With the advancement in internet technology, more and more people are using online searches to find products or services they are interested in acquiring. Some of the latest traffic reports say 80% of the population searches a businesses website before contacting the company. This has opened up avenues for companies to market their products to a huge client base scattered across the globe.
Moreover, local customers, such as a dentist, computer repair technician or HVAC services, account for more than 60 percent of sales. Hence, businesses who are marketing their web presence to capitalize on local customers have better odds of attracting customers. However, many businesses fail to attain desired success online. Why? The main reason is most of them are not well versed in search engine optimization (seo) strategies for local business marketing. Thankfully, there are various online strategies and tactics that deliver proven results.
Local search engine optimization (SEO)
Local SEO, when used effectively can drive consumers to your business website. For example, if you are engaged in providing car repairs services in Kansas City, you will naturally want to use geographic keywords in your website content (common search terms entered by prospects when searching for products and services like yours). For example you might use, "quality car repair services in Overland Park, Kansas" or "affordable car repairs Lenexa, Kansas", in the body of your website’s content..
Whenever customers perform search query with the search term used in your website, there is a better chance that your website will rank higher in the search. If your website comes up in search queries, there are more chances of getting visitors, and visitors means prospects which should be your ultimate goal.
Social media marketing
Since thousands of websites operate in the same niche using the same keywords, getting top ranking in organic search results is not always possible. This is where social media marketing comes in to play. Billions of people are socializing using sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. This offers a wonderful opportunity to promote your business to local readers who can share your content with their friends and co-workers.
Interact with potential customers in a friendly manner, and explain how your products and services can solve their problems. If used intelligently, social sites can drive a steady flow of continuous traffic to your website. Be careful not to be promotional; your better off to educate your reader and provide value.
Paid search results
Paid search results like Google AdWords help your site get immediate first page ranking as sponsored ads. Getting instant first page ranking can drive quick traffic from ready-to-buy shoppers. All you need to do is create a small ad, choose local keywords, and bid on pay per click ad campaign. Though pricey, pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can deliver immediate results. Keep in mind PPC, only receives about 25% viewership as compared to the rest of the web page and has less credibility than organic search.
Google map optimization
Recently, Google maps have become a reliable source of traffic for local business. Set up your business profile including your contact information and local physical address in Google maps. Ranking well takes time but is great exposure to potential prospects, when you appear.
Back links
Building back links is another way of improving search ranking and driving customers. Writing a blog is the best way to acquire back links, as well as, submitting articles to high page rank directories with a link back to your site. Similarly, commenting on other local blogs and becoming a guest blogger on higher page ranked sites can garner quality back links. Don't ever buy, borrow, or trade for links, you can be banned by Google.
Closing thoughts
Customers come to a site through organic search, paid per click, social sites, back links and Google maps. Using local online marketing strategies is essential in order to be found by searchers. Businesses that enjoy high traffic to their websites are often those that employ local search strategies and tactics. On the other hand, businesses that don’t, won't show up in searches and lose being seen by potential customers.
For more information about online lead generation go to redstarmarketing.com.
