subject: Turning Local Search Marketing Efforts Into Sales. [print this page] A recent study indicated that more than 70% of potential customers in your local area start by looking on the Internet. The two most important variables in that statement when it comes to your business are 70% and local customers. Add to that the fact that 69% of consumers are likely to purchase or use your products and services providing you provide them with information via social media and youve got numerous things to think about.
But the general gist is this: Your online presence (website and social media strategy) needs to be built to not only capture, but build your reputation in the face of those looking around locally for the product or service you offer. So, how do you get therefast and on a budget you can afford? There are several keys to making your local search marketing more effective.
Be Accurate
Local searchers are constantly running in to the same myriad of problems when they look for local providers, namely, incorrect or outdated information about the company. You can be on the leading edge of your local market just by making sure that what youre doing online, whether it be through your site or a social media site, is accurate and truly reflects your business offerings including little things like making sure that your business contact information and addresses are correct and up-to-date.
Take Advantage of Local Tools
Localizing your business can be as simple as putting an updated presence on something like google maps. Just, when you do so, make sure you take heed of the above pointmake sure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. Google maps is significant in regards to local search marketing efforts in that it allows you to bring local searchers some of the intrinsics that they value, like identifying features through photos along with special offers and promotional content.
Social media was mentioned previously as one of the main tools for success in local search marketing, and its not the only one. Review sites are also vital components to a successful local marketing strategy. There are several factors that come in to play that differentiate social media and localized review from all other forms of online communicationthey give the consumer a chance to talk about and interact with your brand. Your ability to be engagedequally important to that consumer. When it comes to these forms of online communication, its vital that you adapt the mindset of the consumer. They are expecting to have a one-on-one relationship with your brand, outside the confines of your websites controlled environment. Your ability to nurture and grow that interpersonal connection is paramount to your prospects for selling your products or services to that local customer.
With so many people in your neighborhood and surrounding area turning to the Internet as their first option for finding what they need (remember the 70% from above?), its never been more important to make sure youre doing what you need to do to capture your share of that market.
