Creative Internet Marketing Strategies

Melih Oztalay at ProfNet Connect: An online community of professional communicators

2011-12-12T01:33:00.003-05:00

Melih Oztalay is an expert resource on Internet marketing with ProfNet Connect. A online community of professional communicators and subject matter experts.

Mr. Oztalay has over 20 years of business experience and most of this time has been in Internet marketing with strategic and innovative methods for businesses.

To find an expert from the community of tens of thousands of qualified experts, university and other communicators, you can submit a form.

Amplify’d from www.profnetconnect.com

Melih Oztalay

My Expertise

Area(s) of expertise:
Internet Marketing

Summary of expertise:

Strong entrepreneurial ability that includes:

- Innovation

- Imagination

- Creativity

- Resourcefulness

- Early Adopter of Ideas

More than 20 years of successful business experience in entrepreneurial environment. Primary focus on business development, stategy, sales, execution and management. Secondary focus on new Internet technologies and a strong ability to apply these technology capabilities to business needs using creative and innovative methods.

Business Philosophy:

- "There is nothing a computer cannot do, that money and time cannot buy"

- "There is a opportunity and solution for every problem"

Specialties

entrepreneur,innovation,imagination,creativity,resourcefulness,early adopter,research, analysis, planning, strategy for business growth.

Work Experience

Corporation has been in Advertising and Marketing since 1987. We started our Internet group as of 1994. Our uniqueness comes in understanding Internet connectivity as well as Internet Marketing.

Our clients are larger national and global cor

porations including franchises.

Our web marketing agency provides the following core competencies: Research and Strategy, Website Development, Website Per Page Optimization (SEO), Web Marketing Strategies, Organic Content Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Google Adwords Advertising, Analytics and Analysis, and Local Business Web Marketing.

Our Local Business Web Marketing is designed for national franchises and national companies with local stores.

We provide Store Level Marketing, Store Level Customer Ratings and Reviews Management, Hyperlocal Advertising, and our Mobile Locations Finder mobile app.

Specialties

entrepreneur,innovation,imagination,creativity,resourcefulness,early adopter,research, analysis, planning, strategy for business growth.

Web Marketing including SEO, Reputation Management, Customer Ratings and Review Management, Local Business Listing Marketing Management. Please refer to Professional experience for more details.

Blog/Web site:
http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/smartfinds

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SmartFinds

White paper/research:

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/author/melih-oztalay/

http://melihoztalay.sys-con.com

http://www.dailyseotip.com/?s=melih

Books/articles published:

http://www.searchenginejournal.com/author/melih-oztalay/

http://melihoztalay.sys-con.com

http://dailyseotip.com/?s=melih

Awards/associations/memberships:

2009 Companies To Watch Michigan 50

internet marketing, web marketing, Search Engine Optimization, SEO, local business listings, local business marketing, geographic marketing, search marketing, Adwords, Google adwords, Google Places, mobile marketing, reputation management, Ratings and Reviews

Read more at www.profnetconnect.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/vZML05

2011-12-12T01:33:00.001-05:00

Melih Oztalay at ProfNet Connect: An online community of professional communicators http://bit.ly/vZML05

2011-11-21T23:57:00.003-05:00

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness http://bit.ly/t7tmGs

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness

2011-11-21T23:57:00.001-05:00

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness

Amplify’d from smartfinds.posterous.com

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness

We certainly agree with the comments made in LinkedIn groups wondering why car dealerships are not getting the volume of leads they used to or the quality of leads they used to from national lead generators. Our own experience with Penske car dealerships have seen very similar results from national lead generators. Leads from the OEM websites, the dealerships own website, Google Adwords far exceed that coming from national lead generators.

We need to augment and expand on the discussions in LinkedIn automotive groups and break them up into three major groups. There is no one silver bullet to answer “why”, rather there are multiple elements that make up the total answer.

1. Search Engines
Search engine maps and their listings have been evolving since 2007. By the end of 2008 they were in the first page search results. Unfortunately, the financial meltdown that caused many businesses to hold on their budgets in 2009 and most of 2010 kept them away from seeing the evolution and maturity of the Local Business Listings as a marketing tool to reach local consumers.

At the end of 2010 major changes from Google pushed local results before national results. This includes geo-tagged web pages / web sites and local business listings (aka Google Places and aka the interactive yellow pages).

An organic web marketing strategy has to focus more on local over national with websites, web pages, micro website strategies, and local business listings. Please note this is about “marketing” not “advertising”…web marketing has a shelf life of years! …web advertising has shelf life of a few seconds and only good as long as you put money into it.

