Today on the Web, there are literally thousands of reviews on small businesses that range from restaurants to health spas, retail stores, and real estate agents. More and more consumers are searching for positive referrals before they use a product or service. To take advantage of this growing trend, you need to get the word out about what your business does and utilize your existing customers.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
• Make sure you're listed. Get your business listed in major search engines and the online directories, such as maps.google.com, local.yahoo.com, city.ask.com, local.live.com, cityguide.aol.com, and citysearch.com. In most cases, getting your business listed is as simple as filling out a free online form.
• Understand your buzz. Determine what others are saying about your business. Start by going online to a search engine and searching on your business name.
• Spread the word. Create your own buzz by encouraging your customers to go online and write positive reviews about your business and service. Depending on the business, consumers can post reviews on sites like InsiderPages, Yahoo Local, and CitySearch. Don't sit back waiting for others to do it for you. Market yourself through your satisfied customers.
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