SmallBusinessNewz

For small businesses, especially with a local focus, Local Search is an essential ingredient in surviving the turbulent economic times ahead.

Local search plays a key role in getting your business found by potential customers online.

It's no longer just a buzz term. Local Search is a pivotal part of the small business online marketing arsenal. And if you doubt its importance, try this search for "New York Butcher" in Google. Ten local search listings appear at the "TOP" of the results page. Now that's exposure your business needs to survive.

Here's 5 reasons why your business needs Local Search in recessive times:

1. Top Exposure Quickly

Unlike Search Engine Optimization (Organic Search Marketing), Local Search can provide you with top exposure almost instantly. Simply submit your business by creating a listing on the key local search services (most are free), and once your business is accepted - you're primed for vital exposure to potential customers.

2. Comprehensive Business Listings

Local search listings allow you to include far more information about your business than standard search results. These detailed local listings make it easier for customers to choose your business for their needs.

3. Integrated in Web Search Results

As the "New York Butcher" search example above highlights, Local Search is no longer banished to its own vertical results page. Now the major search engines are integrating Local Results into their normal web results. Imagine your business on the front page of Google or Yahoo! - That's a stream of customers you need in tough financial times.

4. More People are Turning to Search for Local Businesses.

Did you know that 60% of internet users do Local Searches? As Jeremy Kreitler detailed at a recent conference...of these, 41% of these searches are focused around the searcher's home location. Given that there are 237 million users in the US alone...that's an unbelievable number of local searches being conducted.

5. Cheaper Than Traditional Local Advertising

The best part of Local Search is the price. Most of the major search engines offer a free version of their local listings, and some offer premium listings for a nominal fee.

The challenge is managing all the local search services available (Google, Yahoo!, MSN, Insiderpages, Dex, etc etc.), but several search marketing companies provide services that will submit your business to the major local search engines and directories for a rate significantly lower than your traditional Yellow Pages directory listing. (Our Local Search Listing service is only $199 per year).

So if you're not Local Search savvy yet, then you need to get smart with local if you're serious about surviving the potential recession ahead.

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