2you | Websites | SEO | Branding | Local Directories
Having worked in the hospitality industry over the last 10 years and previously in retail direct to consumer markets I have spent over the years a considerable amount of money on advertising. Back in the early days before the internet the Yellow Pages was the main form of advertising a telephone directory of phone numbers of businesses organised by category rather than alphabetically by business name, in which advertising is sold by block space to cover the cost of print and distribution.
Modern directories are now internet based, sure there will always be a few local printed magazines advertising to your local area, but search engines are now the most used form of search and of course Google is number one.
Why build a local online business directory? If you own, run and operate a local business In Gloucestershire especially in the service industry getting inquiries for new business is important so listing (also known as citations) in local a directory will help your website show in the local pack on Google maps.
Googles local pack, businesses that show in the top 3 sometimes 5 search engine results page (SERP) depending on device and by being in this position will naturally improve your enquires. So by putting together a local directory of businesses in Gloucestershire we can through the process of links and keywords get into the organic SERP’s top 5 and local map pack.
We also need to consider a review management campaign, getting consistent review feedback, responding using keywords relevant to your business good or bad building and managing a positive image for your company and the services that you offer.
Keeping your brand consistent is also important not so much for your internet presence, but for your local marketing. Business cards, clothing, vehicle graphics all represent your business in your local area and the image that you project.
So how can I help? Experience, knowledge, also sharing the mistakes made over the years so please do get in touch if you think I can help, yes, usually there is a cost but not always. Advise is worth only what you can get from it so get in touch if you think I have something I can share about website design, SEO (search engine optimisation) review management and branding. studio@2you.co.uk
About the author: Born in 1959 in Cheltenham Gloucestershire I finished my education at Monkscroft Secondary School to take an apprenticeship at Smiths Industries in electronic engineering. After completion I moved into direct sales in many industries and eventually progressed to self employment.
My first introduction to the power and importance of the internet was when I was asked to look in to building a website to sell modular conservatories in the early noughties (2000) online to the self build, DIY market. This was in the early days of Google, Yahoo, AOL to name a few search engine and SEO was very simple then.
Everything has been self taught from early HTML to using the website software that I am using today. To be honest all trial and error, reading and watching YouTube videos. I assume it has paid off as you are reading this as I do not use any PPC (pay per click) everything, all the traffic to this website is organic or via direct marketing
Being in my mid 60’s I still enjoy working, I don’t think I will ever retire. Helping local independent businesses is important to me so do get in touch if you think I can help. Like I say advise is worth only what you can get from it.