Luring Local Tradesmen Services Online!
Local trade merchant businesses should be seriously considering the effects of not being found online! Over eighty per cent of people use search engines to find information about local businesses, more than any other method. Even if you don’t have a website, it’s time to say goodbye to Yellow Pages!
No business can now afford to ignore online marketing and that has to include the local trades. The simple truth is that print directories are no longer the source for business services search, nor age a barrier to being able to use computers and surfing the web – witness the rise of the silver surfers!
Most homes will have online access, desk PC, laptop or mobile. No matter what traditional trade you offer and long established customer base you think you have – you are no longer going to get found, or be overlooked, if you do not have an online presence.
Even without a website, there are a number of extremely quick, easy, and little to no cost marketing strategies for enlisting yourself on local sites, which, given the growth of mobile search, is worth making the effort to get to grips straightaway.
Once you’ve enlisted, and taken advantage of some of the special features these sites offer, which are mostly free, you’ll soon start to notice the many opportunities, especially the organic search results from link building, and via the growing use of mobile applications.
By being listed online as a local business, you can precisely map your location, help people to find you, advertise special offers to attract new business, and encourage positive reviews – virtually shape your online brand identity and reputation! In addition, you’ll have access to user search analytics to help you improve your visibility, offers, advertising and promotional campaigns.
With a near-zero investment of time and money, there’s absolutely no excuse to not get started now! Here are a few first actions you can take to get your business online :
Search Engines:
Google - It’s claimed that an estimated 20 per cent of its searches are based on location. When you sign up you will be able to :
• Customise the listing on Google and Google Maps.
• Specify hours, menus/products, photos, payment options (e.g. credit cards accepted).
• View your visitor traffic and their search word Analytics.
• Display which geographic areas your business serves.
• Upload a photograph, if appropriate.
• Download an unique code for mobile version access.
• Make their listings stand out on Google and Google Maps with Tags.
Yahoo - Yahoo’s basic free listing includes a business’ address, phone number and URL, together with hours of operation, and a listing of products, services and brands. For an extra fee, businesses can add a company logo and tagline, up to 10 photos and a detailed business description.
City Directories:
Yelp - One of the two leading urban directories, Yelp claimed over 31 million visits in March of this year. Free tools Yelp offer local business owners include:
• Track visits to your business page.
• Add photos, a detailed description, up-to-date information.
• Announce special offers and upcoming events.
• Recommend other businesses.
Citysearch -
Citysearch offers a broad range of advertising and marketing services for local businesses including performance advertising, SEO, the ability to enhance listings with links to the business Twitter and Facebook accounts.
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