Walt Goshert » local online marketing

5 Quick, Free Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Local Business Website

Walt Goshert — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:32:41 +0000

You’re looking for ways to drive traffic to your Local Business Website…

Gotta be quick, like today…

Gotta be cheap, better yet, Free… That Works!

Well here ya go…

With a little investment of time…

Here’re five of the quickest, easiest (and Free) ways to get drive traffic to your local business website today:

1. Scout out Local Blogs. Add Value to the Conversation with Meaningful Comments
Blogs can be found on almost any subject so finding one that is interesting to your customers should be easy. For example, if your business relates to home improvement (handyman, paint store, hardware store, interior design, kitchen remodeler etc.) look for home decor or real estate related blogs. Spend a few minutes reading though the recent posts and comments to get a feel of the community.

Go to Google Blog Search: search keyword plus your geographic area. For example, “homes & gardens Lancaster,PA”
A blog with lots of comments and regular readers is the ideal place to post your comment. Remember a blog is a community, not a classified site. Offer some relevant information or contribute to the conversation. There is usually a spot for you to list your website in the same area where you enter your name and email address. Enter your website here and not in your post. Self-serving comments are usually quickly deleted, wasting your time and the blog owners. Don’t do it. If your comments are interesting people will look to your website for more information.

2. Connect with others. Check out Local Message Boards /Forums
Many communities have message boards set up for talking about local events, politics, news and businesses. Check with the site rules (usually posted at the top of most boards) to see if links are allowed in forum postings. If so use this area to provide a link to your website at the bottom of each of your posts. This is another area where it pays to check out the community and observe before jumping in to the conversation. Be respectful. Be helpful. Set up a signature link that draws people to you without being in their face.

3. Post ads on classified ad sites
There are sites, such as Craigslist, where classified ads are not only allowed they are welcomed. Write a brief, compelling ad and provide a link to your website for more information. (Even better, create a “Clickable” Craigs List Ad with a Compelling “Graphic-Designed” Message) You can repost your ad often, testing different formats and offers to find what works best. (This is also a great, low cost way to test you ad copy for direct mail or other advertising as well).

4. Exchange links or banner ads with other non-competing local businesses
Leverage the traffic of other local sites by exchanging links with a local site that caters to the same customers but is not in direct competition with you. For example, an insurance agent and a realtor.

5. Add your business to local directories
Local directories often rank high on search engines for many different terms so being listed with them can only help build your traffic. Many offer free basic listings as well as paid premium listings. Consider a premium listing if your budget allows for it. It can give you a decisive edge over your competition.

To Get And Maintain Website Traffic You Need Unique Quality Content (ronmedlin.com)
Backlink Building – One Of The Most Reliable Online Business Growth Strategies (ronmedlin.com)

What’s Your Number One Current Marketing Challenge?

Is it…

Driving traffic to your local business website?
Generating leads from your local website?
Identifying your target market… your Ideal Client?
Figuring out how to use Social Media Marketing… Twitter, Facebook, YouTube?
Communicating with current clients?
Eliminating price shoppers?
Something else?

Please share your Marketing Challenge in the Comments Below.

Photo Credit: Flickr

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7 Winning Local Business Traffic Tactics

Walt Goshert — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:03:08 +0000

Without traffic to your local website, your website is simply another expense rather than a sales-generating asset.

Just as there are ways to drive traffic- visits, phone calls, inquiries- to your local business in the offline world, there are endless tactics to increase traffic to your local website.

Now with “Inbound Marketing”, you can have customers coming to you via your website to do business with you rather than interrupting them with paid ads. It’s not that paid ads don’t work; (in fact, paid Online Ads DO work to jump start traffic to your local website) they simply don’t work as well. Inbound marketing positions you with respect and credibility.

The Online World of Inbound Marketing is relatively new, and constantly and rapidly changing. Every day a new twist or angle seems to emerge. However, just because it’s new, doesn’t mean you should dismiss the possibilities of how it can work for your local business.

7 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Local Website:

1. SEO- Search Engine Optimization. Most websites realize at least 50% or more of their traffic coming from Search Engines. Google isn’t going away. Yet, SEO has changed from the early days… a mere 10 years ago. If anything, SEO has become more simple, yet more difficult to achieve top search rankings and results. It’s more simple because automated website tools take care of the techie website coding part. Yet, SEO is a tougher battle to achieve rankings because creating fresh, relevant, consistent keyword targeted content is more important than ever.

