Showing posts with label local business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local business. Show all posts

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

How to Create a Group for Your Local Business on Facebook

Facebook offers local businesses many different tools and features that can help them effectively market their businesses. The good thing about these features is that they are currently free, which means it is the best time to take advantage of them in your social networking.

One of the most useful tools available to help businesses build a loyal following is the Facebook “group” feature. Facebook groups are not entirely different from Facebook pages; the only difference is that the group revolves around a particular group of people rather than a brand.

Below are simple steps you can take to create a Facebook group:

1. Sign in to your account and click on the link labeled “Groups” on the left side of the home page.

2. The top bar menu will appear and you should click on “create a new group.”

3. A form will open with fields that you will need to fill. Some of them are mandatory while some are optional. Some of the fields you will need to fill include but not limited to group name, description, is your group public or private, picture upload and many others. To create a group that will not leave any questions, it is important that you fill all the provided fields.

4. After you have successfully created the group, you can now take your time to invite people to the group. You can promote the group through other social networks outside of Facebook, such as inside your business establishment, blogs and other effective social media sites.

It is important to start by inviting people who know you as this will prevent any spamming reports or blocking. Another important thing is to keep your group as active as possible. Active groups are more popular and are more likely to give you results.

Do not overlook the power of Facebook groups in your social networking strategies, as they have proven to be very effective in generating more exposure for small businesses.

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

How to Be Proactive When Building Online Reviews

Online reviews are a crucial part of any business because they act as a window that shows the public “how good” your business really is.

This means you have to be pay close attention to what is being said about your business from social networks because this will directly impact the number of consumers who will actually choose to do business with you.

If you have several positive reviews posted from satisfied customers, other people will want to experience those benefits for themselves. In fact, the more reviews you have, the better.

As a result, your sales will increase. So it is crucial that you set up, claim, and verify all of your local directory listings to open up social networks for your customers to leave reviews.

This includes Google+ Local, CitySearch, YellowPages, InsiderPages, Yelp, SuperPages, MerchantCircle; among many others.

Once you set up these listings, more people will be able to:
Find your business
Leave reviews for your business
See what others have to say about your business

You may be wondering “how” you should go about getting reviews from your customers… Simply ask them to go online and let others know what they think about your products or services. This should not be a daunting task and many would be happy to do so.

You can effectively ask for reviews through word of mouth, on your receipts, on your website, on your social media sites, and any other feasible method.

While your focus will be placed on getting positive reviews, keep in mind that some of your unhappy customers will also post their opinions about your products or services online; and that’s OK. A few bad online reviews are to be expected, but when they exceed the number of positive reviews, your reputation is at stake.

So it is critical that you stay up-to-date about what is being said about your business online. This way, you will have a chance to respond to any negativity, which will show people that you actually care about your customers.

Following just these few simple tips and the advantages of social networking will help protect your brand, generate fresh leads, and build loyal customers online.

Wednesday, 27 June 2012

Receive Top Level With Social Media + Social Networking = New SEO Google Momentum?

Facebook is among the elite social networks or social media sites YouTube, Twitter, Google Buzz, Friendster, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Digg, Flixster, tasty and have a million registered users. But what the site has to do with search engine ranking, SEO and online visibility?

The importance of social networking sites can not be overlooked, or just leave your competitors wrangle with. It was recently announced that Facebook for registered users has grown rapidly and now more than ½ billion.! Information Week last September shocked many people when he revealed that Americans spent 685,000 hours or 41.1 million minutes on Facebook in August, compared with 39.8 million. Minutes spent on Google, according to comScore Yahoo ranked third place with 37.7 million. Minutes "With the combined global strength of the North 2 billion social networking site users. Ignoring Social Media Today is a big mistake that all companies try to create a successful campaign towards the online presence, SEO and Online Exposure should not exceed at any cost to avoid.

FusionCharts.

Defining social media, social networking and social marketing

Wikipedia describes social media as the media of social interaction, using highly accessible and scalable publishing techniques. Are you too many are still wondering what is social media site, and why you should attend? I stand before you to assure you that you are not alone. To help explain this relatively new phenomenon in Social Networking / Media site is a site that goes beyond just providing information, it is a Web site or Internet site that contains the user interface. Interaction rate can be as simple as rating something to fill the poll or vote. Successful social networking sites tend to be more complex and multilayered. For example, examination of the very successful Facebook, Facebook users to perform multiple tasks, often within the same login session. Facebook users often recommend something to someone with similar interests, posting links, pictures and videos and enjoy fixing their "voice", including Facebook followers.

Sites that are primarily information portals such as Wikipedia, to serve their customers primarily in a single layer, such as how to answer the question. Although the news site such as The New York Times offers its customers until now, national and international news. It was easy to see that ratcheting "social" aspect of the site and providing a level of interoperability is essential to maintain consumer interest. Less successful (social) websites often offer only a single layer or an primitive "socialness, but what really determines the success exception of Social Media and (or) network of sites is also running in different layers of social interaction in the inclusion of its users. This interaction and the social nature of these sites is what keeps the customers returning again and again.

