25 ways to market a local website...

[cdrom1]

Hi guys...

I want to get around 25 tactics for marketing a local website.

For example: Let's say 'Sacramento, CA Haircuts'

So right now I have these 3 tactics:

submit to Google Maps: http://www.google.com/local/add
craigslist: craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums
press release with keywords: Online Marketing through Press Release Distribution - PRWeb
then backpage (not sure how good this one is): Free classifieds - backpage.com


Can we make a thread were people add their best resources for seo marketing of local services?

This is a huge market...Please add any good techniques/resources you can offer!

[AmyBrown]

To market a local business:

- Add business to Yelp if it's not on the site. If it is and has good reviews consider adding a Yelp badge to the customer's site
- Youtube and other video marketing

Assuming ongoing involvement or client training:
- Create associated Twitter account
- Facebook fan page
- Myspace

[dave147]

offline marketing with business cards and flyers

[Jagged]

Set up a "Related but Non-Competing" inter-business referral program between clients...

CA Haircuts refer to local Nail Salons...Nail Salons refer to local Day Spa's

Lawyers refer to Chiropractors....Chiropractors refer to Nerologists...

Limo / Taxi Companies refer to Restaurants.... Restaurants refer to Florists...

Pool installer/supplier refer to Landscaper.... Landscaper refer to Patio Furniture store...

Works for most any type of business...

Could be done via websites, inter-store signage, social network marketing or even cash register receipts...

I use this type of business promotions with my clients...it works great! I actually set up an affiliate type program between them so multiple referrals earn rewards...
(it's a great way to attract new clients too)

Good Luck,
Ken

[AmyBrown]

Originally Posted by Jagged

I use this type of business promotions with my clients...it works great! I actually set up an affiliate type program between them so multiple referrals earn rewards...
(it's a great way to attract new clients too)

Very interesting! Can you share any details on how you've set this up?

[Jagged]

Hi Amy,

In a nutshell...


It's pretty easy to set up actually. I got the idea from Mike Filsaime. It's kind of my spin on "Integration Marketing"...adding an "offline" twist to it..... Instead of using a thank you page to promote JV ventures....I used cash register receipts to promote other "affiliate" businesses. We would code the cash register receipt with a neighboring business or other "like" business. (Most registers have a phone # on the side to do this)
Something similar to:

"Cool off from all these Hot Deals at Rosa's Ice Cream Parlor, 2 doors down. 15% with this receipt"

"Been in an Accident? We can fix your neck but Percy & Benson Law can fix a lot more. Show receipt for FREE Consultation."

We started to add a code so we can track where referrals were coming from....assigning each client with their own code.
It grew to adding coded banner links on websites, to emails & newsletters, to inter-store signage or coupons to using Twitter & Facebook....

Rewards were added as "incentives" between the clients...such as "refer 3 & get a free massage"....."refer 3 & receive a free shampoo & cut"...."every referral earns a $50.00 Gift Certificate".....you get the Idea.

Recently we added a "customer referral" program...where the email customer base of participating clients refers 3 to receive special discounts or rewards.

I started approaching new businesses with this "affiliate" concept...one's that complimented my existing clients. Once I was able to start talking to them...It opened the door for me to offer my other services to them, such as web design or re-design, email marketing or geo-targeted advertising.

The "Affiliate" program works well with most any type of business.
If your client is in a "strip mall"...try promoting neighboring businesses...
If your client is a "service related business" such as an A/C-Heating Contractor....promote other service related businesses like Landscapers or Pool Contractors...
If your client is in the Medical professions...promote other medical specialties...
I can think of at least 1000 other combinations....

This is just the basics....there's much more detail to it but would take forever to map out here...

Add's another revenue stream for offline businesses to set-up & manage monthly...


Good Luck,
Ken

[ScottFox]

Here are three for your list:

1. Don't forget basic SEO on the site: Your local keywords (including local city and neighborhood) should be on all key pages. Put them in the meta tags, page title, and in some descriptive visible text, too.
These steps will help the search engines categorize your site's pages appropriately.

2. Local links exchange: Approach other businesses in your local area and exchange links with their sites. Try the local Chamber of Commerce, high school, pizza parlor, etc.

