I have been online since the early 1990s, when Mosaic was the only browser to get one the World Wide Web. There have been many changes in online marketing and advertising–some big, some small. But a colossal change, a tidal wave of change online is happening right now. The Web has been about eBay and Amazon–online shopping. But things are quickly change and the web and search are becoming about local stores on main street.
Businesses that have never had websites, did not think they needed websites, are now listed, sometimes without them even knowing in Google Local. And they are being ranked and reviewed without them even knowing on site like Yelp. These are big, big changes, and if you own a local small businesses, who does not even sell anything online, you need to get a handle on this or be crushed by someone who gets these changes.
It started with Google Maps and Google Earth and those cool little red pens on the map. A couple of years ago, you could search for an address or a businesses and it might be there. Now if someone goes to Google and types ‘plumber’ and their city, you better be listed there. Or maybe they are on their iPhone or Droid Phone and go to the map application and type pizza. You better be listed there.
It is relatively easy to get listed in Google Local and Google Maps, or claim your listing if it is already there. Google has been scraping other local directories and populating business names and addresses. But go to Google and search ‘Google Local’ the first listing will get you started. If you need help, ask for any teenager you know, they could easily help you with this. Or search for an hire a local business online marketing expert to help you get listed and manage your reputation.
But make sure that you are listed in Google Local and Google Maps (and YouTube). Yellow Pages and other printed directories are no longer relevant. And getting into the Google search engine is free~And getting into Google (and Yahoo! {and Bing) is free}~{and Microsoft’s Bing) is free}~and Microsoft Bing) is free}~And getting into the Google search engine and Google Local and Google Maps is free~And getting into Google (and Yahoo! {and Bing) is free}~{and Microsoft’s Bing) is free}~and Microsoft Bing) is free}. Although you should spend time optimizing your website and updating it frequently, at least once a month, but ever week is even better.
In summary, if you are a local business person, you need to pay attention to your online presence, even if you do not sell anything online. At a bare minimum to ensure your business survives, please go to Google, look for your business and make sure you are in Google Local and have a red tack in Google Maps.
Freddie Cox is an online guru and local small business owner. He was inspired to start his own business, OKC Internet Marketing, by seeing other local business owners spending large sums of money on ineffective advertising and websites.
OKC Internet Marketing is a full-service online marketing business for local business located in the Oklahoma City metro area. Contact them at (405)316-9034, if you want to ensure your local business is ranking well in Google and the other search engines. They can also design a Social Media Marketing campaign or manage your businesses online reputation.