Two Google issues also play into using local business listings:
A. Google Places is not about what you do on Google, but also Google validating your information on other websites, known as citations. Too many companies focus only on Google Places and can’t understand why it doesn’t work.

B. Amongst various data point, one of the data point Google ranks local listings on is customer ratings and reviews. It is important to actively manage these, not only for negative ones, but securing positive ones and facilitating positive re-enforcement.

2. Mobile Marketing
Mobile searches have not only been increasing in usage, but the searches are showing better quality of leads. We are seeing this in our managed Google Adwords campaigns in which mobile clicks are outperforming non-mobile clicks and are also costing less. An Google Adwords strategy that encompasses keywords, ad extensions, image ads, and also are all equally prepared for mobile, will show better results than national 3rd party lead generators.

3. Hyperlocal Advertising
Hyperlocal Advertising is the next main growing element in reaching local consumers. Ex-newspapers journalists have been opening up their own city or neighborhood websites with local news and information. Larger entities like AOL have been growing their Patch.com websites and this industry also includes websites like Examiner.com. Amongst the local journalist and these national hyperlocal sites consumers are responding very well to them and in fact have browsers opening to them as their initial home page.

Focusing on editorials and advertising (text, image or banners) becomes part of the web strategy in reaching local consumers for local stores. Particularly for national companies with stores nationwide whose business revenue is dependent upon the local consumer.

If you look at all three elements (Search Engines, Mobile Marketing and Hyperlocal Advertising) we will see that there is no one single answer as to why national 3rd party lead generators are not as effective. Perhaps had the 2008 global financial bankruptcy not happened and business continued as usual, many businesses would have realized these changes much sooner.

The ongoing evolution, maturation and technology changes/additions that takes place on the web create a very dynamic and fluid environment that is not necessarily comforting to business. Nothing is ever stagnant and one has to always adopt technologies early to take advantage of reaching consumers that have no problem adopting technology changes earlier than business. Unfortunately, business tends to take its time in making these decisions and also expect that their investment in “one thing” will continue forever. Neither which is true or good for the business.

For this reason it all comes down to ongoing education and communications focusing on the marketing processes versus just executing silvers of technology tasks. The difference between a marketing agency versus a technology company is well apparent because of the communications. Marketing agencies are focused on pushing ideas and marketing strategies with ongoing communications with clients. Technology companies tend to wait for orders from their customers, who unfortunately, many not know what they should request or what they are requesting.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use local business marketing for national company stores through monthly managed marketing services, broadcast data services for mass business data distribution, and our Mobile Locations Finder mobile app.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758
http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
Read more at smartfinds.posterous.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/t7tmGs

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness

2011-11-21T19:15:00.001-05:00

We certainly agree with the comments made in LinkedIn groups wondering why car dealerships are not getting the volume of leads they used to or the quality of leads they used to from national lead generators. Our own experience with Penske car dealerships have seen very similar results from national lead generators. Leads from the OEM websites, the dealerships own website, Google Adwords far exceed that coming from national lead generators.

We need to augment and expand on the discussions in LinkedIn automotive groups and break them up into three major groups. There is no one silver bullet to answer “why”, rather there are multiple elements that make up the total answer.

1. Search Engines
Search engine maps and their listings have been evolving since 2007. By the end of 2008 they were in the first page search results. Unfortunately, the financial meltdown that caused many businesses to hold on their budgets in 2009 and most of 2010 kept them away from seeing the evolution and maturity of the Local Business Listings as a marketing tool to reach local consumers.

At the end of 2010 major changes from Google pushed local results before national results. This includes geo-tagged web pages / web sites and local business listings (aka Google Places and aka the interactive yellow pages).

An organic web marketing strategy has to focus more on local over national with websites, web pages, micro website strategies, and local business listings. Please note this is about “marketing” not “advertising”…web marketing has a shelf life of years! …web advertising has shelf life of a few seconds and only good as long as you put money into it.

Two Google issues also play into using local business listings:
A. Google Places is not about what you do on Google, but also Google validating your information on other websites, known as citations. Too many companies focus only on Google Places and can’t understand why it doesn’t work.

B. Amongst various data point, one of the data point Google ranks local listings on is customer ratings and reviews. It is important to actively manage these, not only for negative ones, but securing positive ones and facilitating positive re-enforcement.

2. Mobile Marketing
Mobile searches have not only been increasing in usage, but the searches are showing better quality of leads. We are seeing this in our managed Google Adwords campaigns in which mobile clicks are outperforming non-mobile clicks and are also costing less. An Google Adwords strategy that encompasses keywords, ad extensions, image ads, and also are all equally prepared for mobile, will show better results than national 3rd party lead generators.

