Local Search Continues to Expand

April 30, 2009

If you have a Facebook® profile, odds are you’ve seen the myriad applications that are now available for your page. While most of these are for entertainment purposes, there are a few that actually provide useful information to their users. Where I’ve BeenTM is one of the latter applications. Sure, the concept is entertaining—you get to show off to others the places you’ve lived or visited, and you get to compare your travels with those of other members.

But Where I’ve BeenTM has morphed into a valuable travel and local search resource, similar to Trip Advisor®. Users can see pictures, read reviews, find travel accommodations, and more, all at one convenient Web site. Ben Parr recently posted an article at Mashable.com that highlights some of Where I’ve Been’s newest features. To view his article, visit http://mashable.com/2009/04/27/where-ive-been-2/.

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Posted by thinklocal

Online Tools for Small Businesses

April 23, 2009

Many large businesses, including banks, cable providers and airlines, require their callers to select from several touch-tone menus in order to match them up with the appropriate customer service representatives. This time-consuming process often produces a lot of anger and frustration.

Luckily, the creators of Fonolo.com have made it possible for callers to skip the tedious navigation process completely! Fonolo users can simply go to Fonolo.com and indicate the business name and department they wish to contact. In a matter of second, they’ll receive a phone call connecting them to the desired customer service representative. The Fonolo team does all the work for them – for free!

To learn more about Fonolo.com and all of Inc.com’s “12 Cool Web Tools for Small Businesses,” go to: http://www.inc.com/ss/12-cool-web-tools-small-business?nav=mostpopular#4

1 Comment | Community, General, Internet Yellow Pages, Local Search, Small Business, marketing | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by mysolutionspot

Celebrate Earth Day in Your Local Area

April 22, 2009

Happy Earth Day! Here at ThinkLocal®, we would like to encourage all of you to take a few minutes to think about some of the ways in which we can help our planet. “Going green” seems to be all the rage these days, and it’s about time—helping our environment is far from being a new concept. Here are a few things that you can do to help our planet:

*Use reusable tote bags when you go shopping. This reduces both the amount of toxins that are released into the air during plastic production and the amount of plastic bags that end up in landfills.

*Recycle everything that you can, including plastic, glass, paper, and aluminum.

*Limit the amount of water that you use. Taking shorter showers (you’ll save even more water if you switch to taking baths), turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, and collecting rain water for watering plants are just some of the ways you can save water.

*Reduce the amount of disposable cups, bottles, plates, and utensils you use. Since single-person place settings are cheap and easy to find, they’re perfect for leaving at the office. And instead of buying bottled water, invest in a water filtering system and a reusable bottle. You’ll save money AND our natural resources.

If you’d like to participate in Earth Day events in your local community, check out EarthDay.net. You’ll also find resources that provide more information on living a green, eco-friendly lifestyle.

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Posted by thinklocal

Should Your Business Try Online Video Ads?

April 21, 2009

It seems like every time you turn on the news, the main topic of discussion is the failing economy. Keeping a positive outlook on your business’s future can be challenging, especially when a word like “recession” is liberally thrown around. But a challenge is good for creative thinking; in fact, challenges are often what bring around the best, most revolutionary changes.

Over at ClickZ.com, Christine Beardsell posted an article that discusses a way for businesses to overcome the challenge of expensive, traditional advertising. In “Online Videos Ads Are a Good Bet in a Recession,” Beardsell argues that online advertising, including online video ads, is both less expensive and more effective than traditional advertising since online ads can be monitored and optimized quickly. Since most product research is now conducted online, advertising online is the sure way to reach your target audience.

To read Beardsell’s complete article, visit http://www.clickz.com/3631078.

1 Comment | Small Business, marketing | Tagged: , , , , | Permalink
Posted by thinklocal

Synergy in the Local Business Community = Sales

April 20, 2009

Synergy – it’s a term we’ve all heard before. Synergy is not just applicable to large corporations. Small businesses can synergize by collaborating with other small businesses. For instance, a local restaurant can cook with vegetables and fruits from local farms, serve beverages from local breweries, and feature desserts from local bakeries. In return, these farms, breweries and bakeries can mention the restaurant in all of their ads. A local market can also achieve similar collaborations. By advertising their partnerships, participating businesses can positively influence consumer perception and attract consumers who support the buy-local movement.

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Posted by thinklocal

Free Small Business Webinar on Marketing & Capital Access

April 17, 2009

On April 30, Network Solutions® is hosting a free webinar that will help small business owners learn how to overcome two of their biggest challenges. The GrowSmartBusiness Webinar will focus on capital access and marketing, the two areas that small businesses seem to struggle with the most. This webinar will discuss marketing strategies, tips on gaining access to startup capital, and other hints that will help you and your business find success. Featuring knowledgeable speakers from the business world, including Roy Dunbar, CEO of Network Solutions, and Anita Campbell, editor of Small Business Trends™, the GrowSmartBusiness Webinar promises to provide useful insight for small business owners and employees of all industries.

