Why Choose Local Search Marketing?

As a local small business, an owner may feel that search engine optimization (SEO) is beyond his means. This is simply not true. Just as a small business relies on direct marketing, word of mouth and other advertising campaigns, an SEO campaign can be a valuable addition to the toolbox.



Local Map Listings



One way to ensure that a small business is easily found is to ensure that its address is clear on an online local map listing. Many individuals have cell phones with mapping capability. Cars also have smart global positioning system (GPS) units. A driver can say "food" to the GPS, and the unit will take him to the nearest restaurant of his choice. An accurate use of keywords in a business’ website will place it high on the list of returns to an inquiry of restaurants.



Internet Directories

Just like the old-fashioned telephone book, Internet-savvy shoppers utilize the Internet directory listings to locate local businesses in their area. Individuals utilizing directories are motivated buyers searching for a specific product. Marketing on the Internet directories can be as simple as listing one’s business. For more in-depth marketing, they provide a link to the business website.



Coupons



Today’s smart phones are coupon-enabled. They can scan the bar code for any given item to determine its price and they can download applicable coupons. Coupons for a specific business provide a highly targeted marketing tool. For example, a shopper knows that he needs a printer cartridge. He can punch in the name of one of the big-box stores. The individual can then search on the type of cartridge, find the coupon for the small business, and take advantage of the online savings.



Social Media Sites



Many businesses overlook the power of the social media sites. Create a presence on MySpace, Facebook or on Twitter. Update the content as frequently as possible. Encourage customers to post positive posts about the business. Social media sites reach thousands of outlets instantaneously. The customer who downloaded the online coupon may post a tweet regarding the money he saved and the coupon that was offered by the business. This positive tweet could result in an increase of business. The opposite situation also holds true. If a customer is dissatisfied with the service received by a business, one negative tweet can adversely impact the business. Facebook is an equally valuable marketing tool. Members search for products regularly. A well-designed, content rich Facebook page will draw members towards itself. Coupons, direction, sales, and customer feedback can all be posted on Facebook, making it the Internet version of positive word of mouth advertising.