usually highly targeted and motivated customers ready to make a purchase. They’ve done their researching and tire kicking, now they want to figure out where you are so they can get that product or service they want to buy. Of course, if you are not listed, customers won’t find you. They will however, find your competition if they are listed.
-
How It Works
-
Taking advantage of this advertising medium is best done by someone who knows the ropes of the different local search engines. There are new ones popping up all the time attempting to get in on the ground floor of this hot, new market. Some work better than others, and you should take precautions against having an association with the spam listings that one of the major engines is now plagued with. As that type of situation is likely to get worse, at least initially, you’re better off to hire the services of a local search engine pro, rather than trying to blindly find your way through the mire of bad sites to find the golden ones. There are a few people out there that have an astounding knowledge of all the different engines, and their expertise can make the difference between a good listing presence and a failed one.
-
Much like a stock trader, a savvy local search optimiser keeps current with industry news and trends of the local market engines. If a program turns bad, the professional knows to pull that listing and move it to a higher yielding, clean list. You’ll also want any updates made in a way that is professional and local search engine friendly. Done properly, this method of marketing your business will pay for itself many times over. You won’t be able to wipe the smile off your face.
-
So the questions remains: How are you increasing business from within the community? Don’t lose one more lead or sale. Capture your share of the local market now.
-