3. Hyperlocal Advertising
Hyperlocal Advertising is the next main growing element in reaching local consumers. Ex-newspapers journalists have been opening up their own city or neighborhood websites with local news and information. Larger entities like AOL have been growing their Patch.com websites and this industry also includes websites like Examiner.com. Amongst the local journalist and these national hyperlocal sites consumers are responding very well to them and in fact have browsers opening to them as their initial home page.

Focusing on editorials and advertising (text, image or banners) becomes part of the web strategy in reaching local consumers for local stores. Particularly for national companies with stores nationwide whose business revenue is dependent upon the local consumer.

If you look at all three elements (Search Engines, Mobile Marketing and Hyperlocal Advertising) we will see that there is no one single answer as to why national 3rd party lead generators are not as effective. Perhaps had the 2008 global financial bankruptcy not happened and business continued as usual, many businesses would have realized these changes much sooner.

The ongoing evolution, maturation and technology changes/additions that takes place on the web create a very dynamic and fluid environment that is not necessarily comforting to business. Nothing is ever stagnant and one has to always adopt technologies early to take advantage of reaching consumers that have no problem adopting technology changes earlier than business. Unfortunately, business tends to take its time in making these decisions and also expect that their investment in “one thing” will continue forever. Neither which is true or good for the business.

For this reason it all comes down to ongoing education and communications focusing on the marketing processes versus just executing silvers of technology tasks. The difference between a marketing agency versus a technology company is well apparent because of the communications. Marketing agencies are focused on pushing ideas and marketing strategies with ongoing communications with clients. Technology companies tend to wait for orders from their customers, who unfortunately, many not know what they should request or what they are requesting.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use local business marketing for national company stores through monthly managed marketing services, broadcast data services for mass business data distribution, and our Mobile Locations Finder mobile app.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758
http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-11-21T09:21:00.003-05:00

Lead Generators Are Not As Effective As They Used To Be http://bit.ly/vI4Aip

Lead Generators Are Not As Effective As They Used To Be

2011-11-21T09:21:00.001-05:00

Lead generators for local automotive dealership stores are losing their effectiveness and are replaced by local business marketing tools on the web to reach local consumers using local business listings. Geographic Marketing is changing who gets ranked in search results and national websites are losing their rankings because of it.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

Lead Generators For Local Automotive Stores Are Losing Their Effectiveness

We certainly agree with the comments made in LinkedIn groups wondering why car dealerships are not getting the volume of leads they used to or the quality of leads they used to from national lead generators. Our own experience with Penske car dealerships have seen very similar results from national lead generators. Leads from the OEM websites, the dealerships own website, Google Adwords far exceed that coming from national lead generators.

We need to augment and expand on the discussions in LinkedIn automotive groups and break them up into three major groups. There is no one silver bullet to answer “why”, rather there are multiple elements that make up the total answer.
Read more at www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/vI4Aip

2011-11-16T12:56:00.001-05:00

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results http://bit.ly/uBFsbC

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results

2011-11-16T12:33:00.001-05:00

Google has been allowing for web pages to be previewed before clicking on a search result for quite some time since 2010.

Amplify’d from smartfinds.posterous.com

November 14, 2011

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results

Google has been allowing for web pages to be previewed before clicking on a search result for quite some time since 2010. Equally we have seen a number of changes taking place during 2011 in Local Business Listings from Google’s Places and Maps. These changes have include the removal of third party reviews, layout changes to what information is viewable and a strong focus on securing ratings and reviews.

Google Places results which provide local results before national results now received the instant preview feature too and are displayed on the first page of the search results. This is a new functionality that will further encourage and require businesses to take control of their Local Business Listings to insure local customers get the marketing information the business wishes to provide.

What is probably more important is has been enhanced with multiple layouts and provides the searcher more information than the organic results of general websites. You can hover over a Google Places listing and see everything from Maps to Videos, Photos and more in the right column. What is probably more surprising is that the ads are replaced with the preview information. The implications of the Adwords Ads being replaced with the preview information certainly has other implications that we will have to discuss separately.

The following information is provided by Google’s Instant help page:

&nsbp;

Before Google Instant, the typical searcher took more than 9 seconds to enter a search term, and we saw many examples of searches that took 30-90 seconds to type.

Using Google Instant can save 2-5 seconds per search.

If everyone uses Google Instant globally, we estimate this will save more than 3.5 billion seconds a day. That’s 11 hours saved every second.

15 new technologies contribute to Google Instant functionality.

&nsbp;

Let’s take a look at the information included in the instant preview of Google Places Local Business Listing.

