Internet Marketing Businesses ~ Don't Forget to Target Local Clients
- ARTICLES |
Posted By Carol Ann Quibell
Many home based businesses provide internet marketing services which make sense because of technology and how easy it is to reach potential clients worldwide. We spend a great deal of time targeting niche markets with the intention of gaining new business and making connections. What about the guy down the street? Doesn't he need your services too? It is easy to get so busy searching the internet for new clients we neglect the potential in our own back yard. It may seem easier to connect with people across the airwaves without actually having to knock on their door but think of the benefits of being able to stop by their office and say hello in person?
There are many home based businesses or a "brick and mortar" business that need the products and services of an internet marketing business. Why limit yourself? What better way of gaining experience and credibility than working with someone locally? We sometimes don't see the potential for business right in front of us and have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be. Use some local marketing strategies for your web based businesses.
Step out of your comfort zone and join the local Chamber of Commerce or local business networking groups. There are many ways of reaching these local businesses, whether you run an ad in the newspaper, send out flyers and brochures, do mail out campaigns, put up a notice in a local community center or tell your neighbours. Post an ad on your local Craig's List section or in your telephone directory. Let your creative juices flow and get started today. I posted a flyer at my local post office and gained an excellent client that I still have today. Local businesses need you just as much as the business across the country and you may find it easier since you are close by.
Local businesses to target are real estate agents, doctors, law firms, financial services providers, insurance agents, retail stores and other small businesses in your area. Try partnering with another local business whereby you have your marketing material displayed in their office, market your material through Welcome Wagon or as a package with the local realtors. Offer these clients the same proposals that you do to your online clients but maybe give them a special incentive because they are local. You will probably have to remind them you work "virtually" and educate them on the process of transmitting work electronically, by fax, mail or courier. Establish guidelines that apply to clients whether they are next door or a thousand miles away. There should be no difference.
Internet marketing is important to every business and by becoming known in your community as the local expert can only help increase your client base. You may be a home based internet business but the local businesses need you too. If you don`t go after their business someone else who provides internet marketing services from another part of the world will claim them as their own. Take advantage of every opportunity - both local and global.
Carol Ann Quibell is a professional Virtual Assistant, freelance writer and social media content marketing specialist with over 25 years of extensive management, writing and administrative experience. She works closely with small businesses and entrepreneurs providing the services needed to assist them in reaching their goals. http://www.loracvs.com
Dania
Many home based businesses provide internet marketing services which make sense because of technology and how easy it is to reach potential clients worldwide. We spend a great deal of time targeting niche markets with the intention of gaining new business and making connections. What about the guy down the street? Doesn't he need your services too? It is easy to get so busy searching the internet for new clients we neglect the potential in our own back yard. It may seem easier to connect with people across the airwaves without actually having to knock on their door but think of the benefits of being able to stop by their office and say hello in person?
There are many home based businesses or a "brick and mortar" business that need the products and services of an internet marketing business. Why limit yourself? What better way of gaining experience and credibility than working with someone locally? We sometimes don't see the potential for business right in front of us and have a tendency to make things more difficult than they need to be. Use some local marketing strategies for your web based businesses.
Step out of your comfort zone and join the local Chamber of Commerce or local business networking groups. There are many ways of reaching these local businesses, whether you run an ad in the newspaper, send out flyers and brochures, do mail out campaigns, put up a notice in a local community center or tell your neighbours. Post an ad on your local Craig's List section or in your telephone directory. Let your creative juices flow and get started today. I posted a flyer at my local post office and gained an excellent client that I still have today. Local businesses need you just as much as the business across the country and you may find it easier since you are close by.
Local businesses to target are real estate agents, doctors, law firms, financial services providers, insurance agents, retail stores and other small businesses in your area. Try partnering with another local business whereby you have your marketing material displayed in their office, market your material through Welcome Wagon or as a package with the local realtors. Offer these clients the same proposals that you do to your online clients but maybe give them a special incentive because they are local. You will probably have to remind them you work "virtually" and educate them on the process of transmitting work electronically, by fax, mail or courier. Establish guidelines that apply to clients whether they are next door or a thousand miles away. There should be no difference.
Internet marketing is important to every business and by becoming known in your community as the local expert can only help increase your client base. You may be a home based internet business but the local businesses need you too. If you don`t go after their business someone else who provides internet marketing services from another part of the world will claim them as their own. Take advantage of every opportunity - both local and global.
Carol Ann Quibell is a professional Virtual Assistant, freelance writer and social media content marketing specialist with over 25 years of extensive management, writing and administrative experience. She works closely with small businesses and entrepreneurs providing the services needed to assist them in reaching their goals. http://www.loracvs.com
Dania