The US economy is improving. It now appears you may be more opportunities in 2012. How do you take advantage of the new economy? Here are nine reasons why local search marketing will bring you more success in the 2012 economy.
Customer Buying Preferences
The key to small business success has always been to give customers what they want, when they want it and how they want it. Today’s customers think locally. Over 50% of the internet searches are now being done for local products and services. That’s a significant change from the past. To take advantage of this new trend, your business needs to be on the local search Map.
Search Engine Changes
When customers change, search engines change. Increasingly, the search engines are
creating ways for local shoppers to more easily find businesses in their towns and communities. The major search engines like Google are now catering to local searches by putting local searches above organic searches. Search engines are expanding a trend started two years ago. To take advantage of this trend, you need to have your business on the local search Map.
Less Competition
Your competition has shrunk. Instead of competing against thousands of other websites on the world-wide web, with local search marketing, you compete against local businesses. Only 20% of local businesses have placed their businesses on local directory sites. This is an increase from 4% two years ago. In most local business areas, you still have the opportunity to beat your competition to the top of the local Map.
Mobile Marketing
Current US statistics are 39% of US phones are smart phones. That number will double over the next two years. Online holiday shopping for 2011 showed 37% of the shoppers used smart phones to make purchases. 
If mobile phone shoppers can’t find your business on local searches, you don’t exist. Mobile marketing is the future of internet marketing.
Better Customers
The customers using the local searches are customers who are actively looking for a local product or service. Statistics show that 9 out 10 customers who find a business on the local Map take action by calling or visiting a local business. These are not tire kickers!
The Coupon Trend
Whether you like it or not, Groupon and other online coupon programs have changed the way people think about discounting and couponing. Many local directory listings offer free coupons you can use to make your offering more exciting to prospective customers. Coupons on local search directory sites allow you to tap into this trend of consumer buying.
Speed
Facebook and Twitter can be used by small businesses. They have a major weakness—time! It takes a long time to cultivate relationships on social media sites. It takes daily time to actively participate on the social media sites. Local Search marketing can produce much quicker results. Local directory listings take far less time to get noticed by search engines than potential customers on social media sites.
Control
You operate local search marketing entirely from your own computer, 24/7. No extra meetings. No negotiations. Local directories provide you with feedback statistics. Local search marketing does not require computer expertise. You use the skills you have as being part of a local community. This is your market. You are part of it. Being part of a local community is a lot more exciting than being part of a vanilla favored global community. It’s more fun and it’s more profitable.
Free
Basic listings on local directory listings are free. Beyond the sweat equity you put into this form of marketing, it has a high ROI from both a time and a money perspective.
Conclusion
If you are not already doing local search marketing, 2012 should be the year you use this form of marketing. It will be a great investment for your business. It comes at an opportunity time when you can tap into the resurging economy. Local search marketing is where you need to be in 2012!
It’s your turn. Give your top reason why businesses should use local search marketing in 2012? Share your answer comment section below.