3. Join social networks: Create profiles and pages for your business on Facebook and other social services, especially those that offer "local groups" options that you can join easily.

Much more on these tactics on my web site - there's even a full hour free podcast on local marketing.

I hope that helps your business!

[AmyBrown]

Ken - Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to share your strategy. I just got back from talking to a client (hairdresser) and am going to implement a referral strategy with a neighboring nail salon. Both business owners are excited and I got a free haircut!

Scott - I read e-Riches 2.0 a few weeks ago and your concept of the reputation cloud helped me expand on services I was offering to clients. I'm headed straight over to the podcast now

[johnben1444]

You might want to download this FREE 325 page ebook on the science of making money online. It contain everything you need from start an e-commerce website of your own to getting your site listed on the top pages of the major search engines.

[alexanderallard]

Go to local groups and ask the leader of the group to be your partner then offer something to their members with the support of their leader .. So their leader will be your affiliate partner that will earn commission

[ezeey]

Fliers, Posters anything physical basically, get your URL visible and in the face of the public.

[alexanderallard]

Originally Posted by privateer

A spin on the affiliate thing. I just convinced my first client (go me!) to start networking with local event planners. He wanted to get more of the special events bulk orders for his liquor store. I got him to e-mail a bunch of event planners offering to provide a free bartender with special event orders over $2000. They only condition is the bartender has to be allowed to leave out tip jar.

I've got some friends who are freelance bartenders that will do 300 person + events for 20 bucks if they can leave out a tip jar. I gave him their card, and everybody won.

Yep, another spin and hit the target We'll just need to be creative and look for WIN/WIN

[ScottFox]

Amy - Glad that you liked my new book. Please spread the word! I worked really hard to fill e-Riches 2.0 full of current and detailed online marketing advice (not just ebook fluff!).
That "reputation cloud" concept seems to be helping a lot of people understand social media better. (And free podcasts never hurt either, right?)

I also love your JC Watts quote there in your sig. I'm adding it to our list at www.365SuccessQuotes.com with hat tip to you!

AlexanderAllard - love your sig too! LOL.

[Jagged]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

Ken - Thanks! I appreciate you taking the time to share your strategy. I just got back from talking to a client (hairdresser) and am going to implement a referral strategy with a neighboring nail salon. Both business owners are excited and I got a free haircut!

Anytime Amy,
Good luck on your referral strategy...Let me know how it turns out for you...and let me know if I can help in anyway. I'm still fine tuning my system...but any advice I can offer...I'll gladly pass along...just PM me if you need anything.
Getting the free stuff is always good...lol I've gotten some cool things so far...I always seem to work them in somehow...lol Free Massages, Dinners, Gift Certificates....even Legal Advice.
Oh...Don't forget to ask for a referral yourself...

Good Luck,
Ken

[Jagged]

Did we reach 25 way yet?

Let's see...we have:

1.) Google Local (maps) (Do Bing local & yahoo local also)
2.) Craigslist
3.) Backpage
4.) Press Releases
5.) Yelp
6.) YouTube
7.) Social Network Marketing
8.) Business cards / Flyers
9.) Local Geo-Targeted SEO
10.) Local link exchanges
11.) local Chamber of Commerce
12.) Inter-business Affiliate Program

I'll also throw into the mix

13.) Local business directories
14.) Blogs
15.) Meetup.com Groups
16.) School / College newspapers
17.) Church bulletins
18.) Car window or magnet signage
19.) Local Small Business Association
20.) Community Bulletin Boards at local super markets
21.) Local home shows / boat shows / auto shows
22.) Local Print Ads, Penny Savers, Value-Paks
23.) TV / Cable TV / Radio
24.) Word of mouth / family & friends
25.) Promotional contests / giveaways
26.)......................................
27.)......................................

Keep it going....

Good Luck,
Ken

[dealxrated]

I do not think this has been mentioned yet but I would say if you can incorprate your offline business online that would be good. Meaning ecommerce that would be fun.

[cdrom1]

thanks for the suggestions so far...

I'm sort of looking for online tactics to show up tops when people search Google for city, state + niche.

Like, Yahoo submit, other sites that cater well to local search etc...

