Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Local Is Where the Money Is

Local search companies are raking in the VC because that's where the greatest opportunity in search is today. To wit, ReachLocal netted $55.2 million in venture funding, while Outside.in received a $1.5 million investment.

Google is putting boots on the ground, hiring contractors to meet in person with local businesses to get them to at least try free listings in hopes that the added exposure will lead them to buying enhanced ads.

Education will be a major component of this effort as many local businesses still don't get that the ROI of online marketing is several times greater than print advertising. It's not rocket science to understand that paying for ads for people who are looking for your service or product is much more cost-effective than blanketing the general population in hopes that one in a hundred reader gives a hoot.

This is a huge opportunity for local Chamber of Commerce groups. Imagine if they hired search marketing experts to get their companies strategic placement. They could gain incredible loyalty from businesses and generate substantial revenue for their city/town if they could master the art of local search marketing.

Posted By John Gartner at 09:56 AM
Permanent Link: Local Is Where the Money Is | Comments (1)

(1) Comments on Local Is Where the Money Is

Realizing that education is the biggest obstacle, my partner and I have been working on an educational resource for local Internet marketing. However, our approach is to teach local businesses how to build marketing systems using the tools and marketing venues that are readily available online.

As I talk to local businesses owners I find their biggest problem is lacking of knowledge on how the Internet can benefit their business. And it is that lack of knowledge that often results in paying web designer to build ineffective web sites that provide no revenue.

We have not officially launched the Local Online Marketing Association, but when we do our goal is to provide the most extensive resource for local business owners. We want these businesses to take charge of their Internet marketing and to reach profitable customers online.

Comments by Fred Waters : Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 08:54 AM

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