The question is often asked by entrepreneurs and business owners, “can my local business gain benefits from online marketing and promotional efforts”. The answer is yes, but there are specific methods and ways that need to be utilized.
For most types of companies especially local businesses, online marketing and promotions can be highly beneficial when done right. These days, many consumers use for example Google maps to find local retailers and businesses within their local neighborhoods. Companies that are not listed with Google, often can loose out on opportunities.
In most cases, some localized online marketing efforts can go a long way for a business. To help out, here are 5 ways to effectively promote a local business online.
5 Ways To Effectively Promote A Local Business Online
1. List the business in local online search listings.
This is one of the most important things a local business can do. Any local business should have created an account with Google, Bing, and so on to list their business in their localized business directory. Google is the most important search engine due to market share. A localized listing will show the business in Google maps and other directories. Listing a business with Google is free and just takes a couple steps and some time to complete the process.
2. Get customer reviews published online.
Reviews are a critical aspect of how customers decide these days. This is especially true online, where reviews are becoming a key aspect of how customers are gained. Consumers want reviews and often these reviews are part of the customer’s decision-making process. Companies should ask customers to publish reviews on sites such as Yelp, which is one of the most popular review websites, but there are many more.
3. List company in localized directories.
There are often directories online that are localized for a specific region. These could be business directories or more niche industry directories. A local business should add their company details to those local directories to enhance visibility and chances of being found in their local markets. Many of these directories are free or have a minimal charge for listing a business. One of those is the well-known classified site called Craigslist.
4. Local Search Engine Optimization campaign.
Being found in the top search results in Google for the main keywords is still the best way of growing a business. A localized business in most cases needs only a local SEO campaign, which is often less competitive and less expansive. As a business to be found in organic search results with search giants such as Google can transform a business quickly, including profits. A local SEO campaign is always a smart choice as a business.
5. Use Social Media to access target market.
Social Media can be overwhelming for a more localized business, but it can be also very beneficial. A local business can quickly use social media channels such as Facebook to promote specifically their business to a very targeted demographic. Social media is fantastic for their filtering systems enabling local business to quickly gain visibility to their target audience and geographic location. Social Media can be a powerful asset to a localized business.
To find out more opportunities how to market a business locally online and benefit from it, talk to an expert. Marketing consulting services are a great way to learn more about marketing options from experts prior to allocating any marketing budgets or resources. Talk to an expert today and learn how to improve your company’s visibility and market share.
