There is a certain magic to how fast things can change and lead to great leaps forward in the Internet world. For example, less than a decade ago, outsourcing a Search Engine Marketing (SEM) agency was prohibitive to small businesses because you had to spend at least $10,000 - $15,000 per month, typically with a 12-month contract.
Other options were to do SEM in-house (who has the time or the expertise?) or to hire a freelancer (time spent on manual work instead of strategy; and sometimes only SEO or PPC offered, not both.) Plus, no reporting technologies existed that could track numerous search engines all in one place and in real time. These were the “not-so-good” old days.
Let’s fast forward. For a few years now, small businesses are able to outsource teams of SEM experts to bring more visitors to their websites quickly and affordably. Finally, we’re able to offer custom solutions, results tracking platform, and short-term contracts at “you-can-afford-this” prices.
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Posted in Online Marketing, Search Engine Marketing
You’ve probably noticed the business results map that comes up in Google when you perform a local search. If you search for “bakery boulder colorado,” for example, you’ll see 10 results with business names and phone numbers next to a map. That’s local search. And it’s the latest, greatest, and affordable online advertising opportunity for local businesses.
86% of local searchers follow up by making a direct contact and 61% of those make a purchase. New, local, and mobile searchers want to do business with you, if they can find you. You want new customers to grow your business, but do you show up where they’re searching? Local search maps optimization will move your business listing into the top 10 spots.
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Posted in Advertising, Marketing, Online Marketing, Search Engine Marketing
A friend of mine called and said, “I think I should finally create a web site for my business (she practices rolfing massage therapy) and I want to do Pay-Per-Click.” I thought to myself, “How do business owners decide that they need PPC?”
So, I asked her how she decided that she needs PPC. She said, “My husband (who is an attorney) has a web site; he’s been spending money on PPC, and it seems to help his business.”
Aha! She heard someone was doing it, and although she has no idea what it exactly means or does, she wants it for her business, with hopes that it will increase her client base.
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Posted in Search Engine Marketing
