5 Play to Win Assets: Stimulate Your Local Business Marketing

by Walt Goshert on Saturday, March 6th, 2010 | 2 Comments

Wow 66 days into 2010 already…

The New Economy, the “Jobless Recovery”, all the posturing on health care reform, talk about a Jobs Bill, Wall Street Bankers still cashing big paychecks, consumers still reluctant to buy… all the spin and noise remains pretty much the same.

But…

What about YOUR Local Business?

What’s changed in how you go about finding more clients, getting clients to spend more with you, getting clients to buy more often from you?

You know what you’ve done in the past… Yellow Page ads, Newspaper ads, Val-Pak and Direct Mailers, Radio spots… heck, even good old Word-of-Mouth doesn’t seem to have the same magic it once did for your business.

You’ve been gun-shy about really taking the plunge Online…

You’ve had a website, but not much has happened.

You’re efforts at getting clients emaill addresses and delivering an informative newsletter… spotty at best.

All the stuff you hear about social media, like Twitter and Facebook? You’re really wondering if it’s worth the time… even if you had the time.

Yet, you know the Internet is how your clients are getting information and communicating today. You know, sooner or later, you gotta jump on board.

Wanna know how to finally make Local Online Marketing work for your business?

Last year, last decade, the Internet offered Local businesses a tremendous marketing opportunity.

Yet, very few local businesses took advantage.

Why?

It appears that nearly 97% of Local businesses approach Local Online Marketing from strictly a tactical mindset.

Nearly all Local businesses are looking for the quick fix, the simple, easy trick.

Most businesses are reluctant to invest money in Local Online Marketing.

Given the state of the economy and past performance of Online Marketing for Local businesses, it’s understandable that Local businesses are a bit gun-shy about Online Marketing.

Here’s the thing…

Many Local Businesses, rather than shelling out bucks for a quick Online Marketing fix, first need to invest some time and effort in determining their Right Local Online Marketing Strategy.

How Do You Identify Your Local Online Marketing Strategy?

You’ve got to Play to Win. And if you’re going to win then you must focus on your strengths where you have an advantage over your competitors. This is the foundation of great business strategy and great wealth.

You can not afford to let your market determine your choice of business. You can not afford to let your competition define your business. You must play to your strengths. Without a clear understanding and burning focus on your business strengths, you lose any long-term advantage over hungrier competitors in your market. Hungrier competitors who grab the top Google search results on the keywords are getting your website traffic. Hungrier competitors are getting your phone calls. Hungrier competitors are getting your dollars.

When you adopt a laser-sharp focus that Plays to Your Strengths:

You have a clear view of what makes your Local business different and unique.
You understand who appreciates your unique business difference and the value you deliver.
You know what marketing messages and language will motivate your Ideal Prospects to take action and do business with you.
You know where your Ideal Prospects “hang out”- what Local publications they read, who they listen to, where they go online…

And, finally, you know what Keywords they use to search and find businesses like yours Online.

You need to understand your strengths and passions before spending a dime advertising or investing in Online Marketing. Without understanding your unique business strengths, you’re really guessing, and more than likely, falling into “same and lame” marketing. You’re simply copying the advertising and marketing of your competition, hoping it will also work for your business.

Ask yourself these key questions:

Is 2010 the year for you to make adjustments to capitalize on your strengths— that give you a competitive advantage?

Is your interest and desire to build a long-term profitable business?

Then you must think strategically. You must think long-term. To win long-term you must have an advantage. Your advantage MUST come from leveraging your strengths— directly and indirectly.