Hi Richard,

Good points about Local websites. So I thought I'd add to your post with some thoughts on localized promotion.

The more marketing methods you employ and the more time you spend promoting your site, the greater chance you have of building a successful online business.

Let’s ponder on the value of “localized” or off line promotions.

Just because your Web site is on the World Wide Web, and potentially can reach an audience of millions, it does not follow that you have to focus all your marketing efforts using modern online means.

The old adage;

“Look for gold by digging in your own backyard first, before you look elsewhere”
is a wisdom that applies to the Web as well.

At the end of the day, it does not matter whether your Web orders come from a radius 10 kilometers from home or ten thousand miles away.

In fact there can be more advantages in selling closer to your real world business address, than from afar.

For example, if you are selling a product that you must post out to your customers, rather than a downloadable item. The obvious advantage here, are the savings in postage or courier costs.

Another, would be the level of personalized local support you could offer.
For many businesses, their product or service may only appeal to people in their hometown. For instance, if you where promoting a service, whereby you delivered fast food to their door, or offered a mobile auto mechanic service. Concentrating your marketing efforts and spending your advertising dollars to customers who live in another country would be a complete waste of time.

Apart from the geographic considerations’ there are other important “sales psychology” reasons for localized promotions.

It is a known fact, that people buying on the Web, would prefer to buy from a local supplier than from a trader on the other side of the world.

Assuming they can source the exact goods at the same price point. It is much easier to get prospective customers to order from you and give you their credit card details online if you’re a local business.

There is a greater sense of trust, and perception of recourse or comeback should the goods not be delivered. For instance, if further dealing with the online trader is required, such as warranty claims and refunds.
Local promotions are also easier to quantify in terms of results.

You also get a comforting sense that you have done something “physical” to create awareness of your site. For example, handing out 2000 flyers at a local shopping center on a busy Saturday morning. You know instantly and for sure that at least 2000 people have been made aware of your product and Web site.

On the other hand, you might never know if 2000 people have seen your listing in a Search Engine or online directory unless they visit.

Warmest Regards & $uccess

Ricky Higgs




Sell Your Brain On The Net... Locally if you want :-)