Finally!!! A Resource to Help Non Computer Geek Small Business Owners Learn How to Effectively Reach Local Customers for their Local Business Using the Internet.

If you are like most business owners in the 21st century you probably have a website. In case you have not already found out simply building a website is not enough; customers have to be able to find you.

The sole purpose of this website is to help you, the local business owner, find local customers for your local business. There are so many options available that it can be overwhelming when deciding how to advertise online. On this site you will find clear, objective information about what your options are.

To help you get started I have written a 6 day introductory email course. In "How to Reach Local Customers Online" I will walk you through exactly what local internet marketing is all about. You will also learn:

  • How to submit your site to the most popular local search engines for FREE.
  • 5 ways to make your business stand out on Google's local search.
  • How to use Google Adwords to test your offline advertising ideas before spending a dime.
  • Pay per click search engines, geotargeting, and what it means to your business.
  • One simple idea to increase customer loyalty that 95% of your competition is not doing.

Marketing Resource Directory

LocalAdLink Marketing – Great resource for LocalAdLink Members.  They have a very active blog as well as lots of training materials

NewWebTalk a Web 2.0 Resource – A great website for those linking for a introduction to the new internet. Ongoing discussion in the blog sections.

Have You Been Asking Your Customers for Feedback?

The three biggest local search engines (Google, Yahoo, and MSN) all
allow users to rate local businesses and enter written reviews.  If
you have not already done so try typing in your type of business
and your location (ex. Gainesville Florida Chiropractor) into
Google to see how you rank.

You will notice that higher ranking businesses also tend to have
more reviews.  Of course this is not the only factor, but it is one
that you can control.

I had an interesting conversation with a woman from Yahoo Local
support staff last night.  I asked her point blank what I needed to
do with one of my client’s taxi services to get a higher ranking.

The surprising part was that she actually told me.  Her response
was that if I got about 5 more customer reviews I would definitely
be in the top five listing.

Obviously I can’t guarantee the numbers and it is true that Yahoo
places more emphasis on customer reviews than MSN and Google, but
the point is that more reviews can only help you gain a prominent
listing.

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How to Make it EASY for your Customers to Review your Business

Below is s sample template you can use to either email or print out
to give to your local customers.

Sub: John Smith – From Gainesville Chiropractic

Dear John,

This is Dr. Jones with Gainesville Chiropractic.  We want you to
know that we are constantly trying to improve and that your opinion
matters.  With that in mind we are surveying our customers to learn
how they value our business.

Simply follow the links below and follow the instructions.  Also
mention that you filled out a survey to get a 25% discount on your
next visit. (Or 10% off next oil change.  The point is to include
something to get the person to act.

Google Local – http://tinyurl.com/d8tplz

Yahoo Local – http://tinyurl.com/cnnqeg

MSN Local – http://tinyurl.com/ad6w8d

If you have any specific questions or concerns feel free to call us
at 352-555-5555 or reply to this email.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jones
Gainesville Chiropractic

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How I found the direct link to review the business and made the URL
small

1. I went to Google.com and searched “Ocean City Maryland Taxicab”,
then scrolled through until I found the business. I repeated this
with Yahoo.com and MSN’s Live.com

2. Then I right clicked on “Write a Review” and picked “Copy Link
Location”

3. Next I went to http://www.tinyurl.com and pasted the link to get
a much smaller link that I wanted my customers to see.

4. I then copied that URL into my letter

Geotargeting: How to Use it to Out-Compete Your Pay Per Click Competitors

The idea behind geo targeting is that the unique IP address assigned to your computer by your local internet service provider can be used to identify what geographic region you are in.

Websites such as Google and Yahoo use this information to provide content specific to your geographic area. In the case of pay per click search engines they only display your ad to individuals searching in the local area you specify.

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