Map
While the general search results always show a map with all Google Places Local Business Listings, if you hover over a listing you will see only the listing you are hovering over. The map links to Google Maps where you can then obtain more details including directions.

Customer Ratings and Reviews
Recent studies have shown how 6 in 10 customers make their buying decisions based on what has been posted to the local business listings. Of course this goes well beyond Google and becomes equally important to insure satisfied customers have posted positive ratings and reviews while the business manages the process of tending to negative ratings and reviews too.

&nsbp;

Images, Photos, Videos, Coupons, Offers, Promotions
This is where the marketing content a business provides within their Google Places Local Business Listings for their local store becomes very important. Whether it is products, services, advertisements, coupons, offers, discounts, etc. Taking the initiative to secure your local business listings by claiming them and then managing them with regularity.

Street View
Probably not as well known is the panoramic photo that is provided by Google for that businesses address. You can get a 360-degree view of the area by hovering over this panoramic photo. Some street view images have one for the interior while others only for the exterior. Eventually this will play into the integration of Google Places with Google Earth.

Web Page Preview
If Google can identify a web page for the business, the thumbnail of the business web page is displayed. This thumbnail appears to be a live snapshot and is directly linked to the web site. From a marketing perspective this the first impression a prospective customer will have with the business.

Additional Details Included
Prices, Hours of Operation, Public Transport, Reservations, Menus, Feedback to Google, Report a Problem, and links to additional third party ratings and review websites. Of course not everything here is applicable to all businesses and are displayed based on the information provided from the Google Places Business Management Console.

As you can imagine the instant preview gives user the ability to “view” without having to click and this will directly impact the number the click through rate (CTR) of any individual listing. Most likely the CTR will go down in this case.

&nsbp;

With the ongoing changes by Google to the search results page along with the Google Places Local Business Listing, the industry continues to push hard for businesses to not only manage their local business listings, but to start focusing on store level marketing and store level reputation management (aka public relations). We can expect to see more changes and requiring businesses to add the appropriate policies and procedures to include this area as part of their web marketing strategies.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758

&nsbp;

http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
Read more at smartfinds.posterous.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/uBFsbC

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results

2011-11-15T00:13:00.001-05:00

Google has been allowing for web pages to be previewed before clicking on a search result for quite some time since 2010. Equally we have seen a number of changes taking place during 2011 in Local Business Listings from Google’s Places and Maps. These changes have include the removal of third party reviews, layout changes to what information is viewable and a strong focus on securing ratings and reviews.

Google Places results which provide local results before national results now received the instant preview feature too and are displayed on the first page of the search results. This is a new functionality that will further encourage and require businesses to take control of their Local Business Listings to insure local customers get the marketing information the business wishes to provide.

What is probably more important is has been enhanced with multiple layouts and provides the searcher more information than the organic results of general websites. You can hover over a Google Places listing and see everything from Maps to Videos, Photos and more in the right column. What is probably more surprising is that the ads are replaced with the preview information. The implications of the Adwords Ads being replaced with the preview information certainly has other implications that we will have to discuss separately.

The following information is provided by Google’s Instant help page:

&nsbp;

Before Google Instant, the typical searcher took more than 9 seconds to enter a search term, and we saw many examples of searches that took 30-90 seconds to type.
Using Google Instant can save 2-5 seconds per search.
If everyone uses Google Instant globally, we estimate this will save more than 3.5 billion seconds a day. That’s 11 hours saved every second.
15 new technologies contribute to Google Instant functionality.

&nsbp;

Let’s take a look at the information included in the instant preview of Google Places Local Business Listing.

Map
While the general search results always show a map with all Google Places Local Business Listings, if you hover over a listing you will see only the listing you are hovering over. The map links to Google Maps where you can then obtain more details including directions.

Customer Ratings and Reviews
Recent studies have shown how 6 in 10 customers make their buying decisions based on what has been posted to the local business listings. Of course this goes well beyond Google and becomes equally important to insure satisfied customers have posted positive ratings and reviews while the business manages the process of tending to negative ratings and reviews too.

&nsbp;

Images, Photos, Videos, Coupons, Offers, Promotions
This is where the marketing content a business provides within their Google Places Local Business Listings for their local store becomes very important. Whether it is products, services, advertisements, coupons, offers, discounts, etc. Taking the initiative to secure your local business listings by claiming them and then managing them with regularity.

Street View
Probably not as well known is the panoramic photo that is provided by Google for that businesses address. You can get a 360-degree view of the area by hovering over this panoramic photo. Some street view images have one for the interior while others only for the exterior. Eventually this will play into the integration of Google Places with Google Earth.

