subject: Local Internet Advertising, Local Online Advertising, [print this page] Why your local internet advertising may be suffering.
Its not enough just to have a pretty web page. If youre not getting found online, youre wasting time and money.
This is why having a good Internet Advertising Consultant is essential to your success.
FACT: Over 65% of local businesses now have a webpage.
FACT: Over 85% of them are NOT getting found online!
FACT: Many web designers are clueless as to how to really optimize a local Internet Advertising website.
Yes, they have amazing skills as designers and may win all kinds of awards for you. BUT, is it effective advertising? Sadly, the answer is often no.
And yes, they may even set you your site properly. But, without ongoing attention to your site, you will certainly fall off the grid.
Effective Internet Advertising entails many variables far beyond just a pretty face.
If your site is not properly optimized you wont get found.
If your site does not have adequate back links, you wont get found.
If you web site does not make proper strategic use of key words, you wont get found.
Ive seen the ugliest web site on the planet crush other sites simply because it was properly optimized!
So what is proper optimization?
There are many variables so here is a list of what Google seems to like most:
Keyword research: Make sure your head line, domain name, and sub head have your essential key words.
SEO on site optimization: This includes what was just mentioned, but also includes the following.
Directory submissions: Your site needs to be submitted to at least the top three search engines which are Google, Yahoo and Bing
Local search optimization: You need to be listed in ALL three of the Local Business listings, again, Google, Yahoo and Bing
Natural search optimization: This is the result of adding content and back links on an on going basis
Article marketing: One good article to a prominent article directory can get you ranked first page in a matter of days!
Blog marketing: Even creating a simple blog where you can post videos and articles will add all important back links to your site.
Video marketing: Equally important to articles are videos. Believe it or not, even the goofiest of videos can still get ranked with proper key word usage.
So you should see, there is no ONE way to get top ranking, even in a local market.
This is why a good knowledgeable Internet Advertising Consultant can help you and get you ranked within 30 60 days in your local area. Basically, your traffic and profits should exceed the cost of the Internet Consultant.
Fact is, its much easier to get ranked locally than it is globally and Google smiles on the little guy!
What to look for in a good Local Internet Advertising Consultant:
Make sure you like and trust the guy after one or two conversations
Make sure he is experienced enough to handle your business
Make sure he has good referrals
See what kind of work he has done. Do you like it? Does it work? Can you see this person doing work for you?
What if hes just starting out?
Good question, because I too was once starting out and I needed to build my business just like any one else. In this case, trust your intuition. Will this guy be around next year? Does he appear reliable?
Has he offered you any value added freebies? Like a video or trial web page?
If so, he may be a good fit for you.
In the end, it all depends on your relationship and ability to communicate and the consultants ability to deliver on time, and on budget!
