Websites You Need to Register Your Local Business With
One of the most important things you need to do to properly market a local business online is to register it on different local sites.
Registering your site on the right sites will help your business get exposure, increase the effectiveness of your marketing and allow you to connect with your customers.
Here are the three websites that are essential for every local business.
Google + Business
Google has changed their old Google Maps program into Google+ Local, also called Google+ Business.
You’ll be able to set up your own business page and set up your NAP so that it appears consistent across Google’s search results.
It also serves as a medium where you can connect with you customers and is part of Google’s social network. All these features offer local businesses an opportunity to get the word out there about their business.
Yelp
Yelp is one of the most trusted sites for local business reviews and information. People turn to Yelp when they need help finding a local business in their area and in evaluating which business to go with.
Yelp is more than a business information and review site. Yelp users add friends on the site and share reviews, recommendations and advice. It is like a social network but based around user generated reviews.
Local business owners can use this platform to build a reputation for their business, offer exclusive Yelp deals and gain local exposure.
Facebook is still one of the best platforms for marketing a local business. It is still the ultimate social networking site. Setting up a business page allows local businesses to build fans and collect likes from users.
The best part of getting these ‘votes’ from Facebook users is that they get shared to the users’ network, resulting in a viral effect.
Most people still use Facebook to get updates, making it the perfect way for local businesses to communicate with prospects and customers.
Bonus: Guest Posting With a Twist
While these sites are important, why not target related local businesses through guest posting? Guest posting is basically offering content to other blogs and social accounts in return for a link to your website.
Here’s what you need to know about guest posting for local businesses.
First, target related local businesses for guest posts. For example, if your business offers shoe repairs, try targeting local Laundromats and dry cleaners.
Second, aim to offer value rather than sell. Don’t use the post as an opportunity to sell your products. Use it to help consumers. Finally, try to solidify the relationship with a joint venture if it works out.
While getting links back to your site, cross promotion will have a more direct impact on customer acquisition.
