As a small business owner you are probably aware of the fact that lucrative opportunities exist on the Internet to promote your local business. There are a range of different methods you can use to promote your products and services. Some of these methods include search engine optimization, pay per click advertising, email marketing, video marketing and local listings, also known as business directories. Using these methods effectively allows you to connect with a willing audience. Your potential customers are turning to the Internet to find local products and services. If your competitors have an optimised online presence and you don't, it should be obvious who will take home the prize.
I have written several essential techniques below to help you promote your business regionally:
- Listings in local search engines and directories
- Pay Per Click advertising in Google and Yahoo
- Email marketing
- Search engine optimization
Local Listings
If you don?t have a web site you can still promote your local business online
. For example, you can list your business and contact information with the major local search engines of Yahoo, Bing and Google. The process should be no longer than an hour at the most to get a free listing on the three most popular search engines. If you list with all of them it will include an interactive map that can drive customers right to your front door if you have a shop or to your business via the internet.
It is important that you also don't overlook regional, national and industry specific directories. Many of these directories accept free listings, or charge a nominal fee. For most a web site is not a necessary prerequisite to list your business details.
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Pay Per Click Advertising
If you do have a web site, you may want to consider promoting your local business through Pay Per Click on both Google and Yahoo. With Pay Per Click Advertising you bid on keyword terms that your potential customers would use in a search. An example is ?London Wedding Photographer.? The cost you will pay per click depends on how competitive the term is ? i.e. who else is bidding on the same keyword. You will only pay if someone clicks on your text ad and is taken to your site. This is referred to as performance advertising, where you only pay if the ad performs.
The appeal of PPC is that you can get started within an hour. You determine the budget you want to spend, what keywords are relevant, and your price per click. You can also turn it on or off in an instance whenever you want. The general consensus is that PPC generates a higher return on your investment over traditional advertising methods such as newspapers and flyers. Click here if you want a Free Google ?50 Adwords Voucher to start your advertising campaign.
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Search Engine Optimsation ? Free Traffic
If you like a challenge there is search engine optimization. SEO is the abbreviation of search engine optimisation, the ability to optimise your web site for high search ranking. If you are able to optimize your site properly, you will benefit from an endless stream of free, targeted search engine traffic. It takes time and effort, but the results can take your business to a whole new level as the results will have longevity.
If you are selling nationally SEO can be cutthroat, particularly if you have very little experience. However if you are a local business it can be relatively easy to rank for terms that relate to your business and location. (Example, Richmond Wedding Photographer)
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Local Email Marketing
Another brilliant marketing tool is email. For almost nothing you can communicate with both prospects and existing customers. Email is an effective method to convert prospects to customers. It can significantly increase the lifetime value of your existing customers by basically alerting them to upcoming sales and promotions.
Knowing the power of email communication, I find it hard to believe how few small business owners use it to promote their local business. My advice? Start collecting your customer's email addresses today. I can guarantee they will respond favourably to joining your list. We all like to be informed on bargains and special offers.
The future of your local business will depend on the Internet. It is estimated 35% of searches made online are for local products and services. The Internet is the perfect resource for your customers and potential customers who are searching for local products and services, which is they are searching online. If you are not using online strategies now is the time to get your business positioned to reap the rewards.
If you need help with implementing online marketing strategies call me on 07803 629 479
or complete the contact form and I will reply within 48 hours
Source: http://www.lorrainetappermarketing.com/internet-marketing-strategies-local-business/
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