How To Make Sure Potential Customers Know About Your Business
We’re going to let you in to a little secret. The internet has opened up a brand new world of potential for small and medium sized businesses! OK, it’s not really a secret but that does not alter the fact that it is true.
It is no longer necessary to take out a full page colour ad in your local paper to let potential customers know that you are now open for business. With a location based online marketing campaign, you can put yourself firmly on your local area business map.
Local Customers Rely on the Internet
For many small businesses, their ability to grow and be successful is linked strongly with their ability to target customers based within their local area. Landscape gardeners, plumbers, removal services and restaurants are just a few of the businesses which will live or die based on the success of their local area marketing.
Need a little more convincing? According to Google, up to 97% of all consumers are now known to search for local businesses online*.
With numbers like that, can you afford not to market yourself online?
How Do We Do This?
Understanding the local environment of a business is absolutely key to any successful marketing campaign and at Footprint Web Design, we pride ourselves on our extensive local knowledge.
By utilising a specific method of online marketing called local SEO, we can directly target the people in and around the area where your business is located.
Our success rate is absolutely tremendous and to prove this, you simply need to search for any of the following terms, amongst many others, to see some of the clients that we represent.
- SEO Oxted
- Web Design Oxted
- Landscape Gardeners Oxted
- Builders Oxted
- Hedge Cutting Oxted
- Tree Surgeons Oxted
- Fencing Oxted
- Wedding Venue Oxted
- Artificial Grass Oxted
- Office Removals Oxted
- House Removals Oxted
- Roof Repairs Oxted
- Retirement Home Oxted
Targeting the ‘Right’ Areas with Local SEO
Whilst many SEO companies try to over-complicate things by targeting keywords which may sound great initially but are not really viable, we want to help market your business in the ‘right’ areas.
By specialising in local SEO techniques, we are able to remove the guesswork from our marketing efforts. Whilst some of the more ‘old school’ marketing methods such as leaflet drops or newspaper adverts can be hit or miss at best, local SEO reaches local customers at the moment they are looking to use your services.
The Marketing That Keeps on Giving!
One of the most important aspects of local SEO is just how cost effective it is. Unlike other options such as PPC (Pay Per Click), local SEO strategies are designed to stand the test of time.
Would you like more information about how our local SEO services can be used to help promote your business in a cost effective manner? Simply give us a call on Tel. No. 01883 372488 and we will be happy to run through your options.
Currently Browsing: How To Make Sure Potential Customers Know About Your Business
*Source – http://www.forbes.com/sites/capitalonespark/2013/04/16/your-business-needs-to-get-social-local-and-mobile-fast/#2c32c6b47548
The Wing Walk – Shenise Did It!
Saturday the 9th July 2016 was a momentous day for the whole Footprint family and Shenise in particular! It was on this day that after all of the build up, Shenise took to the skies to perform a ‘wing walk’ in an effort to raise money for a truly excellent cause.
We are both delighted and proud to announce that as of the 25th July, Shenise has raised over £1500!!!
Taking a Closer Look at the Big Day
Whilst we don’t believe that this comes anywhere close to experiencing flying on the outside of a plane, the video below offers a wonderful glimpse into the lengths that Shenise went to in order to raise funds for Matthew’s Friends.
The gallery below shines a light on some of the other moments through the day.
It’s Not Too Late!!
Despite the fact that the wing walk has now been completed, it’s not too late to donate! In fact, we hope that seeing the video and seeing what Shenise actually went through might give you even more reason to dig deep into your pockets.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
To make a donation, please visit the following link to submit your details – https://www.justgiving.com/shenisewingwalking
Why Did Shenise Decide To Do The Wing Walk?
For a look into why Shenise has decided to undertake this amazing feat, check out below for a little insight.
“I decided that I wanted to do something different this year so in a mad moment with friends I suggested Wing Walking (think wine was involved). Other than being shocked my friends said what a great idea. “But just one thing you don’t like heights Shenise” – oh yeah I forgot about that, but you know what it’s just a fear I can do this and overcome a fear I have had forever.”
“It’s for such a great cause and charity Matthew’s Friends. The staff & volunteers work so hard. Luckily I will be fitted with 4 different camera’s & a Go Pro so if I pass out then I’ll be able to watch the footage back. So I would really appreciate your donation for this great charity.”
Who Are Matthew’s Friends?
Matthew’s Friends provide information and support for children and adults using Ketogenic Dietary Therapies for epilepsy, Glut1, Brain Cancer and other neurological disorders.
The video below highlights some of the outstanding work that Matthew’s Friends have completed during the past 10 years
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3 Tips To Move Towards SEO Success
Tip 1 – Location, Location, Location
A significant number of Google searches are focused on a place or location and this number is even greater when considering searches from mobile devices. In order for small businesses to reach their target audiences, they must ensure that they are ranking high in these local searches. There are several strategies for targeting local search, including:
- Listing your business in relevant industry and geographical directories/listings
- Creating keywords that combine your company with your physical location (e.g. “plumbers” and “London”)
- Optimising your company’s website for mobile viewing
Tip 2 – Making The Most of Social Media
A lack of time and resource are often the things that small businesses suffer with the most. Because of this, managing the Social Media accounts is sometimes considered a bit of a waste of time. Even worse, small companies will set up their accounts, then ignore them, leaving a trail of empty, outdated profiles.
In fact, posting on a variety of social media accounts will afford your business a wealth of opportunity for ranking. Social media channels great opportunities for businesses to put out quality content. They can also help offer ‘markers’ for search engine websites.
Unsure which social media channel is right for you? See where your competitors are online, and more importantly, where your customers are. Start with just one profile on the channel that is most applicable to your company, such as LinkedIn or Facebook. Refresh the content often, build quality links, and as you get more comfortable, add on channels as needed.
Tip 3 – Posting New Content
It can be difficult for small businesses to find the time to update the content on their website. However, consistent, fresh content positively increases organic search rankings as well as user experience, which is increasingly important to search engines’ ranking factors. Two of the easiest ways you can consistently publish new, quality content are:
- Create a blog for you business Many companies will start one, but as deadlines and other work crops up, the posting and maintenance will fizzle out. Commit to posting content relevant to your industry or company twice a week. Involve coworkers, interns, and if the budget allows for it, freelance writers to help.
- Create a news feed on your company website, and update it frequently with events or news, anything that is relevant to your business and industry, and that organically uses your keywords to help boost search rankings.
SEO – the ongoing commitment.
A successful SEO strategy is a commitment – your work is not finished just because you’ve researched keywords and optimised your website. Those tactics are the best first step to launch a small business’s SEO campaign, but from there, it is a recurrent process to generate content and build links to your content and site. While it might seem daunting, keeping up with your SEO commitment means your company will have increased visibility, more website traffic – and more customers.
Further Infortmation
For more information on how Footprint Web Design can help you, or to inquire about a quote, please contact us on 01883 372488, or email us at: info@footprint.co.uk
