12 Marketing Tips for Local Businesses
Tip #1 - Develop your Unique Selling Proposition
If you were asked why I should do business with you, what reason would you give that doesn't sound just like all your competition?
Tip #2 - Go Local!
Many small business owners believe that because its called the "World" Wide Web a small local business couldn't or shouldn't use it to get found on the Internet. With web searches being "geo-centric", that means that the search engines figure out what town you are in and lists "local" businesses related to that person's search.
Tip #3 - Company Website
While getting a company website can be both a daunting task as well as an expensive proposition, we can teach you how to have a website for free, and we really do mean free! Every business should have a website, its a very valuable tool in your marketing arsenal.
Tip #4 - Reviews, ugh!
Reviews on Google, Facebook, and Yelp that are positive are worth their weight in gold. Most businesses simply don't ask people to give them a good review, and when they do get one unsolicited, it can be very negative which can hurt your business and cost you money if not monitored and corrected.
Tip #5 - Craig's List
Craig's List is a very good place to put up FREE ads. Among small local business owners, its still probably the best kept secret.
Tip #6 - Business Cards
While this is typically the first thing most people get when going into business, the design, phone number sizing, your picture, and a Quick Response code to quickly and easily get your info into their phone are all things that aren't done properly to capitalize on the expense of the cards.
Tip #7 - Social Media
At the very least everyone should have a "fan" page so that your customers can leave a review of your goods and services. There are literally dozens of "social media" sites, Facebook is the 800 pound gorilla that you should pay attention to.
Tip #8 - Becoming the Expert!
Everyone prefers dealing with the "Expert" in a field they are not familiar with. Becoming an expert is something you will need to commit time to but in the end, it pays off in spades and will take you places your competitors only dream about.
Tip #9 - The SEO Scam
While it is important to have a few keywords in your website, paying the big bucks for "trained in SEO" isn't typically worth it when you know of a few of the tricks that your competitors don't know or aren't doing that can get you ranked just above your competitors when searched for.
Tip #10 - You need a Manager, Contact Manager that is
Staying in touch with clients, sending email messages, scheduling meetings, and taking notes to keep track of the last conversation is difficult at best, especially if you have to use 3,4, or even 5 different programs, if you do it at all. Many small business owners don't even try because most of these programs are too hard to learn or way to expensive for the average Joe. We have great news for you!
Tip #11 - The Power of Testimonials
Reviews are good, but Testimonials are GREAT! Especially if you can get just a few "video" testimonials. They can help put your company on page 1 of Google and if set up properly, people call you directly from the video coming up in the Google search. We can help you get the best testimonials and design them properly to ensure maximum exposure.
Tip #12 - Referrals, Ya gotta love 'em!
There is absolutely nothing better than for someone you've served well to recommend you to one or more of their friends. The problem is that we don't have a system that helps promote referring friends, neighbors, and co-workers so we don't get them nearly as often as we'd like.