2. Social Media- Facebook and Twitter got lots of buzz last year. Both offer local businesses free tools to engage prospects and customers, build relationships, spread word-of-mouth, and bring “warmed-up” visitors to your website.

3. Pay per click(PPC)- Buying keyword placement in the search engines is a quick way to get found online and drive traffic to your local website immediately… for a price. If your website is up to snuff (able to convert visitors into sales) PPC is a proven way to get a traffic bump right away.

4. Local Search- Local SEO requires a bit of a different approach than regular SEO. Winning the Local SEO battle requires careful geographic and keyword targeting along with listing your business consistently in multiple business directory sites. Many of these business directory sites offer both free and enhanced paid listings to increase your local website exposure and your website traffic. As more Mobile Phone applications and use emerges, look for Local SEO is more important than ever.

5. Video Marketing- Video marketing is largely an untapped avenue for local businesses. With an inexpensive “instant” video camera, it’s simple and easy to record videos and upload them to YouTube and other video sharing sites. Many local businesses shy away from video thinking it’s too complex and that it requires professional quality. Not so. Make your videos real and authentic and you’ll be surprised how your prospects and customers will share them online.

6. Blogging- It’s never been easier to get a blog set up and going. With a blog, you’re in control of your updates and adding information to your website- you’re no longer held hostage to your web designer charging you for every little update. A local business blog is great for your SEO effort, and along with Social Media promotion, is the tool to position you as the “go-to” business in your community.

7. Online Word-of-Mouth- When you’re armed with online free social tools such as Twitter, Facebook Business Page, Google Local Business Listing, a presence in various local business directory sites, your blog, your YouTube video channel… you give your customers a powerful way to spread the word about your local business. Your customers now have a platform to give you real honest feedback and opinions… and spread this message to hundreds or even thousands of local prospects online.

As search engines add more relevance to input from Social Sites, such as how many online reviews your business has received, how many views,how long they view, and did they share your YouTube video, it’s wise to start a proactive campaign to build a postive, powerful online reputation.

So…
How many of these 7 ways are you effectively using to drive traffic to your local website?

Yes, creating a website and online presence that effectively drives traffic can be overwheling for many local business owners. No matter how you decide to drive traffic to your local website, keep in mind that you must first have a local website worth marketing. All the traffic in the world isn’t going to increase your sales one dollar if your website doesn’t encourage visitors to call you, email you, or visit you to do business.

Make getting your website up to speed your first priority… then unleash the traffic.

What do you say?
What questions do you have about “How-To” Drive Traffic to Your Local Website?

Flickr Photo Credit: realSMILEY

Different Tips to Increase Website Traffic (slideshare.net)
How Organic SEO Can Be Used To Catapult A Website Up In The Search Engine Rankings. (ronmedlin.com)
Free or Low-Cost Tools for Marketing Your Business Online (lazerpromotions.com)
Facts About Traffic Generation (mt-soft.com.ar)

5 Play to Win Assets: Stimulate Your Local Business Marketing

Walt Goshert — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:26:20 +0000

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.

Take Action TODAY- Play to Win Online in 2010

Flickr Photo Credit: tharrin

Local Businesses Challenged to Get Local or Get Lost in 2010 (prweb.com)
Google Gives SMB Market Something to Look Forward To (marketingpilgrim.com)
Cheers to SMB’s Who Are Getting the Research Message (myventurepad.com)
Reinvent, Collaborate & Thrive in 2010 Presented March 31, 2010 (womenpartner.com)
The 8 Rules To Profit From The New Economy (johnchow.com)
Why SEO Is Important For Little Business! (ronmedlin.com)

Google Local Business Listing: Step-By-Step Guide

Walt Goshert — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 15:54:23 +0000

Your Google Local Business Listing is possibly the single most important thing you MUST-DO to get your local business found online.

Why?

Over 10 Billion unique searches done each month…
… and that’s just in the United States!
Of those searches…
·        40% of queries have Local intent
·        5% use the city and/or state name
·        2% use informal terms, like neighborhoods
·        0.5% use zip codes
All of these searches return results from Local search engines, with Google delivering over 60% of them.
So, if you want potential customers to find you when they’re searching online…

The obvious first place you want to go and claim your online stake is your Google Local Business Listing.