Internet marketing and SEO campaign is essential to success, but social media has a strong future of Central Play!

Until recently, the Google way to get the best techniques and strategies used by SEO companies. A successful SEO campaign meant adjusting the optimization tactics and techniques, based on what could be slaughtered or constructs of the Google algorithm is tested in conjunction with other SEO techniques. Website SEO campaign traditionally consists of two separate but equally important components, site optimization, the daily off-site optimization.

Optimizing your site often, a new topical and optimized website content, ensuring the proper key, and use keyword density, linking other relevant pages within the site and linking out to sound authoritative and highly rated external sites. External or off site SEO capacity of networking (back links) site of origin from other authoritative high Google page rank of sites, blogs, press releases and more.

Although these two standardized elements of SEO campaign can not be reduced in importance, but the impact of online and SEO, Social Media and Social Networking one-third (new) The importance of the inclusion of the component can not be overlooked. To confirm the Social Media push to add a value, just look at the mainstream media such as TV, magazines, etc. Television advertisements constantly pointed references to Facebook, Twitter, and magazine ads tout Follow us on Twitter or visit our Facebook page " clearly the third component of the Internet impact, because the level of not only become mainstream, but is quickly becoming an important marketing tool.

It seems clear that the roll, it is important that social media and social networking sites taking a mandated approach to the three components of SEO. What is apparent is the extent of participation and level of participation, as well as how to properly use and take advantage of social media and social networks.

Today, social media remains a mystery to most businesses and organizations that are ideal strategy and level of participation in general is scheduled in and knowledge of, and even sometimes some even C-level management understanding. When the organization has left scratching their collective heads, while maintaining an experienced, well-working social media optimization, SEO company can tender an important advantage of the need to triumph over their respective competition. 80's and 90's it was understood that many companies have a higher PR firm. Today, new media or SEO Internet Marketing Company is quickly becoming the de facto standard to reach the masses quickly pay for it in a positive return on investment (ROI).

Back to the future installments of old windows in our series of articles highlighting the SMO / SEO and the importance of social networks. Other article topics include:

First How to leverage social media.
Second What needs to be budgeted toward the CMO / SEO takes time and money?
Third How do I save the best CMO / SEO company for your money.
4th What kind of content and materials should be posting?
5th How to write methodology. Meet your business needs and vertical slot to get from social media and social networks.

These sources provide detailed lists of today's social media and social networking sites.

* Wikipedia. This is a list of major active social networking sites, dating sites and do not.

* SocialMediaWebsites.com. Full of social media and social networking sites.

* Traffikd.com. Updated frequently and breaks down the social media site type, ie food, consumer, fashion, etc.

* InsideCRM.com. 50 social sites to the needs of every business presence.

About the Author

NYC SEO provides attention to clients and deliver measurable success through Online Business Marketing, when providing search engine optimization services.

Friday, 22 June 2012

How Does Google Places Being Replaced By Google+ Local Effect Your Business?

Well the big news overnight is that Google Places as we know it is winding up and being replaced with Google + Local results instead. This comes as no surprise to us here as Google Places has been plagued with a multitude of issues since it was born out of Google Maps back in 2010. The fact that Google Places had extremely limited user interaction was also a major thorn in Google's side, as Facebook Business Pages had market domination for this very reason.

What Has Changed?

There are some notable changes, and these include obviously the new Google + pages now appearing where the Google Places page used to display in organic search results. This has yet to roll out to all countries, although expect it to happen quickly.

In your personal Google + pages there is now an added tab for Google + Local search.

Zagat reviews. Now gone is the 'five gold star' rating system, and replaced with a much more in depth review system, that allows for a better user experience. Reviews are now given out of 30, and there are sub sections of the review process, that includes such things as food, service and even atmosphere for a restaurant review. If you log into your personal Google + account and write a new review, you will now be prompted to import all your previous Google Places reviews into the new format. Your name is now on the line for all to see, and this is a great addition as it will lower the number of fake reviews from your competitors.

The addition of Google + Pages have also extended across to Google Maps. If you have an Android device by default you will also begin to see the inclusion of Google + Pages in organic search results.

All these changes make for a much stronger user experience, and it may prove to be the winning move in Google's long losing streak in the social arena.

What About SEO?

Here is where things get interesting for a business owner. The big news is that Google + Local Pages will now be indexed by Google, as opposed to the Google Places Pages that were not.

So if you like it or not and you have a Google Places Page, it will be automatically converted into a Google + Local Page, and by default you are now in the Social Media Marketing game.

If you are a savvy business owner then see this as massive opportunity, and if you nurture and grow your Google + Local Page then you are going to be rewarded with more traffic to your website, and ultimately more customers.

The SEO benefits of this are a great indication of the way Google is thinking right now, and I really see this as a positive move that will greatly help businesses and the end user.

What Do You Do Now?

If you already have a Google Places Page then expect it to change to a Google + Local page in the coming days. You're going to see an entirely new interface, and if you are not familiar with Google + then it might seem a bit daunting at first. This is not the time to ignore it, as there will be others in your market whom do take advantage and reap the rewards.

