Whether a person is looking for a good dry cleaner, a tree removal service, or a used car, they are far more likely to turn on their computer than open a phonebook. Quick online searches can provide local options, customer reviews, product descriptions, and a lot more. An increasing number of customers begin even their in-store purchases with online research. In order to reach this client base, businesses and organizations must develop an effective online presence.

By ensuring that they can be found on the web, small business owners can turn site visitors into customers. After first covering the bases of registering for free online business listings such as Google Places and Yahoo Local, you need a website to inform customers about your business, products or services, and where to find you. An effective website can be thought of as a more elaborate and informative version of a business card. It is available for people to look over at their leisure to find out information on what the business offers, get their questions answered, and learn how to contact them.

In addition to website development, the Strom Center also develops platforms for social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, which offer a tremendous amount of opportunity to reach out to an online audience and start a dialogue. By adding social media to the mix, small businesses and organizations can also begin engaging their customer base in conversation. The ability to pose direct questions to customers and receive honest, real-time feedback is extremely beneficial to any business owner. If the company website is thought of as a business card, social media is the conversation had when handing it out.

The Strom Center also offers its clients assistance in the area of search engine optimization (SEO). Proper SEO allows a website to be found more easily and more frequently through sites such as Google and Bing, and can make a big difference in whether or not a target audience is reached. A successful SEO strategy is a combination of creating great content and organizing it in a way that is highly visible to search engines. SEO needs to be considered during each step of the web design process.

The Strom Center’s web and social media services have been utilized by an increasing number of clients looking to establish an effective online presence. Some examples of recent client work can be seen at www.FaithExpressionsChristian.com, www.APIDickinson.org, and NDSubstanceAbuse.com. Those interested in learning more about the benefits of being online, or would like details on Strom Center services, can visit our Services page.

By Clayton Kraby

Take Advantage of Free Advertising

Who says that there are no free things these days? There are many opportunities to advertise your business, organization, or event without spending a dime! The key to taking advantage of these options is knowing where to look. Here are three marketing possibilities to help you locally, right here in southwest North Dakota:

1 | Online Event Calendars

While these won’t help you advertise day to day operations, but you should take time to utilize online listings for any special events. The vast majority (if not all) of local event calendars are free to post listings, though some may require you to create a log-in name and password first. If you have an event you need advertised, head to the following websites and submit your event:

Consolidated Classifieds

The Dickinson Press

KQCD NBC

KXNet CBS

2 | Printed Directories

Local newspapers and advertising circulars often put out printed business directories. Keep your ears open for submission deadlines and be sure to get your business or organization included. Below is information for one such publication, the Dickinson City Guide:

3 | Social Media & Online Directories

Social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn are becoming more and more valuable for local businesses. Search engine listings are also very important in making sure your customers can find you online. Be sure to look into the following options:

Facebook | Facebook’s ‘fan page’ listings are a perfect way to build brand recognition and start a dialogue with your customer base.

Google Places | This free listing garners high search engine rankings, allows you to create a profile with business information and photos, and shows up on Google maps when people are searching in your area.

Yahoo Local | A business directory which allows for ratings and reviews, maps, events, and more.

Bing Local Listings This local listing database also allows you to add a new listing for your own business or for one you represent.

By Clayton Kraby