Many local businesses acquire new customers via word of mouth recommendations and rely on those people in their geographical area. If one day you need a dry cleaner and you regularly pass one near your house or workplace, then you're likely to remember it and use it. If you don't know where the business you require is located then where do you start? Community or village directories, local newspaper advertisements and the good old yellow pages are reliable sources of information but increasingly the internet is the first point of reference.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with more traditional methods of marketing and PR, especially for smaller companies, but younger people do not instinctively reach for the local rag these days. As the digital generation comes of age, that is, as those who don't remember life without the internet become adults and key customers, web presence will be arguably the most important point of contact. Directories are great but I'm not sure many people hold the big yellow book in their hands anymore. Many use its online sister, Yell, because it's handy to be able to see which business is nearest with a simple click.
For me, when I find the type of business I need on Yell, I almost always want to check out their website for more information before speaking to them. Depending on the service I require, I might want to email them or make a booking through their website; I'm busy so often can't find the time in business hours to put in a call, I need to do my research and comparisons through the internet. When there is no website link or if I've not found what I'm looking for after a number of Google searches, I get really frustrated. I also have to admit that I judge companies, perhaps too easily, on their online presence and content so I'm sure many other people do the same. I'll go with a business that has a website over one that doesn't. Apart from the usual factors of cost, relevance of service and locality I will also make my choice based on how professional looking their site is as well as how quickly I can find the information I need.
Being user friendly is a must and today, that also mean making sure your website is friendly for people using the internet on their phones. For one, pages using Adobe Flash cannot be viewed on smartphones so although whizzy and pretty, they are currently in a no go area. It isn't that difficult to create a website these days and there is lots of easy to use software available, removing the need for an expensive developer to do it all for you. Of course you might need to do some research and reading to get your head around it but it could be the difference in reaching potential customers or putting them off even contacting you.
Punch is a UK based, boutique [
http://www.punchcomms.com/pr-company.html]PR Company with the skill set, reach and client base of a global agency. Specialists in [
http://www.punchcomms.com/Digital-Public-Relations.html]Online PR, the aim is to provide clients with strategic PR, search and social media advice that has significant and measurable impact on their business. To find out how Punch could help you, please visit punchcomms.com or call the team on +44 (0) 1858 411600.
Article Source: [
http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Local-Businesses-Need-Web-Presence&id=4635706] Small Local Businesses Need Web Presence