I'm sure the business cards and flyers can help too, but I can't really offer this to my clients because they are out of state.

any other websites to submit to or that can be used in some way?

I guess one major thing is to search for portals in the specific city and try to get link posted.

more ideas anyone?

[arnoldschwartz]

Some great tips I would also add making a blog and linking it to the site, you get backlinks and your site gets crawled more ebcuase blogs are spidered like crazy by google.

[AmyBrown]

One way to find relevant local directories is to google keyword location - for example Detroit Hair Salon, then click Show Options in the blue bar above the results. Select Reviews. This should give you quite a few directories and review sites. You can add or complete profiles for the business you are promoting.

In addition to Reviews you can click Videos or Forums under Options to find backlink opportunities.

[cdrom1]

Great idea Amy, thanks!!!...that is one of the best ideas I've seen...

[tonyscott]

Have some shoes made with the url of the business website embossed on the soles. Carry a large inkpad everywhere you go in the local area. Simply ink up and walk.

NB. The success of this method depends on a)the length of the url, b)the size of your feet and c)local laws re. litter/graffiti.

Tony

[MBeshr]

ok,that is very good
can you try my 50 seotips in my sig.
these will help you more to promote your website


thanks
MBeshr

[AmyBrown]

This is an excellent resource for local search that I'd forgotten about:

Local Search Ranking Factors | Google & Yahoo Local SEO Best Practices

[cdrom1]

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

This is an excellent resource for local search that I'd forgotten about:

Local Search Ranking Factors | Google & Yahoo Local SEO Best Practices

thanks for yet another great resource.
anymore?

[gus89]

I believe that the aforementioned techniques are all great. At the same time the above tactics, in my opinion, should always be used to complement a solid seo effort.

[HomeBizNizz]

Originally Posted by MBeshr

can you try my 50 seotips in my sig.
these will help you more to promote your website

"Sarch Engine Optimization Tips"...?

[johnhoefer]

Excellet idea! This search is giving me all sorts of opportunities and ideas!

Originally Posted by AmyBrown

One way to find relevant local directories is to google keyword location - for example Detroit Hair Salon, then click Show Options in the blue bar above the results. Select Reviews. This should give you quite a few directories and review sites. You can add or complete profiles for the business you are promoting.

In addition to Reviews you can click Videos or Forums under Options to find backlink opportunities.

[Josiah]

Word of Mouth would have to top the list...

Think of ways you can create a lot of "buzz" so people start spreading the word FOR you...

There's an amazing book called "buzz marketing" @ Amazon that's all about this method of marketing...

It's got to be one of the funnest ways to advertise, that's for sure!

Josiah

[iw433]

Thanks youse guys, great info!!

[loriezkie]

Hi guys, I'm just new here... thank;s for all the information and post in marketing not only online but also offline... Feel free to feed me more info...

[Ehanson]

I do Craigslist, SEO and all the other standard methods. Plus, I link back to complimentary local websites. Link to their website and then send them an email to notifying you did that, most times they will link back to you as a thank you.

Twitter is also good for promoting local websites as local newspapers, citizens and other local webmasters want to keep up on what's going on around town; if you're a good source for that you'll gain visitors.

Finally, check out Everyblock.com and see if they will syndicate info from your site, this works very well with local blogs.

[Traffic-Bug]

Use printed flyers, posters etc. that get inserted into locally distributed newspapers, magazines, rented books, loaned library books, etc.?

[Don Schenk]

Here are some more...

- on advertising specialties like pens and mugs
- on business cards
- on letterhead
- on the outside of all envelopes used for mailing
- on the bags customers carry their purchases in
- on the products themselves with a sticker
- on magnets for the customer's fridge
- on the sides of your automobile
- on the rear window of automobile
- on the display windows
- on T-shirts
- sponsor a little league sports team -on their shirts


:-Don

[Dan C. Rinnert]

Originally Posted by Don Schenk

- on the sides of your automobile
- on the rear window of automobile

Check with your insurance company before doing that on your automobile. If your vehicle is insured as a personal vehicle and you get in an accident with it when it has signs displayed (including magnetic signs) for a business, your insurance company could refuse to cover it because it was not insured as a business vehicle.

Just something people should be aware of and look into if their vehicle is not already insured as a business vehicle.