Findable is the new grail for local small businesses. Buyers do their inquiries globally on Google, Yahoo, and Bing - then acquire locally. If your business is not findable - especially in the initial 7 listings in Google Places for your business niche - your company is in danger of extinction.
To attract local customers and clients who need your products and services, you may need to go to a local internet marketing specialist for non-traditional SEO like online yellow pages profiles, electronic business cards, and mobile friendly websites.
Consumers have turned to Internet search for local products and services. People who use yellow pages, newspapers, print advertising, and local cable television to find a product or service at a local business are dying out each day. Even my 83 year-old mother can shop local specials and print out coupons before going shopping.
Why does your business need Internet marketing at all?
To begin, it's different from conventional Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Established SEO techniques help make your web page visible, which is entirely well and good. It doesn't hurt. On occasion, it even helps raise your other business listings.
Statistics:
73% of all online activity is related to local content
85% of web surfers rely on search engines and conduct more than 16 billion searches a month
90% of those searches are for local vendors
66% of Americans utilize the Web to find local businesses
54% of Americans have replaced their phone books/printed yellow pages with search - and virtually 100% for those less than 50 years old
82% of local searchers follow up their search with a telephone call or walk-in
53% of U.S. online consumers research products online then buy at a local store or over the phone
43% of search engine users research or shop online then purchase locally
Google share of U.S. searches holds at about 72% (May 2010)
* Yahoo! - 14%
* Bing - 9%
* Ask.com - 2%
Unfortunately, nearly all agencies or people who offer local search or local seo are “geek-centric”. They will dazzle you with acronyms such as SEO, SERPs, and PPC campaigns. If I am a small business owner, I want leads and customers. I want my phone to ring.
* I don't care about the details any more than I want to know how my mechanic fixed my transmission.
* I need a local internet marketing specialist who can get the job done without calling me six times a day. Prove you are the expert I need.
* I just want leads and more business. Get a customer to my website, and I will take care of the rest. Help me now.
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Internet Mad Men - http://internetmadmen.com - makes your business findable on the Internet for your local customers.
We specialize in making your business website findable to potential customers searching the Internet for your specific product or service.
In addition, we specialize in making your site mobile friendly for the many millions of Internet users who use smartphones to access the web.
Charles Lamm provides Local Internet Marketing Services for small businesses throughout the United States.