Web Page Preview
If Google can identify a web page for the business, the thumbnail of the business web page is displayed. This thumbnail appears to be a live snapshot and is directly linked to the web site. From a marketing perspective this the first impression a prospective customer will have with the business.

Additional Details Included
Prices, Hours of Operation, Public Transport, Reservations, Menus, Feedback to Google, Report a Problem, and links to additional third party ratings and review websites. Of course not everything here is applicable to all businesses and are displayed based on the information provided from the Google Places Business Management Console.

As you can imagine the instant preview gives user the ability to “view” without having to click and this will directly impact the number the click through rate (CTR) of any individual listing. Most likely the CTR will go down in this case.

&nsbp;

With the ongoing changes by Google to the search results page along with the Google Places Local Business Listing, the industry continues to push hard for businesses to not only manage their local business listings, but to start focusing on store level marketing and store level reputation management (aka public relations). We can expect to see more changes and requiring businesses to add the appropriate policies and procedures to include this area as part of their web marketing strategies.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758

&nsbp;

http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-11-07T17:06:00.001-05:00

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results http://bit.ly/w0UQhM

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results

2011-11-07T17:05:00.000-05:00

This is particularly important for National Companies who tend "not" to focus their attention on store level marketing or public relations. Rather they focus on national marketing, media buying and public relations. Appropriate expertise is required to help national companies with store level marketing and reputation management.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

Smartfinds Geographic Marketing
Local Search Marketing & Data Services

Because All Business is Local
Call (866) 501-5758

Geographic Marketing Local Business Listings Previewed In Google Search Results

Google Places results which provide local results before national results now received the instant preview feature too and are displayed on the first page of the search results. This is a new functionality that will further encourage and require businesses to take control of their Local Business Listings to insure local customers get the marketing information the business wishes to provide.

With the ongoing changes by Google to the search results page along with the Google Places Local Business Listing, the industry continues to push hard for businesses to not only manage their local business listings, but to start focusing on store level marketing and store level reputation management (aka public relations). We can expect to see more changes and requiring businesses to add the appropriate policies and procedures to include this area as part of their web marketing strategies.
Read more at www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/w0UQhM

2011-11-05T04:09:00.001-04:00

How Social Media Changed Branding http://bit.ly/vhWcV7

How Social Media Changed Branding

2011-11-05T04:08:00.001-04:00

Social media allows consumers to receive individual attention from a brand, says Melih Oztalay, a subject matter expert in web marketing, social media marketing, content marketing, and geographic marketing.

Social media advertising is not based on direct and monotonous advertising, but rather the interaction and continuous modification of campaigns.

Direct marketing is not as effective with social media, agrees Oztalay. Social media allows the message of your brand to be carried over multiple sources, and allows those messages to be received by your connections, links and friends or family -- so the reach of your brand can't be measured as immediately or clearly compared to advertising in traditional media.

Amplify’d from www.profnetconnect.com

Dear Gracie: How Social Media Changed Branding

Grace Lavigne

I'm interested in tips for branders/advertisers/marketers on how social media is different from traditional media. Are there any tactics we should use specifically for social media vs. traditional media? How do brands become memorable through social media? What makes a brand successful on social media?

For example, social media allows consumers to have access to the ratings and reviews of fellow shoppers, says Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Internet Marketing. A study by the e-tailing group and PowerReviews (found on MarketCharts.com) in September showed 6 out of 10 consumers base shopping decisions on the ratings and reviews of others, through social media sites and user-generated content.
Read more at www.profnetconnect.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/vhWcV7

2011-10-27T11:13:00.001-04:00

Customer Ratings and Reviews Management http://linkd.in/t1gc3E

Customer Ratings and Reviews Management

2011-10-27T11:11:00.001-04:00

The process is not only about managing negative ratings and reviews, but also about securing positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers. The idea of store level marketing and store level reputation management is difficult for many national multi-store companies, but a direction they have not choice to go towards. Outsourcing this volume of work will be the primary methodology.

Amplify’d from www.linkedin.com

What, if anything can be done about bad online reviews? Is this also known as "reputation management"?

posted 1 day ago in Internet Marketing
| Report question as...

Hi Carl,

Considering that 6 in 10 consumers make their shopping decision based on ratings and reviews, the management of the local listing reviews becomes imperative.

I do want to clarify that my comments are related to Local Listing Ratings and Reviews. Reputation Management through social communities, forums and content postings on the web do take a different approach.

Certainly managing the bad reviews is an important process. It is a process that starts with disputing the issue to see if it can be removed (especially if a competitor posted something) and it is also followed by either an apology to the situation or an explanation that also identifies what was done to resolve the problem.

