It is surprising in this day and age that many local businesses think only in terms of advertising in local newspapers and of having an entry in the Yellow Pages.
Newspaper advertising on a regular basis is usually quite expensive and an advert in the Yellow Pages does not come cheap either. And, sad to say, few inquiries are forthcoming from these two promotional sources.
Some businesses become so worried that they rashly spend a lot of money on a web site that they themselves do not create, but use so-called professional designers to do the job for them. Unfortunately, designers are often less knowledgeable about SEO than they let on and still the site does not appear on the first page of a Google search.
What a local business needs is an uncomplicated web site of no more than 1-5 pages that tells people about the business, its products, and offers contact information, collects visitor details and offers a discount or some incentive to obtain a sale or an inquiry.
The site should be optimized for the search engines, using keywords that say where the business is located and what services or products are on offer. Needless to say, the site must look attractive and professional.
The next problem to overcome is getting traffic to it. Important keywords should be in the page titles and content. Google displays local results before standard listings and the site will have to be submitted to local business search specifically or the business will not appear there.
Newspaper advertising on a regular basis is usually quite expensive and an advert in the Yellow Pages does not come cheap either. And, sad to say, few inquiries are forthcoming from these two promotional sources.
Some businesses become so worried that they rashly spend a lot of money on a web site that they themselves do not create, but use so-called professional designers to do the job for them. Unfortunately, designers are often less knowledgeable about SEO than they let on and still the site does not appear on the first page of a Google search.
What a local business needs is an uncomplicated web site of no more than 1-5 pages that tells people about the business, its products, and offers contact information, collects visitor details and offers a discount or some incentive to obtain a sale or an inquiry.
The site should be optimized for the search engines, using keywords that say where the business is located and what services or products are on offer. Needless to say, the site must look attractive and professional.
The next problem to overcome is getting traffic to it. Important keywords should be in the page titles and content. Google displays local results before standard listings and the site will have to be submitted to local business search specifically or the business will not appear there.
The web site should be submitted using the form at http://www.google.com/local
When you search for a local business a lot of directories show up. As these appear on the first page you must ensure your business is listed in all of them.
Once you have the web site functioning properly and getting traffic from the search engines it is time to promote effectively in the local area. Direct people to the web site to collect names and e-mail addresses. Use an e-mail capture form to be able to keep in touch with customers. It is easier to make money from existing customers than it is to find new customers.
An e-mail list is going to be a major asset. By building an e-mail list you can keep in touch with current and potential customers.
Use flyers, stickers and business cards. Give a card to every customer who buys or uses your services. Make sure the business address and web site is on every piece of promotional material.
Keep your customers loyal and shopping with your business instead of your competitors by offering discounts, coupons and special offers.
Marketing a local business online is not as difficult as many business owners believe. What is needed is a simple web site and a little initiative. A marketing system like the one outlined can be up and running in just a few hours and at no great expense.
Read More Here: Promoting Your Local Business - Some Tips and Considerations
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