Growing Your Business through Local Online Marketing

As a business owner you probably put a lot of energy, thought, time, and money into marketing.  After all, the more people that see or hear of your business, the higher chances of you making more sales.  You’ve probably done your fair of online marketing such as social networking, utilizing Search Engine Optimization, and Search Engine Marketing, but you also need to be aware of a very cost effective marketing method that many businesses overlook: Local Online Marketing.

What this type of marketing means is making use of local online directories as a means to promote your business.  For example, whenever consumers these days need a service or want something in particular, they don’t go find their yellow pages anymore.  What do they do?  They get on Google and do a search.  Let’s say a consumer is wants to find an automobile repair shop.  They will most likely type in “automobile repair shop + my city and state” and instantly the names of dozens of businesses pop up in the search results.

Your small business will grow if you utilize this simple marketing method.  Simply have your business listed in an online directory, such as Google, and let other people be able to find you.  Local online marketing is advantageous both to you and your customers.

You could also have your business listed on online yellow and white pages.  Google maps is another good choice, as not only your business name will appear, but also the address and directions to your business.

Some local directory websites offer enlisting services for free and some require payment.  Definitely go for the free ones, but if you have it in your budget to pay, go for it, as you may get better positions on the list this way.

As a business owner, a good habit is to get out into your community and build relationships.  Let people know who you are and what your business is about.  If there are local events that you can sponsor, organize, or participate in, go ahead because this will get your business more attention.  The more people that know about your business, the more successful it will be.

If your business operates in a city that offers local magazines, go ahead and purchase some advertising space for your business.  This improves your visibility greatly and if you advertise month-to-month chances are productivity will increase.

Creating brochures and newsletters are wonderful local marketing tools for gaining visibility and customers.  If you cannot do these yourself consider hiring a freelance writer or virtual assistant to help you.  Leave your brochures in offices, stores, or pass them out at local events.  At your place of business have a sign up sheet for a monthly newsletter and begin mailing them every month with relevant news, incentives, and information about your company.  You will begin to see more and more people recognizing your business the more time and effort you give to local marketing.

Don’t be afraid to use your creativity with local marketing. This is a relatively affordable marketing method that will not only save you money, but increase your productivity as well.

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