Why Local Internet Advertising  Is Crucial for Local Businesses.  

It’s a fact. The Internet has taken over as the primary means by which consumers seek and find the information they are looking for.

A major paradigm shift took place in April of 2009 when Google brought local businesses into the mainstream of organic searches with Local Business Results on the top page. You’ve probably seen these lately if you did your own local search for a restaurant, or a plumber, or practically any goods or services.
It’s the area with a local map with red pins and a listing down the right side. The good news, is, these are FREE listings to any local business.

Now, that’s where it ends for many local businesses. If you do a cursory click through on many of these, you may only find an address and phone number. Some have a website, most don’t! If they do have a webpage, it’s, well, sadly lacking. Many have incorrect information!

More on web sites in the next  article.

Consider the following:

·         Over 70% of US households turn to the Internet as their primary source for information.
NOT the Yellow Pages or local newspaper anymore!

·         Over 50% of all business shoppers turn to a search engine first when looking for any kind of locally based product or service

·         This number is increasing by over 50% a year!

·         90% of major purchases are made within 50 miles of a person’s home. ~ Kelsey

·         Nearly 50% of all searches on Google included an geographic identifier, i.e. city/zip code

·         Over 85% of these people followed up with a phone call or email

·         Over 61% made a purchase off line

·         Over 84% of US based searches were local searches looking for local businesses

Advertising  spent for local advertising … 

·         3 Billion in 2008… 

·         13 Billion by 2010! 

The point is that local businesses are transferring their advertising dollars from traditional media , i.e. Yellow Pages, local news papers, etc. to more effective online media.

The Problem for Local Businesses face in Local Internet Advertising 

Most local businesses have no strategy to implement any kind of meaningful Internet Advertising. Practically every month the Internet changes and in many cases exponentially. Keeping up with trends and current changes can be a full time effort as search engine algorithms change unexpectedly, ranking is dynamic and ever changing.

This is why finding an experienced Internet Advertising Consultant is essential and preferable than going it alone.
FACT:  The average local business person who attempts their own Internet Marketing will likely get mediocre results at best, and likely fail.

Therefore, It is essential for any one serious about creating a lasting web presence seek a professional experienced in Local Internet Advertising.

J Gary Dean is an experienced Internet Advertising Consultant specializing in helping local businesses gain top ranking on the Internet.

Visit his Local Advertising website: www.NCInternetAdvertising.com