Small businesses don't have tons of money to spend on marketing, so we tend to be very careful where that money gets spent and watch for ways we can maximize free sources of marketing.
Online review websites offer one of those opportunities!
The vast majority of people turn to the internet to research products, businesses, and services. No doubt you have a website to help get the word out about your business, but does it rank high in Google? When you type in your business' name, do you get more than one Google result that would attract potential customers?
Online review websites like Yelp, Yahoo Local, Google+ Local and many others give your customers a place to leave feedback, tips, and information for others interested in using your services or buying your products. These websites have set up a page just for your business by pulling information from public records or third party data aggregators. They have also made it possible for you to claim that page, update the information about your business, and even respond to your customers who have left comments.
Take the time to visit each of the major review websites for your particular industry. Many of these sites do not charge a fee for claiming your business' page and making updates.
You can also generate positive web content by starting a YouTube channel where you post instructional videos for your clients. Think about the common questions and concerns your clients have - can you do a video to help?
Social media sites like Google+, Facebook, and Pinterest are great places to promote your business and connect with customers and having a page on each of these sites generates another link to your business that will show up in search engine results.
Depending on the nature of your business, your staffing, and comfort with technology, many of the positive web content options can be used at no-cost to increase your standing on search engines and your presence as an expert in your field.
Ann Pearson is the CEO of Impressions Review Managing, LLC, a company committed to empowering small businesses to use online reviews to increase their online presence, improve business practices, and market services or products. For more information on IRM's services and programs, visit www.impressionsrm.com.
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