Internet Marketing: Generating Local Customers from the Web

If you are a business owner that provides services or products to a specific geographic location and you want to improve your bottom line, learn how to make use of internet marketing. Local internet marketing strategies are a bit different than national or world-wide methods, but very easy to implement.

Here are some simple internet marketing strategies that are quick, simple and very effective for increased local exposure.

Local Directories

In order to gain favor in local searches, such as Google local, Yahoo local, and Bing local, you'll need to use local keyword phrases in your web and blog content. ChamberofCommerce.com features a unique and large business directory for local businesses across the U.S.

Local searchers often are looking for a "location" as opposed to "information." They know what they want--they just don't know exactly which direction to point their vehicle. In order to appeal to this crowd, use search terms that include your city and neighborhood branding. Even your zip code is important for increased search engine juice.

 

There are a couple of different types of directories. Search engines, such as Google, Yahoo and Bing have their own directories that rely heavily on keyword search terms, while Internet Yellow Pages providers, such as Yellowbook, Yelp, YellowPages and Superpages have both free and paid listings. Yellow Page type listings also rely on your IP address, or the number that is assigned to your computer, as proof of location.

Be sure to register your business name with all of the free directories first. After a few months you can decide whether you want to pay for list inclusion. Chamber of Commerce can do this for your business starting at the Gold Membership level!

Industry Specific Business Directories

Whatever industry or trade you happen to be in, there is most likely a plethora of industry directories at your disposal. Many are free in exchange for the few minutes it will take to sign up. A quick Google search can provide you with the directory names that specialize in your industry. Inclusion on these lists will help your local Google, Yahoo and Bing rankings as well.

Social Media Networking for Local Exposure

Social media can be targeted toward local traffic as well. Networking platforms such as Twitter have tools that have been specifically designed to help you develop a local following. Twellow Neighborhood is just one of many tools that can locate potential new contacts according to industry and geographical location.

Facebook makes it pretty simple to connect to business owners and individuals in your area. Simply follow your local chamber of commerce on Facebook and start connecting with the local crowd.

Climbing to the Top of the Local Search Engine Ladder

Regardless of how popular your brick-and-mortar business may be, there are certain factors that directly affect your placement on Google Local and the other local search engines:

Length of time on the web listings. If you haven't signed up yet, don't waste another day. Longevity does produce results. Take the time to fill out those forms and get yourself listed with the local directories.

Rave reviews. Personal recommendations go a long way on the web. Directories such as Yelp that invite readers to write their own reviews and ratings for particular businesses can greatly increase your placement in other search engines. If you've got clients who love you, encourage them to write a review.

As you can see through these strategies, a combination of time, SEO content, community presence, and a solid valuable business will get you where you want to be online.