Take Control of Your Listings

June 4, 2009

There are a lot of local business listings out there—ThinkLocal®, Yahoo!® Local, and YellowPages.com™ are just a few. Thanks to these online business directories, it’s easy for your clients to find information on your business, which is great. But sometimes the information that is gathered by local directories is incorrect or outdated, which in no way benefits your business. Fixing this situation is easy, however, by simply taking control of your listings.

Take the time to look up your business on some of the top local search engines (click here for the top 5). By taking ownership of your listings, you can take control of what searchers find. In addition to changing or updating existing information, you can also add a link to your website, a description of services offered, your business hours, an email address at where you can be reached, and much more. We suggest taking ownership of your listings at the top 5 directories first, then expanding to the rest when you find time.

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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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5 Top Local Search Engines: Are You Listed?

March 11, 2009

More than half of the American population have said goodbye to their phonebooks and hello to a simpler, faster and more up-to-date type of directory − the local search engine.

Unlike phonebooks, consumers have access to numerous online business directories.  The key to being found is to make sure that you are listed in several high-quality online directories. Don’t worry. It’s usually free to get listed. Below are five top-notch local search engines that will help bring new customers to your door:

  1. Yahoo!® Local
  2. Google® Maps
  3. ThinkLocal®
  4. Yellowpages.com™
  5. Local.com™

1 Comment | Community, General, Internet Yellow Pages, Local Search, Small Business, marketing | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
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Small Business Owners Should Help Other Small Business Owners

January 5, 2009

As a small business owner, you want people to come to your business – consumers who are seeking your products and services. You also want to be able to compete with larger businesses that can offer more and charge less. Well, you aren’t alone.

The majority of U.S. businesses are small businesses. Most of these businesses possess similar weaknesses and experience the same threats and obstacles. Despite their likenesses, many small business owners neglect to do their part to help other small business owners.

Every business owner is also a consumer, and like all consumers, business owners have the power to choose who they support. Therefore, the next time you need a product or service, consider doing business with a small business owner in your area. Then encourage him or her to do the same. Every little bit counts.

Online business directories like ThinkLocal® or YellowPages.com™ make it easy to find a variety of local businesses. Online business directories are quick, convenient and free to use!

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Online Business Directories — A Cost-Effective Way to Advertise

August 22, 2008

Consumers aren’t the only ones becoming more conservative with their spending as of late. Companies are also attempting to cut their expenses. As always, marketing costs are among the first expenses to be trimmed. For this reason, it is more important than ever to acknowledge low-cost marketing alternatives like online business listings.

Standard online business listings are free, and they reach a well-segmented audience – those who are seeking a specific offering. Each online business directory is different. Some only display a business’ address and telephone number, while others, like ThinkLocal®, display a business’ contact information, as well as directions to the business location, a map and business reviews. The more informative a listing is, the more likely it will sway an undecided customer.

Business of all sizes should consider creating online business listings to supplement their paid advertising efforts. If you choose to advertise your business on an online directory that receives a lot of traffic, then most likely, you will gain new customers. With no costs involve, you have nothing lose.

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Posted by thinklocal