Search Engines Trump Yellow Pages!
Posted By Janet on January 27, 2009
photo credit: dotcompals
Wow…check out this data!
It looks like search engines have officially trumped the Yellow Pages when it comes to customers looking for local businesses. Data from comScore and TMP Directional Marketing shows that this year more people are turning to search engines after last year’s showed that Yellow Pages were on top.
What the Data Shows
While most people still use a variety of different methods to find a local business, the study found what people seem to prefer as their first choice for doing so:
1. Search Engines (31%)
2. Print Yellow Pages or White Pages (30%)
3. Internet Yellow Pages Sites (19%)
4. Local Search Sites (11%)
What does this mean for the local small business? You need to be found in the search engines! There are numerous avenues to get found, but the #1 quick and easy way is to add yourself to Google Maps.
For Google Local:
1. Sign in to the Google Local Business Center. If you don’t have a Google Account, sign up for one.
2. Return to Google Maps by clicking on the icon in the upper corner of the Local Business Center.
3. Search for your listing.
4. Click on the “More Info” link next your listing. This will expand the information window.
5. Click “Add or edit your business” under the address and phone number.
1. Search for Your Listing and click on it
2. Update your business contact information, hours of operation, business category, etc.
3. You can also invest in a “Local Enhanced Listing” according to Yahoo, which lets you include your company logo and tagline, up to 10 photos, a detailed description, inclusion in up to five business categories, and two customizable link to coupons or special offers.
Great and FREE start to getting found by the search engines! There are so many more tools know by internet marketers, such as myself, to help your small business online. For more information on how I can help yours go to my services page.
Janet Johnson
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