4 Simple Strategies

If you own a small local business, you wear a lot of hats.
You probably don't have time to think up ways to promote
your business online. No problem. Here are 4 simple
strategies that can reap big rewards for your local
business.


GET A WEBSITE

I don't care what anyone says, if you're in business, you
need a website, especially if you're a local business.
Contrary to what you've heard, it doesn't take a lot of time
to get a website up and running. The key is, don't try to do
it all at once. Rome wasn't built in a day and your website
won't be either. Start small and grow -- but please, no
tacky "Under Construction" signs. And with all of the low-
cost low-tech solutions available now, there's no excuse for
not having your own website. Did you know there are at least
8 way to get a website? Here's one that includes everything
you need, including domain name and hosting.
http://www.geolocal.com/sbi


YOUR URL ON EVERYTHING

If the public can see or hear it, put your URL on it. That
includes business cards, letterhead, envelopes, bags,
invoices, flyers, newspaper ads, voice mail greeting. Put
license plate frames with your URL on company vehicles and
even your personal vehicles. For some cheap giveaways like
pens, mouse pads, magnets etc, try this place:
www.geolocal.com/promos


EMAIL MARKETING

Another no brainer. Almost every business owner featured in
the popular Local Success Series attributes their online
success to the consistent use of email. Offer incentives
such as free coupons, information, services, whatever you
can to get them to willingly give you their email address.
(WILLINGLY -- please no spam!) And once you get it, use it -
- don't be afraid to email your customers. Just make sure
you send them something of value anddon't do it too often.
There's nothing more annoying than joining a mailing list,
then being bombarded with begging emails.


USE SEARCH ENGINES

Most people head straight for their favorite search engine
(SE), directory or pay-per-click SE when looking for
something online. Of all the search services on the web, the
two most important are Google and Overture. Google is THE
most important search engine -- it supplies results for many
other search services including Yahoo and AOL.

Overture is strictly pay-per-click, and its top 3 results
are displayed as the "sponsored matches" you see on Yahoo,
Altavista, MSN, Lycos, and many other minor search services.
If you want to be found quickly and are willing to pay,
Overture is a good place to start. Otherwise, focus your
efforts on getting into Google. And don't forget to include
the name of your city, town, region or metro area, as well
as local landmarks that prospects and customers may use as
search terms.

That's it. Do these 4 things and you'll be miles ahead of
almost every other local business out there. But remember,
the Internet is just another medium, another tool in your
marketing arsenal. If you want to maximize your advertising
dollars, integrate your online and offline promotions. Use
one to drive traffic to the other. Collect email addresses
in both places. And leave your competition in the dust.

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Sharon Fling is the author of "How To Promote Your Local
Business On the Internet", and publishes an electronic
newsletter that gives business owners tips, tools and
resources for targeting local customers. For more
information, visit http://www.geolocal.com

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