However, we need to consider how to minimize the urgency or negative ratings and reviews and also the possibility of them being seen. For this reason Reputation Management is NOT only about managing negative reviews, but focusing on how to secure Positive Ratings and Reviews.

Melih Oztalay

YOU

CEO, SmartFinds Internet Marketing

see all my answers

Best Answers in: Public Relations (3)... see more, Internet Marketing (2), Risk Management (1), Mobile Marketing (1), Blogging (1) see less

Read more at www.linkedin.com

See this Amp at http://linkd.in/t1gc3E

2011-10-25T20:25:00.003-04:00

GEOGRAPHIC MARKETING AND LOCAL LISTING WARS http://bit.ly/vWWv3q

GEOGRAPHIC MARKETING AND LOCAL LISTING WARS

2011-10-25T20:25:00.001-04:00

Amplify’d from localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

GEOGRAPHIC MARKETING AND LOCAL LISTING WARS

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GEOGRAPHIC MARKETING AND LOCAL LISTING WARS

October 25, 2011

Edit

Geographic Marketing is an important tool not only for local businesses looking to attract consumers through local business listings, but also for the large online companies who host such listings. Have you noticed the number of commercials being run by high-profile tier one companies and websites that are in the local business listing industry? These companies are all trying to capitalize on the local business marketing industry, and are consistently fighting for top recognition and use.

For example, you may have seen TV commercials for Angie’s List, Super Media, Yellow Book. If you add Internet advertising that includes but not limited to Google, Yahoo, Bing, Merchant Circle, Yelp, Citysearch and many others, you have to start wondering how all these websites can attract a finite number of businesses and visitors to use their website.

The other more significant question is how a business will manage their local business marketing information at all the local business listings websites.

History of Geographic Marketing and Local Business Listings

As a business, if you have not kept up with the evolution of geographic marketing you will need a quick primer to know where things started and where things are today.

The origins of local business listings go back to the early 1990s when search engines had directories listing businesses by categories in addition to their basic search results.

These basic business listings gave way to business directories giving the business the opportunity to add more business marketing information.

While this evolution was taking place, yellow page (411) websites were also emerging on the web.

Business directories eventually gave way to the idea of rating a business with companies like Angie’s List and Yelp in social communities.

In 2007 business listings began showing up in search engines and customer ratings and reviews also were available.

In summary, geographic marketing is essentially based on an online business listing which consists of yellow pages information, business description, and local business marketing information, consumer ratings and consumer reviews.

Geographic Marketing is Interactive in Nature

Calling these listings a business directory does not do them justice considering all the local business marketing content, customer information and mapping information.

However, geographic marketing is not just about getting your business marketing information into these listings. It is also about essentially creating mini-websites for your business, and more importantly allowing customers to quantitatively rate and subjectively provide commentary about their experience with the business, products and services.

Local business listing websites that are social communities allow customers. Live social communities that provide location based services like Four Square, Twitter and Facebook create instantaneous feedback to friends, family and followers alike. This collaboration not only allows for ratings and comments, but the information is posted permanently.

A smart geographic marketing strategy will require a business to ask satisfied customers to post commentary and manage those postings that are negative…..at multiple local listing websites, of course.

Manage Your Geographic Marketing Process Everywhere!

Unlike the traditional yellow pages, where business information was located in a single source, the Internet lets local business marketing information be found everywhere. With so many sources, it becomes imperative for a business to stay on top of its information, description, business marketing materials and consumer reviews at multiple local listing websites.

Local Business Listing websites is defined to include search engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites and business directories.

If you wonder why the management needs to take place at multiple local listing websites, the answer is simple. Your business information shows up in search engine results, mobile search results, and is available to mobile application developers for mobile apps.

Every time a consumer or customer enters a search term, the search engine or mobile app will return local business listings that are relevant to that search based on its proximity to the user’s location (latitude and longitude, city, or state). Since you don’t know what source your local customers or mobile application developers are using, you need a way to manage many sources simultaneously.

Select a Company to Help

Whether we are talking about website optimization, local business listings, mobile marketing, social marketing, or geographic marketing, a business needs proper support to succeed in this new era of store level marketing.

You need a partner with experience and expertise in multiple digital marketing fields who can adapt to the progression of new technologies that will become available over the next few years.

Some key elements for a company to provide geographic marketing services include:

Claiming your local business listing at multiple local listing websites.

Providing both data services and business marketing services (you need both data and marketing, not just data services).

Updating your basic business data information monthly.

Updating and managing your business marketing information to include photos, videos, coupons, offers, discounts, and events monthly.

