10 Free Ways to Promote Your Local Business Online

10/2/2011

Over 85% of people contact businesses they find in local searches. That's why 100% of businesses need to be online! Your local business has many options, to remain current online such as a website, business facebook page, social networks, videos, blogs, online ads, etc. Even for businesses with a limited marketing budget, there are ways to promote your business online. Here are 10 free ways to promote your business online:

Google Local: Create an account... Enter your company name, address, phone number and website. Verify the information with a postacard or telephone call. In a few weeks you get a map listing for your company name or industry and town.
Google Coupons: Coupons are a great way to bring new customers into your business or remind old customers that you’re still around. Google has a free coupon tool that puts your coupon on relevant local searches.
Yahoo Local: Yahoo local is a directory organized by category and geographic location. You can get a basic listing in Yahoo Local for free. People searching for your business or industry can find your listing.
YellowPages.com: Yellow Pages have a strong brand name and recognition, and are still used by many people today. They offer a few levels of listings the most basic is free.
Press Releases: Doing something newsworthy? You can always submit a press release to PRWeb or PRLeap.com. Be sure to check out their tips like 25 Action Words for Writing a Newsworthy Headline and Why Localizing a Press Release to a ZIP Code and City Matters.
Free Blog Promotion Tools: Does your company have a website or are you thinking of adding one? Websites like Technorati.com and mybloglog.com can help you gain exposure, visitors, readers, and subscribers to your blog.
Free Directory Advertising: It doesn’t get any easier than trying free advertising. Go to BOTW.org and sign up for a free 60 day advertising listing.
LinkedIn: Join LinkedIn and get connected with people you know and make connections with people you don’t through introductions. Look at the new Questions and Answers section and try and be genuinely helpful. Follow the axiom of ‘Givers Gain’ and you may generate a few leads for yourself from your goodwill.
Email Signatures: Be sure to add your URL to all of your outgoing email. Try adding your mission statement, network links, or a catchy phrase to help people understand what you do. Change it a several times a year so people notice it again.
Syndicate Your Content and Ideas: Take advantage of article distribution Services like EZineArticles, ISnare, and IdeaMarketers to spread your message and approach. Use them to bring leads to your site by offering things like free ebooks or PDF’s that they can download after entering their contact information.

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E-mail, Social Media, and Direct Mail

9/20/2011

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If you thought direct mail advertising was dead, think again. A survey by Constant Contact and HubSpot reveals that 47% of businesses still promote events through direct mail. The same survey reveals that 76% of businesses promote events through e-mail and 40% do so through social media.

These numbers are not really surprising, but they are telling. E-mail marketing has become a staple of online promotions. Companies not currently using e-mail marketing for event promotion, or any kind of promotion, are missing great opportunities.

Social media is still a little bit complex. While Facebook is the most trafficked website online, not everyone is using it - particularly in Adams County, Pa.

I say use the media that are better suited toward your audience. If you have a product or service that appeals to a younger audience - say, the under-30 crowd - even in Adams County, then you might try promoting it through social media. E-mail promotions will work on any audience. Older people, those above the 50-year-old mark, will probably respond better to direct mailings.

Of course, the most savvy marketers will use all the channels at their disposal. The remember the Rule of 7. Your prospects will have to see your offer 7 times before they respond. If they see it in all available channels, including e-mail, direct mail, and social media, then you'll be a thousand times more effective.

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It's Time For Some Speed Networking

8/11/2011

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Now that summer is drawing to a close, it's time to start up on the speed networking again. York and Adams County business professionals can sign up now for the September event, and I recommend that you sign up sooner rather than later because seats are going fast. There is limited space available.

The next speed networking event is Monday, September 19, 2011. Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Location: RCS Financial Group Office at 55 Wetzel Drive, Suite #3, Hanover, Pa. 17331.

So what is speed networking and why should you do it?

That's a good question. Thanks for asking.

Speed networking is a take off of speed dating where participants rotate around a room and spend a short time span (usually 3-5 minutes) making a first impression with potential dates. At the end of the evening, speed daters pick the people they'd like to know more about and exchange contact information.

Speed networking operates in a similar fashion. You spend a short period (3 minutes) with each participant introducing yourself and making connections. During this time you should share your business card, brochures, and other promotional materials. When you get back to the office, you'll follow up with those people you'd like to get to know better and build a deeper relationship with. Just like in speed dating.

This is a fun and exciting way to meet new prospects for your business. Register today for the next speed networking event. Lunch included.

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10 Free Ways to Promote Your Local Business Online

E-mail, Social Media, and Direct Mail

It's Time For Some Speed Networking

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