There are numerous ways to market your local South African business on the internet.There is the paid adds, SEO ranking, Google+ Local, social platforms and lots more. So many different options and just as many people trying to convince you to buy the next best thing in online marketing. But how do you know which ones are effective and will have a reasonable ROI. Yes, ROI. Online marketing is still marketing and you should know exactly what your ROI is, why else should you do this then ? To loose money? No I didn't think so.
It does not matter what your online marketing strategy is, if its not profitable, its not working. Local businesses are even more vulnerable. There is most likely no IT savvy people working at small local businesses to warn them against potential scammers and fake SEO and online marketing providers. It is best for the local business owner to do his own local marketing or work with someone who has proof of their performance claims. If they say they will rank your site or market your business in Google+ Local then ask to see proof. Always ask for proof before you pay.
So enough about these snake oil salesman posing as SEO Gurus. Back to the topic.
Google+ Local.
If you are a business owner in South Africa right now , you are in luck. Google changed the rules again, but in your favour this time. Google Places was replaced with Google+ Local. This is Googles attempt to combine the local business aspect and social . Awesome Idea in my opinion.
So how does this help you as a business owner? Well go and get a Google + account and then make sure your business is listed in Google Maps. If it is listed then simly go and claim your local business page in your Google+ account. If it is not go to Google Map Maker and go create your business listing.
Right now all the listings have been removed and must be reclaimed by the owners before they will show up in Google. So go claim yours first and be the first one in.
It does not matter what your online marketing strategy is, if its not profitable, its not working. Local businesses are even more vulnerable. There is most likely no IT savvy people working at small local businesses to warn them against potential scammers and fake SEO and online marketing providers. It is best for the local business owner to do his own local marketing or work with someone who has proof of their performance claims. If they say they will rank your site or market your business in Google+ Local then ask to see proof. Always ask for proof before you pay.
So enough about these snake oil salesman posing as SEO Gurus. Back to the topic.
Google+ Local.
If you are a business owner in South Africa right now , you are in luck. Google changed the rules again, but in your favour this time. Google Places was replaced with Google+ Local. This is Googles attempt to combine the local business aspect and social . Awesome Idea in my opinion.
So how does this help you as a business owner? Well go and get a Google + account and then make sure your business is listed in Google Maps. If it is listed then simly go and claim your local business page in your Google+ account. If it is not go to Google Map Maker and go create your business listing.
Right now all the listings have been removed and must be reclaimed by the owners before they will show up in Google. So go claim yours first and be the first one in.
Its easier to stay in then to get in when its crowded.
Now go and take action. Get your local business on the first page of your local Google.
