Archive for Internet
Are Google Maps Sufficient?
Posted by: | CommentsAs a Small Business Internet Consultant I often refer clients to a variety of tools that can be used to create or enhance an online exposure. As part of our services these accounts are set up for the client and tied into their website.
One of the free tools that Google provides is the opportunity to have your business listed with Google Maps pointing to the location of your premises. By submitting your business through your Google account (you do have one don’t you) the chances of getting a listing on the front page are high. There is a good chance that Google products such as Maps will rank highly.
But is it enough?
I am writing this post through a personal experience when looking for a refrigerator mechanic and after exhausting the local business directory I submitted a search query through Google. At the top of the first page was a list of business’s that related to the query. Of those that seemed relevant, only one listing referred me to a website that informed me of his services and area covered.
The website is simple, to the point and by the information provided had qualified me as a potential customer. I then engaged his services.
There is a few points to the story.
- The business had been listed on Google maps giving good exposure to search queries.
- A website backed up his Google Business listing.
- I had been qualified as a potential customer through the location on Google Maps and the information provided on the website.
- From an efficiency point of view he was not taking inquiries that did not directly relate to his business.
In summary Google business listing is a great way to get noticed through search queries and a website is not necessary to obtain a business listing but!
Complimented by a website that qualifies your customers and provides a call to action can make these tools combined a powerful selling force.
Is small business aware of the internet.
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I had the opportunity to set up a Wordpress site for two small business clients who did not even know how to directly find a website or navigate a site let alone how to down load a document. What they did know was that they needed to establish an online presence even though they were unsure how it worked.
After their site had been set up, I had the task of not only helping them to update their site, but how to find it in the first place. I am happy to say that not only can they now use their browser but can also now update their site by adding copy and images. I will show them videos at a later stage.
At first I agonised at the difficulty of the task, but then came the pleasure of seeing these people who had been in business for a long time now moving to the next phase and embracing, even showing some excitement about what an online presence can do for them.
My specialty is to help small business to establish an online presence and coming from a traditional business background I can understand the apprehension of some business owners. However my experiences with the above mentioned small business people has shown me, that the need to establish an online presence is being recognized.
Even small business’s that don’t even vaguely understand the internet are aware of the importance of owning their piece of real estate in cyber space.
Are your competitors with an online presence playing the business game with a distinct advantage?
Do you know the importance of having an online presence that works?
It is a fact that people now use the internet to search for the products or services they require.
If your business does not have an online presence or one that can’t be found with targeted keywords then you are missing these potential customers.
Traditional advertising mediums now use the internet as part of their advertising product package.
Why? Because it works!
Have you been confused and frustrated by an overload of information or even misled by the technical jargon spewed from the mouth of the so called experts and therefore not proceeded to establish an effective presence online?
Richard Hansen is an internet consultant with a difference.
Richard and his team specialise in setting up small business’s with an online presence that works. We offer flexible solutions to suit your business and offer full consultancy and implementation and will provide you with the tools to be able to update your site as you please.
Having operated a traditional business for 21 years Richard Hansen understands what business requires and can explain the procedure in plain, simple language designed to help you understand the process.
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