As I strolled thru Burlingame Avenue, an upscale quaint neighborhood filled with shops, restaurants, grocers, and spa’s, in the heart of Silicon Valley , and a few miles from SFO International Airport, I realized that local businesses are too busy running their restaurants and local businesses without much thought into how they intend to market their business.  Reading the local free paper (which is by the way a popular paper) reflects ads upon ads of service offerings, with some utilizing Twitter or Facebook page, but not utilizing other marketing platforms that are free and easy to use.

I am an avid shopper on Burlingame Avenue: Lucy, JCrew, Burlingame Produce, Cafe La Scala, and a few boutiques on the avenue.  When ever I stop in and chat (while shopping) they give me a blank stare when I ask them if they have a Facebook Page, Foursquare or if they know anything about local marketing tactics.  Some of them tell me that they just “don’t have time”, others will say they don’t have the money.

You know if you run a business, you do have the money, but you’re just choosing not to invest into applying a new strategy and tactic because you think it’s so time consuming.  When I explain in short order what they need to do, they get it, but say they don’t have time.  Sharp savvy business owners will look at me and say “How much?” and then say  ”Just do it” when I tell them it’s pretty affordable, and how they will get that money back in a matter of days.

So if you’re a small business owner, and you are afraid to spend any money, I am willing to offer you suggestions that cost money to me. These are tips that will help give your business visibility online and get found by local customers conducting searches from their mobile phones.  It breaks my heart that you spend so much on direct mailing pieces, local advertisement in the free paper (and I know how much it is, too), and not get the right response.  It is far less expensive if you implement these simple steps.

I outlined these steps in my video “Local Marketing Tips for the Local Business Owner on a Budget” which is under 3 minutes.  Here are some additional tips to consider:

Adding photos/videos will help your listing rise above other listings and for local presence, your listing will be placed above Organic listings.

I suggest verifying ownership with the phone method vs. the post card method.  Phone verification will make your listing go Live instantly while the post card will take up to 2 weeks or more.  You can’t afford to wait 2 weeks.

Take advantage of every space on these listings. If they ask for your Twitter and/or Faceobook URL, add them.  Add coupons or specials.  You can also integrate your QR code and upload as a photo!  The QR code can be a way to direct people to your website, facebook page, or a special you’re running.  When people scan in your QR code, the information is on their phone!

Why do I tell you to do this?  Everyone is on their phones conducting searches, they’re tweeting with their friends, or “checking in” via the Facebook Places.  You want them to find you, get to know, like and trust you.  This is a free service.

If you’re still feeling like you don’t have the time, contact me for a 15 minute consultation – I’d be happy to help set your local listings.  You can contact me at 650.918.6077