Monitoring and Managing Consumer ratings and reviews monthly.

Reviewing analytics of local business listings and making the appropriate changes to your local business listings monthly.

Offering expertise in Mapping Technologies and GPS that offer mapping and navigation services based on latitude and longitude, or city and state geography.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009

Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758

Fax: (866) 501-5758

http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
Read more at localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/vWWv3q

2011-10-11T02:35:00.003-04:00

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process http://amplify.com/u/eugr

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process

2011-10-11T02:35:00.001-04:00

Consumer ratings and reviews have become an integral part of every business’ public relations program, requiring many companies to develop a standard operating procedure to manage this process. Consumer ratings and reviews are posted on multiple local listing websites (search engines, communities, directories, etc.) and shared amongst these websites as well. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this should be an ongoing process that occurs over many different online listing websites.

Amplify’d from posterous.com

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process

Google Places Experts

Consumer ratings and reviews have become an integral part of every business’ public relations program, requiring many companies to develop a standard operating procedure to manage this process. Consumer ratings and reviews are posted on multiple local listing websites (search engines, communities, directories, etc.) and shared amongst these websites as well. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this should be an ongoing process that occurs over many different online listing websites.

Understanding Ratings vs. Reviews

To help you get started managing this process, it is useful to have some background on the program. Consumers can rate a business from 1 to 5 stars quantitatively which will soon be used to rank relevant websites to a search. This numerical value can also be averaged over many ratings; therefore, it becomes important to seek out positive ratings in volume.

Consumers can also post a subjective review about a business. This is positive or negative text copy about their experience with a business’ products or services. This subjective review is kept for years and is available for future prospects to view.

Tips To Manage Customer Ratings and Reviews

For every business, there are many parts to successfully managing these rating and reviews. These include:

Encouraging positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers

Responding to positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers

Monitoring listings for negative reviews

Responding appropriately to negative reviews to build a positive reputation

Managing Positive Consumer Ratings and Reviews

It is important to implement a campaign to secure positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers. These positive ratings will in fact increase the average rating higher and effectively drown out negative reviews and minimize the need to manage negative reviews as urgently.

It is also important to engage and respond to positive ratings and reviews from loyal customers. This type of interaction will reinforce customer loyalty and helps build a positive brand reputation.

Managing Negative Consumer Ratings and Reviews

Because these ratings and reviews have permanence, it is imperative for a business to at the very last respond to a negative review explaining the situation. This will at least show prospects that you care about your customers.

You have three options when it comes to negative ratings and reviews:

Dispute the Rating and Review and wait to see if it will be removed.

Respond with an apology if the business was indeed at fault and explain the resolution to the situation.

Respond with an explanation and course of action if the business has a differing opinion from the consumer.

By effectively managing both positive and negative customer ratings and reviews, you can build your company’s reputation and effectively address customer experiences on a local and individual level, which customers and prospective customers will appreciate.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758
Read more at posterous.com

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/eugr

Smartfinds Jumptags

2011-10-11T01:11:00.001-04:00

What is Jumptags?
Jumptags is a free online bookmarking service that allows you to create, organize, share and publish your bookmarks online.

What's so special about it? Jumptags.com is perhaps the only online bookmarking service that goes beyond bookmarks. A Jumptag can be a bookmark, a note, a video, a contact, an RSS feed and more...

www.jumptags.com/smartfinds

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process

2011-10-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

Google Places Experts

Understanding Ratings vs. Reviews

To help you get started managing this process, it is useful to have some background on the program. Consumers can rate a business from 1 to 5 stars quantitatively which will soon be used to rank relevant websites to a search. This numerical value can also be averaged over many ratings; therefore, it becomes important to seek out positive ratings in volume.

Consumers can also post a subjective review about a business. This is positive or negative text copy about their experience with a business’ products or services. This subjective review is kept for years and is available for future prospects to view.

Tips To Manage Customer Ratings and Reviews

For every business, there are many parts to successfully managing these rating and reviews. These include:

Encouraging positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers
Responding to positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers
Monitoring listings for negative reviews
Responding appropriately to negative reviews to build a positive reputation

Managing Positive Consumer Ratings and Reviews

It is important to implement a campaign to secure positive ratings and reviews from satisfied customers. These positive ratings will in fact increase the average rating higher and effectively drown out negative reviews and minimize the need to manage negative reviews as urgently.

It is also important to engage and respond to positive ratings and reviews from loyal customers. This type of interaction will reinforce customer loyalty and helps build a positive brand reputation.

