Search Marketing Tips for Local Businesses

Search engine optimization is becoming increasingly important to the success of local businesses. Local searches are on the rise, especially those from mobile phones. Maintaining your online presence will increase your chances of being found online and allow your business to best serve customers.  

Think of search engine marketing as your first chance to make an impression on potential customers. Now more than ever, the very first place local customers are looking for information is on their smartphone. In fact, 70% of mobile searchers take action within one hour of their search. Whether mobile searchers are at home on the couch or walking around downtown, they are actively searching with intent to purchase. Is your business going to be found online? Or are potential customers going to find your competitors instead?  

To put your business in a position to capture the attention of local searchers, consider these search marketing tips.  

1.     Perhaps the single most important thing you can do is complete your Google Plus Local Business profile (formerly Google Places). This will give your business visibility on Google’s search engine ranking pages and will help local searchers find your company’s information and reviews. As search results become more localized and personalized, a complete Google+ Local profile can greatly increase your visibility online.

2.     Along the same lines, make sure you create social profiles for your business. Social media is a great way to engage with your customers and stay connected. Start with Facebook, but don’t forget about other sites where your customers spend their time, including Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.

3.     Build a strong brand within your local community. Chances are you’re already actively involved in the community. Take advantage of your efforts by integrating public relations into the mix. Consider issuing a press release for timely, newsworthy announcements, post photos and updates to your social media profiles when attending events, and stay active in the community by volunteering or sponsoring events. These efforts will not go unnoticed.

4.     Evaluate your website from the perspective of a new customer. Could a new visitor find all the information they need? Does your site answer all of the questions they may have? Visual content can also work well to make your website more engaging and welcoming to visitors. A welcome video, photos of products, or even a well-developed logo can improve the perception of your business and enhance user experience.

5.     If staying at the top of the rankings is vital to your business, consider starting a pay-per-click advertising campaign. A well-managed campaign can have great returns and keep your business present on the ranking pages. Because proper setup and maintenance is critical to the success of an AdWords campaign, consider consulting an outsource marketing agency for assistance.  

If you’re interested in further developing an online marketing strategy for your business, contact a local CT marketing agency to learn more.