IMPORTANT WARNING:

If you don’t claim your Local Business Listing, Google will attempt to pull your Local business information from a 3rd party site. The information usually is incomplete or inaccurate.
Since your Google Local Business Listing has the power to drive significant targeted traffic to your website and your business, you don’t want your listing information merged with another business. (especially a competitor’s)

Claiming your Google Local Business Listing is simple.

Here are Google’s step-by-step instructions, along with some basic tips you’ll need to know: (look for NOTE:)

1.    If you already have a Google Account, sign in with your email and password. You can also use an AdWords login address and password, if you have one.
2.    Click on Business Solutions on the main Google Page, then Local Business Center.
3.    If you don’t have a Google Account, click Sign up for an account now, or click here to go straight to the sign-up page.

4. On the Local Business Center homepage, click Add new business.

5. Fill out the basic information about your business. This includes:
Company/Organization: This is the official/registered name of your business. NOTE: Make sure your Business Name is exactly as it appears in the physical world, such as how it’s printed in the Yellow Pages. Do not add keywords, phrases, or names of towns. Keep how your Business name is shown consistent.
Address (required): The address should look exactly the way you’d write it on a paper mailing envelope. If your business services several areas, you can create one listing under a PO Box.
Phone Number (required): Be sure to include your area code with your phone number. NOTE: Make sure your area code matches the area code for your location area.
Website: This can be a maximum of 255 characters. NOTE: Add your email address in the prior field, if you respond to email inquiries. Best to use a Business Domain email that matches your website address. Also, the more information that matches up between your website and your Google Local Business Listing the better.
Description: Tell users what makes your business special. NOTE: What do you do? Who do you do it for? Where do you do it? Be concise. Do not keyword stuff with names of cities and towns.

6. Click Next.You’ll now have the opportunity to provide the following information about your business:
Categories: Enter several categories to describe your business, to make it easier for others to find when they search Maps. Google will automatically suggest categories as you type. You can enter up to 5 categories for your business. NOTE: Make sure to select your main part of your business operation to avoid being mis-categorized. Make sure the categories you choose are accurate and describe your business properly. Here John Jantsch suggests a tweak to your Category Listings. Matthew Hunt, a local search specialist, warns about using this technique in the comments. I tend to agree with Matthew. Be careful about using geo-indicators in your Categories.
Hours of operation: Select your hours of operation using the dropdown menus. If you prefer not to specify your hours of operation, keep the radio button selected next to ‘I prefer not to specify operating hours.’
Payment options: Select the checkboxes next to the payment methods that your business accepts.
Photos: Use the photo uploader to add a photo from your computer, or specify a URL to add a photo from the web. You can add up to 10 photos to your listing. NOTE: While there’s no hard evidence that adding photos and videos helps your Local Business Listing rankings, Photos and Videos DO increase click-throughs to your website, calls to your business, and visits. Take time to include them.
Video: To add a video, upload it to YouTube and enter its URL. You can add up to 5 videos to your listing. For help with uploading your video to YouTube, read the article on how to upload in the YouTube Help Center.
Additional details: Use this section to add your own information fields to your listing. For example, parking availability,specific Brands you represent, or whether your business allows pets.

7. You can see your listing as it will appear in Maps on the right side of your screen, and new information will appear as you enter it. When it looks the way you want it to, click Submit at the bottom of the page.

8. Choose how you would like to verify your listing. Choose Phone verification and you’ll receive an automated Google Verification call asking for your PIN number immediately.Click Finish after you’ve gotten your call and verified your listing.

One final NOTE:

After a day or two, visit getlisted.org to check your Google Local Business Listing.

GetListed.org is completely free to use. It was created for Local business owners to learn more about how their business is listed online. You’ll want to Bookmark GetListed.org and check you Google Local Business Listing frequently to make sure everything remains accurate and up-to-date.

One Final Suggestion:

While you’re at getlisted.org, claim your Local Business Listings at the other sites… Bing, Yahoo, Best of the Web…

Make it easy for your prospects and customers to find your Local Business On-line.

Google Local Business Listings are Being Hijacked Again (searchengineguide.com)
Understanding Local Listing Sites as Google Changes the Game (marketingvox.com)
The Rise of Google Local Business Listings (blogstorm.co.uk)
Optimize Your Website For Bing The Right Way (ronmedlin.com)