The way to build out a Google + Business Page is to do so like you would with anything else Google promote, relevant and valuable. Create content, share content, grow and engage your audience.

There are sure to be more rollouts of changes as Google tweaks and refines their systems and processes, so expect things to bounce around for a while.

Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Effective Local Business Marketing

Does your business survive on local shoppers? Even though you may draw customers from a limited area, you are not necessarily limited in the ways that you can advertise. Many business owners do not specialize in marketing, and after placing a few ads, getting a company listing in the city yellow page book and networking with people they know, they run out of advertising ideas.

Marketing does take time and money, however using creative strategies that people like will bring attention to your business and is more likely to bring in new customers. Here are three low-cost marketing strategies that you can use.

1. How to Get Free Publicity

Start by announcing your business to your community. Are you holding a grand opening event or open house? Writing a short press release to your local newspaper can result in a story written about your company. There are resources online that help you write a press release, and you can even find free templates. If you do not feel comfortable writing your own release, you can always hire a public relations firm to do the job for you.

One news story can go a long way in bringing you business, but you do not need to stop at one. Any time you have news about your business that would interest the community, you can submit another press release. The same release can be sent to radio and TV stations as well.

2. Get Customers to Love You with Coupons

People love to save money. A coupon ad will tend to bring you more customers than a regular advertisement alone, and you do not have to worry about devising a complicated sales pitch.

You can send out coupons in through social networking sites, or run them in local newspapers if you have money to burn!

3. Get Local Online

The yellow pages used to be a powerful advertising tool, but more and more people are using the internet. Local online directories and social networking sites are quickly becoming a popular resource that customers use to find local businesses. You do not have to pay a lot of money to get listed in these directories, and it is an easy way to get more exposure for your company.

Websites like Facebook and Google Local, are high traffic online locations that can help you promote your business with a little effort. An important part of local business marketing is to advertise your company in multiple locations so you can gain the most exposure. If you are limited in the amount of time you can spend marketing, then hire a professional who is dedicated to finding customers on your behalf. Over time, the quality of your service can bring you repeat business and referrals also, so remember to treat your customers well.

Monday, 14 May 2012

Why Is Social Networking So Important To Your Local Business?

If you are a local business and you are still pondering if you need to jump on the bandwagon to social networking sites, you need to read this article. The advantages of social networking are so relevant to big and small players alike, so ignoring the benefits is unwise. Most entrepreneurs are taking advantage of social marketing sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

These businessmen and women are also beginning to ride the power of mobile marketing. If you are still on the fence, then let this information explain why.
Social media is so important right now, especially to the business owners. In fact, the 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report revealed some interesting facts. In the report, it was revealed that 67% of small business owners and self-employed individuals strongly agree that the influence of social media to their businesses is so paramount to their growth. Without a doubt, it is the most effective way to reach and service clients.

Social media platforms that are used in local businesses include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and blogs.

Mobile marketing is also gaining momentum as one of the breakthrough approaches to reaching customers. With 1 in 2 Americans owning a Smartphone, and a third of all adults in the UK using one, ignore this potential at your peril.

But what are the best advantages of social networking sites?

Low Investment Required

Yes, social networking sites offer the opportunity to provide exposure to your local business without breaking the bank. It is because social media is inexpensive that it allows you to challenge big competitors.

You have the option to use the platforms for free. Alternatively, you also have the option to make use of their paid advertising channels such as Facebook paid advertising for faster, laser targeted results. Nevertheless, most of these paid channels are still cheaper than the traditional TV or print ads. When you find the cost of starting a traditional advertising campaign prohibitive due to the small budget of your business, you need to give social media a try.

“Social Networking Sites - The Only Way to Challenge the Big Boys”

Here is the catch. Yes, you can use these social networking sites for free. However, when you want to challenge your competition, it is best to take your marketing to the next level. When you opt to use social networking sites to promote your business locally, hiring a social media expert is simply one of the smartest moves you can make. For the fraction of the cost you would pay to launch a take out a classified ad, advertise in yellow pages, or to post a billboard etc, social networking experts can reach more clients for every pound or dollar spent.

Global Reach

Indeed, the playing field is already even for everyone. With the advent of social networking sites, local businesses can now compete in reaching more prospective clients from all over the world without the high cost barrier.

“Everyone is basically on Facebook or Twitter!“

With 850 million people on Facebook alone, all within your reach, how can you ignore the power of social media marketing?

But where will you start? This is where a social networking expert can help you.

Conclusion

The influence of social networking today is simply the tip of the iceberg. Aside from the fantastic combination of low investment requirement and global reach, there are still so many more benefits to social media. I have a special affinity to Facebook, Pinterest, and mobile marketing. The potential with these sites are so overwhelming that I strongly advocate every business owner to start exploring these mind-blowing tools.

With the help of strategic marketing plans and appropriate software tools, this is definitely the key to taking your business to a new level.

With the opportunity to outsource these tasks to experts for the fraction of the cost of traditional advertising with none of hassle, what are you waiting for?

Contact me now on Skype for an informal chat, my I.D is deonbryan_otg