In recent years, there has been a significant push toward promoting local businesses and facilitating local development. Consumers are realizing more with each passing day the necessity of supporting local development by supporting local businesses.

Arguably the most influential and noteworthy effort that has benefited small businesses is the Shop Small campaign. In fact, with such a powerful design and message, Shop Small events have raked in over $5.5 billion for local businesses in the United States since the campaign’s inception in 2010. There is no denying the fact that local businesses are on the rise.

Despite the fact that small businesses still face a large number of unique challenges, the top-performing companies are experiencing exponential growth and profit. What are these most successful small businesses doing that makes them so effective? The secret exists in the revolutionary influence of internet marketing and local SEO.

The Power of the Internet

The internet has undeniably shaped the ways in which we interact with the world. It has streamlined a multitude of everyday processes and introduced countless conveniences to our lives.

When the global power of the internet meets the unique, personal approach of your local business, they produce unparalleled results. By understanding the necessity of internet marketing and search engine optimization (SEO) in the world today and following the guidelines set out in this post, you can unlock the lucrative benefits of internet marketing and SEO for your local business.

While some already have a firm understanding of internet marketing and local SEO, variations in definitions and understandings of those definitions exist. Additionally, it is essential to make the distinction between the two. In order to be as accurate as possible, we will begin with definitions.

What is Internet Marketing?

Internet marketing refers to the advertising and marketing efforts that use the internet to drive direct sales via electronic commerce, including leads from websites and emails. Internet marketing includes email marketing and social media marketing.

Internet marketing is the more human aspect of the two. It focuses on interactions among people. One of the primary avenues that facilitate human interaction is social media. Social sites, such as Facebook and Google+, allow customers and companies to engage in open dialogue and reach one another in a matter of seconds.

Providing remarkable content online is one of the best practices and most strategic approaches of internet marketing. Not only does this method increase brand awareness among readers of the website, but it also educates consumers on topics that interest them, ultimately building trust between provider and consumer.

What is Local SEO?

Local SEO is a highly effective form of local online marketing that allows local businesses to promote their services at the exact time customers are looking for your type of business.

Local SEO uses search engines like Google and business directories like Yelp to rank higher in local results and appear as a credible source when customers are looking to purchase your products or services. Local SEO is the more technical aspect of the two, as it focuses on keywords, links, and page content.

Just like with internet marketing, providing remarkable content that is educational and relevant is one of the best practices of local SEO. High-quality content that is frequently posted builds trust and increases credibility among search engines, ultimately producing a higher organic search engine ranking.

 

Global Power of the Internet for Your Local Business

The influence of internet marketing and local SEO on your local business is huge. If it isn’t clear by now, allow us to stress this concept again: Internet marketing and local SEO is essential to maximizing your local business’s reach, profit, and unlocking its full potential.

Think about it this way: The internet can be accessed from anywhere around the world. What does this mean for your local business? It means you are unlocking the global power of internet marketing and local SEO for your local business.

More and more customers are turning to the internet when looking for a product or service. As a local business in the modern age, you must take advantage of this fact and leverage your business through internet marketing and local SEO.

5 Quick Facts About Internet Marketing and Local SEO

Still not convinced? The facts don’t lie. According to recent information released by BrightLocal, one of the most highly respected businesses in the world of SEO, internet marketing, and local SEO is becoming more important than ever.

The following 5 reasons give specific insight into what can occur when your local business utilizes internet marketing and local SEO effectively:

 1.  More than 60 percent of customers use online search engines and directories as their main way to find local businesses. This means that you may be missing out on more than half of all potential customers by failing to have a local online presence.

 2.  Local search marketing is highly targeted and timely. There’s no better time to connect with your customers than when they’re looking to connect with you.

 3.  Local directories produce the highest conversion levels of all local advertising channels. Conversion rates in some online directories are as high as 50 percent.

 4.  Mobile internet usage is growing rapidly. Internet marketing and local SEO help to convert the growing number of leads who use mobile devices to search for products and services online into customers.

 5.  Return on investment is impressive. Through local SEO’s strategic approach, customers find the information when they are looking for products or services, making local SEO efforts both efficient and cost-effective.

The Future of Internet Marketing and Local SEO

While internet marketing and local SEO cover a major section of modern marketing efforts, they are projected to influence marketing efforts even more in the future. This is true for several reasons:

First, the use of mobile devices is projected to continue growing at a rapid rate in the years ahead. The percentage of online searches performed on mobile devices has grown consistently each year and on-the-go searches are becoming more frequent.

Secondly, competition among local businesses is increasing. Every year, thousands of new businesses are created. More competition can result in reduced sales for your business. In order to combat the competition, it is imperative that your business establishes its credibility with customers and build a loyal following.

Finally, Google loves local businesses. The most popular search engine in the world consistently becomes smarter and better at providing its users with the most relevant, helpful results. In order to hop on board and take off with this great opportunity, you should start your internet marketing and local SEO efforts as soon as possible.

So What Are You Waiting For?

Internet marketing and local SEO is essential for a local business to reach its potential in today’s market, and this is just the beginning. Contact us at Teamwork Solutions® for more information regarding internet marketing and local SEO and learn how your business can take advantage of this invaluable approach today!