The Public has Embraced Local Search and Want to do More
Although Local Search only caught on in the last year, such queries already account for over 36% of all search engine queries. When a person adds a geographic term (like city, town, or zip code) to their search query, the results only show them the small pool of businesses located within that area - and not necessarily all of them.
Entering the search terms: "garden supply" + Denver only returns gardening stores in Denver - rather than the many thousands listed in the Google database. They're even shown clustered on a map, to help the searcher easily spot the closest ones.
That's significant since people prefer to shop on the basis of convenience. Research shows that over 50% of Yellow Page directory users scan for location first, before deciding which ads to read or consider. Local Search simplifies that preference further.
Too Many Small and Mid-sized Businesses are Missing the Boat
Their widespread mistake comes from assuming that the Internet is not crucial for their brick and mortar operations. The main reason for people going online is not to buy online. They find it more convenient (that word again) and faster than the traditional methods like Yellow Pages or newspaper ads.
A study by ComScore Networks in December, 2004 showed that most people who research products online purchase them from stores in their own community. That study found that 25% of those searching for electronics or computers made purchases. But 92% of those purchases occurred offline. Nearly 40% of searches resulted in sales as much as five to 12 weeks after the initial search.
Getting Listed in Key Data Bases Give You a Shot at Being Found
You need to make it easy for buyers to find you and choose you when they search online. There's not a single place to "sign up" because there are numerous search engines, Internet Yellow Pages (IYP), and industry-related data bases. Check our whether your business appears on various prominent sites, http://www.localsearchresources.com/listed.html. You do not need to be a techie or have a website to show up in Local Search results.
But you have to get into the game. Many small businesses don't show up most places. And that's frustrating for searchers and unwise for them.
Provide Precisely the Information that People are Looking for
What do people who buy what you provide look for? It's up to you to supply the information they want - hours of operation, payment options, specialized services or credentials, brands carried, etc. What they need to know varies depending on your type of operation. Also, it doesn't hurt to provide helpful buying tips and specifications, too.
Here's how online searches are miles ahead of the Yellow Page directory. That's printed just once a year and is out of date by the time it reaches the public. But the ad is small (even if it's a large display ad) compared to what can be spelled out on a website.
So once you know your business is showing up in the searches, it's time to beef up your website (or web presence on a portal) so that you stand out in the searches. Then you should start modifying your company policies and practices to make them mesh with your online activities.
You'll Reach the Customers you Want the Most
Just to provide an additional incentive for you to wade into having an online presence, those who rely heavily on Internet searches are better educated, earn more, and make larger average purchases than those who rely on the Yellow Page directory. With a Yellow Page ad plus an online presence, you'll be findable by most of the people who are at the point of making a purchase.
My future articles will show how to develop a Local-Search-friendly website or business policies. You'll redefine how you provide customer service. Going to the trouble to better serve your Internet-savvy customers will give you an edge compared to your competition.
Your Need to Act is Urgent - Treat this as Front Burner
People prefer to spend their money close to home. But they won't spend it with you if you don't show up in the places where they're looking. This trend is customer-driven. They like using Local Search, and just wish the information could be more complete. Even the search engines are scrambling to get ahead of this parade. And you need to do so as well.
Copyright 2005 Off the Page
Dr. Lynella Grant An expert in Yellow Page ads and Local Search. Learn to stand out online and offline, so you capture more Internet-savvy buyers for your brick and mortar business. Free resources http://www.localsearchresources.com 719-395-9450
The Internet has opened up a whole new era of... Read More
The Funnel Theory of Marketing Relies on the fact that... Read More
I am a great admirer of businesses that serve and... Read More
As you may have already read in our article "Health... Read More
Is internet marketing something for you? Do you dream about... Read More
Online advertising is necessary for your computer business to grow.... Read More
Are you having a tough time selling that ebook or... Read More
Do you want to ignite sales at your website?Do you... Read More
Making money online is really easy to do because the... Read More
Analyzing your web traffic statistics can be an invaluable tool... Read More
There are certain magical tactics that work so well that... Read More
Many aspiring Internet marketers hear all of the talk about... Read More
When is the last time you received an unexpected gift?... Read More
Leads are the Life Blood of any Online Home Based... Read More
My wife laughs every time she sees me doing it.At... Read More
Tell your readers what they are probably thinking, feeling or... Read More
Thank you for stopping by part 3 of the article... Read More
Many of us learn from the Gurus that we should... Read More
The phenomenal growth of ecommerce lures more and more people... Read More
There are many websites that will host your articles on... Read More
Why is this funny?Because in essence, a "click-through" places money... Read More
Everyone has a hobby or interest that they have a... Read More
Do web surfers really bookmark websites anymore? A good friend... Read More
The Internet is a practical and accessible tool to build... Read More
If you have ever wanted to know HOW the Internet... Read More
I was winding my way up the levels of a... Read More
There are no hidden secrets on how to rank high... Read More
Viral?Viruses?Infections?not pleasant subjects for most situations. Unless you're discussing Viral... Read More
Niche marketing enthusiast...I'm about to tell you a short story.... Read More
One of the reason why the concept of free stuff... Read More
How much does an advert in Yellow Pages cost? How... Read More
Gasp! Choke! Gag! That's how people react when you tell... Read More
To most people Internet Marketing looks like a good way... Read More
There is a misconception that you can come online set... Read More
This "little" test I ran was in dedication of Corey... Read More
The Advantages Disadvantages Of Internet Marketing are many.A few Advantages... Read More
Hoo boy, I am sticking my neck out here! Ready... Read More
Wouldn't you like to know all the Internet marketing "secrets"... Read More
How do you start a business on the net? Well,... Read More
I. Summary of a marketing planThe marketing planning (concretized in... Read More
Although generating online traffic is an important goal of any... Read More
1. Email each visitor a satisfaction questionnaire after they purchase.... Read More
1. When you make your first sale, follow-up with the... Read More
Remember that leaders spend more money on learning and growing,... Read More
Despite any failures or slow starts you may be experiencing... Read More
Read any Internet marketing article, forum or tutorial these days... Read More
How many times have you... heard that running solo ads... Read More
Are you Tired of being Burned by your Internet solutions?... Read More
Are you confused by the flood of information on how... Read More
It's a jungle out there, so know and use your... Read More
I just spent the last week in two very different,... Read More
Think about it, how many emails do you send out... Read More
Internet marketing, website marketing, call it what you will, can... Read More
In today's business world, if you're not selling your product... Read More
If you have a website but not attracting many visitors,... Read More
Internet marketing by definition is "the use of the Internet... Read More
A joint venture is when two or more businesses work... Read More
Everyone is using them now and if you're planning on... Read More
2005 is a great year for affiliate marketers, as online... Read More
Your prospects want one thing and one thing only! They... Read More
Critical Mass Website Promotion is the elite goal rarely attained... Read More
I've been marketing for a long time now and I... Read More
Thank you for stopping by part 3 of the article... Read More
The Gobbledygook Competitor Analysis TipWhen typing cap can tell you... Read More
Marketing your company online requires patience and persistence. Like every... Read More
Staying awake at night wondering how to pump up your... Read More
Internet Marketing |