Your Traffic Is Out there!
In talking with business owners that are doing business in a local community, there is always a common thread during our conversation. Most business owners mention at some point during our conversation that they are not hearing the phone ring so much anymore.
Often they mention that it seems as if it has happened all of the sudden too?
One of the first things I inquire about is if they have a website or not. Often the answer is yes, but occasionally the answer is no. So probing a little further the next question asked is if they know where they rank on the web for their search terms.
More often than not the response is this - "When I search for my business name, I come right up on top". As good and as heartwarming as that may be, the harsh reality is that your customers do not know who you are yet. Furthermore they do not know your business name most likely, the best way to advertise a small business is to find out what your customer is looking for and put yourself in front of their searches.
In further discussion with small business owners we remind them of this important fact - 65% of businesses in the US DO NOT have a website and it would be fair to say that only 7% maximum of the 35% who do have website for their small or medium sized business have a properly designed and search engine optimized website.
Why is this important you may ask? VERY IMPORTANT because the competition is still relatively small and in reality the Internet at large is still in its infancy. There is no better time to get online then today! Seriously today is the best day to begin your business online marketing and the best way to advertise a small business is to get online and appropriately determine the best strategy for your continued success.
The best part about marketing your small business online is that once you are properly setup it will take little effort to get you to the top of the search engines for your KEYWORDS and keep you there. Local, national, regional and international businesses are beginning to realize that a website is no longer an accessory but a necessity.
Attracting customers in any market for most businesses, products or services has shifted from traditional methods to online search. Look at your own personal life and ask yourself how often you are searching for a product, solution or service and you use something other than the Internet? The answer is most always infrequently and most likely never, your customers are in the same exact place and your goal as a small business owner is to be there for your customers in their time of need.
Before we go to PAGE 2 lets recap -
- The best way to advertise a small business is - The Internet
- Your Primary Goal as a small business is to determine what your customers are looking for and be there for them when they need you.
- A website for your small business is no longer an accessory or an option
- A proper online strategy will pay dividends for years to come, usually on auto pilot
Continue reading about the best way to advertise your small business Part 2
Total Local Web Domination - "Get Practical, Get Profitable"