The GrowSmartWebinar is on Thursday, April 30, from 2-3pm ET. For more information and to register, visit http://GrowSmartBusiness.com/webinar.

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Posted by thinklocal

Do You Have High Online Visibility?

April 16, 2009

If you haven’t physically placed any information about your business online, then chances are, your online visibility is practically nonexistent. Having online visibility will soon become a necessity – something you need to have if you want customers to walk through your door.

So, what are some things you can do to achieve online visibility?

1. Get a Web site.
A Web site gives you a Web presence and the ability to tell potential customers about your business and why you are better than the competition. On top of that, you can use it to tell consumers how to contact or locate your facility. Of course, if you want to ensure that your site will be seen by ideal prospects, you must promote your Web site using online marketing strategies, such as link building, search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising.

2. Blog about your industry.
Blogs seem more time-consuming then they really are. Blog articles are short and to the point, and you don’t have to be a professional writer to write them. You simply must have industry knowledge. You can post more than one blog article every day, but it’s also OK to post just two articles per week. You’ll get exposure either way.  It’s also a good idea to read other people’s blogs and add your comments, along with your URL, of course. This will help you gain even more exposure.

3. Join social networking sites.
Sites like Twitter™ and Facebook® allow you to connect with your target market, showcase your expertise and provide information about your business. Many businesses have also begun to use them as customer service tools.

4. Take ownership of as many online business listings as you can (They’re FREE!).
Online business directories are like the new yellow pages. However, they cost you nothing and they give you more exposure. In fact, studies have shown that today’s consumers regularly use online directories and prefer them to paperbound directories. Therefore, if you aren’t listed, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to reach your target audience.

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Does Your Age Group Impact Your Ability to Run a Business?

April 15, 2009

According to the Small Business Success Index,* “if you are between 35 and 54, you are likely to experience the greatest challenges running a highly competitive business.” I was rather surprised to read this finding since I’ve always thought this age group was comprised of experienced professionals who were well-versed in the latest trends.

Why do you think running a highly competitive business is so difficult for this age group? Is it personal? If you are between the age of 35 and 54, I’d love to hear your take.

*The Small Business Success Index, an ongoing measurement of the overall health of U.S. small businesses, was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.  To take the survey yourself, click here.

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Posted by thinklocal

How Does Your Small Business Take Advantage of Computer & Internet Technology?

April 14, 2009

It’s no secret that modern technology has changed—and keeps changing—the business world. Paper filing systems have been replaced with electronic folders, and waiting for a check to come in the mail has been replaced by online bank transactions that take seconds to complete. The business practices of yesterday are radically different from those of today, and the effects can be seen just about everywhere. Small business can get more done in a shorter amount of time, and they can keep in touch with their customers and clients through more means of communication. Networking is easier for small businesses thanks to the Internet, and cost-effective solutions like webcasts and email newsletters ensure that business owners can communicate with their staff without a financial sacrifice.

According to the Small Business Success Index, an ongoing study conducted by Network Solutions, LLC, and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, “Small business owners rely on a range of Internet business solutions and computer technologies to succeed, including online customer service via e-mail, a company Web site, online advertising in directories, a shared computer network for employees, and internal communications by e-mail. Between 30-60% of businesses use the items above.” Here at ThinkLocal®, we want to know how your small business utilizes modern technology. Do you use computer and Internet technology to communicate with your customers? If so, which do you use, and how have they helped your business? Do you take advantage of webcasts or internal email to communicate with your employees, or do you prefer the traditional method of phone calls, meetings, and so forth?

*The Small Business Success Index, an ongoing measurement of the overall health of U.S. small businesses, was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. To take the survey yourself, click here.

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Be Competitive with Multiple Business Locations

April 10, 2009

One of the most thrilling milestones a business owner can meet is reaching the point where expansion is an absolute necessity. After all, a growing business is a successful business-and what screams “success” louder than an increase in customers? For many small businesses, expanding means hiring more employees to fulfill their customers’ demands. And for some, expanding means moving to a larger office or opening up a second location.

According to the Small Business Success Index, an ongoing study conducted by Network Solutions, LLC, and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, “Businesses with multiple locations are more slightly likely to be competitive.” This finding supports some of the general rules of the small business world. It makes sense that a business with multiple locations is competitive; for one, businesses need to be competitive to succeed, and growth is one way to measure a business’s success. Businesses that know how to compete are going to have an easier time at finding success.

One of the best ways to get the word out about additional business locations is through advertising. Be sure that all advertisements list the information for each location if possible, and include each location in online business listing directories. At ThinkLocal®, it’s easy to set up and manage online listings for each of your business’s locations. Just head over to http://wwww.ThinkLocal.com and provide information for all of your business’s locations.

*The Small Business Success Index, an ongoing measurement of the overall health of U.S. small businesses, was commissioned by Network Solutions, LLC and the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.  To take the survey yourself, click here.

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Posted by thinklocal

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