Top 10 Tips to Advertise Locally on the Internet

by Brad Simon

Everyone knows the Internet is your link to the whole world, but what if you don’t want to advertise your business to the whole world.  Can you still use the Internet to advertise to just your geographical area?

The answer is a resounding YES!  More than 17% of all searches done last year were local geographical searches and the number is rapidly rising.  Every day, customers turn more and more to the Web for what they need, and that includes using the Internet to find local stores to shop at.

Is your store’s website “Local Search Friendly”?  Can customers in your community find your store’s website when they look for a local jewelry store?  The following 10 tips will help you reach out Locally on the World Wide Web.

1. Store’s Address

Make certain your address is typed in text on all the pages on your website.  Many jewelry store websites have the address in the banner at the top of the page.  Visitors can read the address but search engines can read graphics.  They only read the text on the page.  If your address, city, state, zip code, and phone number are not typed out on each page the search engines will not know to list you in a local search.

Also be sure to use your state 2 letter code as well as spelled out so that your website will be found regardless of how the customer types out their search.  Make sure your zip code is on all your web pages as well, because more and more people are using zip codes in their searches.  In addition do not use an 800 number.  List your phone number with area code so your will be fond locally if some does a search by area code.

List your geographic area on your web pages as well, such as “upstate NY” or “South Florida”.  If you are located in a smaller city or a suburb of a larger city, include the name of the nearest larger city on your pages.
 

2. Geographic Area

Include your city name or geographic area in the text of your web pages.  For example instead of stating “We have the largest selection of diamonds in the area.” say “We have the largest selection of diamonds in the Chicago area.”

3. Domain Name

If possible use your city name or geographic area in your domain name.  Many times the name of your store is already taken.  Including your city name in your domain will increase your chances of getting the domain name, PLUS it will help you in local searches.  For example if you have a common store name like “Jones Jewelry” JonesJewelry.com is probably already taken.  However the domain name JonesJewelryAtlanta.com might still be available.  Plus, having your city name in the domain name of your website will increase your chances of getting a high listing in a local search.

4. Page Title

Add your city or geographic area in the Title Bar of your web pages.  Instead of titling your page about princess cut diamonds “Princess Cut Diamonds” title it “Princess Cut Diamonds – Smith Jewelers Denver”

The Page Title is the text that shows up on the very top of your screen in the title bar of your web browser.  It is not displayed on your webpage.  The Page Title is in the code on your web page and is at the very top.  It is the first thing a search engine sees and one of the most important places to place keywords.

5. Jewelers of America

Jewelers of America has a “Find a Jeweler” web search.  All members of JA are listed with their store name, address, and phone number.  However very few of the stores listed have a link to their website.  Make sure you have a link to your store’s website in your listing.  Not only can potential customers find your website from this link, but also all the search engines will see this link to your website and that will help you in your page rank.  If you are not a member of JA, this is a good reason to join.  The website link is worth the price of membership.

6. Chamber of Commerce

Make certain you are listed in your local Chamber of Commerce.  Some cities do not allow links to your website from their listing, but many of them do.  Make sure you have a link to your website if they allow one.

7.  Online Yellow Pages

Make certain you are listed and have links to your website in the Online Yellow Pages at YellowPages.com, and SupperPages.com.  You want to sign-up for the free listings.  They'll try to get you to spend money on an upgraded listing or some other search marketing options.  Don't bother with that, but make sure the information is accurate and up to date.

At www.Internet4Jewelers.com we have a complete list of other online directories you will want your store listed in.  Some are free and others are paid listings.  We also tell you which one you must be in and what to avoid.

8. Online Maps

List your business on Google Maps and other Online Maps.  You can get a free listing at Maps.Google.com and CommunityWalk.com.  Yahoo Local Listing at listings.local.yahoo.com has a basic service for $9.95 that will list your store on their map, plus other local search services.

9. Press Releases

E-Mail Press Releases to all Local Media with a link to your store’s website.  Newspapers, radio stations, and television stations all have website and they are looking for news to publish online.  Not only will local customers see and read about your store, all the search engines will see the link to your store’s website - A real Plus in the search engine rankings.

10. Testimonials

Ask your better customers to write a review of your store at AngiesList.com and Local.com.  You cannot recommend your own store and you cannot even list your store on Angie’s List, but if a customer writes a review, you are allowed to correct any inaccuracies.  Your customer will have to sign-up for a free account before they can post a review.

Today’s customers are suspicious of paid advertising and they’re looking for online reviews before they make a buying decision or even before making a trip to a local store.  Getting positive reviews about your store online is now more important than ever.

For more information on marketing your store on the Internet, getting higher search engine rankings, or using the Internet to keep in touch with your existing customers go to: www.Internet4Jewelers.com