Offline Marketers... Google launches blog for local business

I am going to ask a fools question. Is google stealing our business? I don't think this is a good thing.

and here's one more key thing to think about...

Google is doing YOU - the local business marketer - a huge FAVOUR.

How so?

One word - awareness.

The more business owners are exposed to local marketing online, the more in demand these services and experts will be.

And subsequently, the more they understand what it's all about, the less "selling" you'll have to do over the phone.

In a few years, awareness will be so high, that local marketing will be run of the mill... maybe even as common as newspaper ads and yellow pages.

No need to explain why or how to your prospective clients... they'll already know that stuff. All that will be left is to build relationships, offer a better service, at a better price, in a quicker time, with better perks than the next guy.

Even if google did provide some sort of service (such as adwords) for local businesses, we are still okay, because coming back to the whole situation again, many business owners won't want to bother doing it themselves. Look at how many adwords campaigns are managed by others

Matt

Agree with Nick.

If Google wants to get the market hungry it will be easier to feed them.

Saves me trying to educate them.

"For years, we’ve focused on building tools like Google Places and Google AdWords that help small businesses grow and succeed online. The tools we build are often free or flexible for any budget, and are already being used by small businesses all around the world. However, we still hear, “Wow, I didn’t know you could do that!” from many small businesses we talk to..."

Just goes to show that you cant reach offline customers online.

There is still a HUUUGE market of people out there who say "wow I didnt know you could do that"... guess we are hearing it straight from the horses mouth.

Thanks Michael.

Lots of small businesses and local businesses clearly have not taken the leap of faith into Online Marketing. And frankly, I don't understand their reasons for holding back. Is it lack of time? Don't they understand the urgency of this?

If they don't take actions now, in a few years, they will fall so far behind the businesses that have taken the steps to build their presence on the Internet.

I have created the blueprint to show these business owners simple steps by steps to implement these online marketing strategies, but so far, nobody wants to buy. What gives???

wow..great find. Looks like it's pretty brand new. It'll be interesting to see what they have in store for the blog

John, mabye with an army of delinquents and felons you could offer some sweet truly offline marketing services to the bail bondsmen by posting graffiti in the jails. Hmm?

In all seriousness, there are definitely hard nuts to crack. I have gone in with all of the confidence in the world to explain why a particular business owner should use my services, but in some cases it just doesn't make sense to them (either business, fiscal or mental).

I just try to turn it into a referral opportunity and offer them $100 for each person they refer to me who purchases any of my services.

A lot of factors go into offline marketing. but one thing is for sure...
It is growing and not stopping.

As more small businesses get an online presences and we do their press releases,,,those other companies...will wished they had an internet presence as well.

And those people who say, oh I do not want it or i have too much busy, if they do not have a website yet...Trust me, they will...All that so-called business will dry up bc 97% of all the generations now and to come with use the internet and everyone else will use who they have always used until they feel they are getting screwed..and then they will search online(duh) or ask a friend. Or they will hear about something better and check it out online..And those low-hanging fruit will pick up the pieces.

Also small business owners..hate to say it and I hope that no one in hear is offended. STOP LOOKING AT YOUR SMALL BUSINESS AS SMALL...BC that is always how you business will be. You have to remember...that everything starts small,,,but thing big thoughts big picture. Think about Jeff Bezos(ceo of amazon) he was in a small little cramped apartment...but he told everyone he was gong to be big...And some people laughed but now what...he makes over 11,000 per hour..i am sure some go to fees, employees, etc etc...but the point is HE THINKS BIG THOUGHTS BIG PICTURES....

Also some small business owners do now want that kind of attention which is a shame...but yet will complain about conditions..

A lot also has to do with beliefs and what they think is possible.

And another thing is that if you plan on marketing your services to someone who is a hard sell then i agree usually is hard to work with them afterwards...Go to their competition and sell to them...

But the best way to get those off line businesses is to find them on the 3 and 4 pages. because they are the really serious ones that want help and know about the internet but have no idea how to get started.

Also some towns and areas do not want it, but they are also the ones that complain...i mean come on...It is all numbers people..

This is awesome news for offline marketers, which seems to be a growing trend. Funny that the best, quickest, surest way to make a living online is going offline. Seems like that's where I started.