Managing Negative Consumer Ratings and Reviews

Because these ratings and reviews have permanence, it is imperative for a business to at the very last respond to a negative review explaining the situation. This will at least show prospects that you care about your customers.

You have three options when it comes to negative ratings and reviews:

Dispute the Rating and Review and wait to see if it will be removed.
Respond with an apology if the business was indeed at fault and explain the resolution to the situation.
Respond with an explanation and course of action if the business has a differing opinion from the consumer.

By effectively managing both positive and negative customer ratings and reviews, you can build your company’s reputation and effectively address customer experiences on a local and individual level, which customers and prospective customers will appreciate.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-10-10T09:46:00.003-04:00

Managing Reputation At The Store Level http://bit.ly/pXv02w

Managing Reputation At The Store Level

2011-10-10T09:46:00.001-04:00

With 60% of consumers making shopping decisions based on the ratings and reviews of a business, this process becomes very important for all businesses to manage their reputation at the store level.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process

Consumer ratings and reviews have become an integral part of every business’ public relations program, requiring many companies to develop a standard operating procedure to manage this process. Consumer ratings and reviews are posted on multiple local listing websites (search engines, communities, directories, etc.) and shared amongst these websites as well. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this should be an ongoing process that occurs over many different online listing websites.

Understanding Ratings vs. Reviews

To help you get started managing this process, it is useful to have some background on the program. Consumers can rate a business from 1 to 5 stars quantitatively which will soon be used to rank relevant websites to a search. This numerical value can also be averaged over many ratings; therefore, it becomes important to seek out positive ratings in volume.

Consumers can also post a subjective review about a business. This is positive or negative text copy about their experience with a business’ products or services. This subjective review is kept for years and is available for future prospects to view.
Read more at www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pXv02w

2011-10-05T21:58:00.001-04:00

Customer Ratings and Reviews Management http://bit.ly/qJVina

Customer Ratings and Reviews Management

2011-10-05T21:57:00.001-04:00

Amplify’d from dailyseotip.com

How to Successfully Manage the Consumer Ratings and Review Process

Consumer ratings and reviews have become an integral part of every business’ public relations program, requiring many companies to develop a standard operating procedure to manage this process. Consumer ratings and reviews are posted on multiple local listing websites (search engines, communities, directories, etc.) and shared amongst these websites as well. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that this should be an ongoing process that occurs over many different online listing websites.
Read more at dailyseotip.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/qJVina

2011-10-04T20:29:00.003-04:00

What is geographical marketing and why is it important for local business? http://linkd.in/nymSnQ

What is geographical marketing and why is it important for local business?

2011-10-04T20:29:00.001-04:00

In a nutshell geographical marketing is the integration of Geographical intelligence into all marketing aspects including sales and distribution.

As the marketing tools on the web change to allow for geographic targeting (both marketing and advertising) the definition of Geographic Marketing will have to change as well to be broader than what it has been in the past.

Amplify’d from www.linkedin.com

What is geographical marketing and why is it important for local business?

posted 5 hours ago in Internet Marketing
| Report question as...

I would like to add a different perspective on "Geographic Marketing". While I understand how this term was used in the past (Shane's definition), what we are finding is the following:

1. With search engines making local business listings available in the search results, along with Geo-Tagging web pages based on longitude, latitude, country, continent, state, city and zip code around the globe...I submit to you that the term Geographic Marketing's definition is changing along with it.

2. We are finding that customers (whether local business, national businesses with local stores, or local franchise owners) are responding well to the term "Geographic Marketing" with their perception being that Geographic "Web" Marketing is about a marketing method that directly aids their local store to reach local consumers.
Read more at www.linkedin.com

See this Amp at http://linkd.in/nymSnQ

2011-10-03T18:56:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing as a Key Business Strategy http://bit.ly/o5t92o

Geographic Marketing as a Key Business Strategy

2011-10-03T18:56:00.001-04:00

Geographic marketing incorporates digital tools like local business listings, hyperlocal advertising, managing customer ratings and reviews. National companies with multiple store locations also have to consider managing the marketing for individual stores at the store level now-a-days and not just at the national level.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsmarketing.com

Geographic Marketing as a Key Business Strategy

Geographic marketing is a new method of marketing a business and its website through web searches, mobile searches and social media. Geographic marketing incorporates digital tools like local business listings, hyperlocal advertising, managing customer ratings and reviews in order to promote a local store through web searches or mobile searches.

In the traditional sense, the definition of geographic marketing is the association of data and maps, but the added convergence of local business listings, mobile business marketing, and social media makes this method of local business marketing more powerful than ever before. This local business marketing tool may come across as something for local business, but we have to remember that all business is local. National companies with multiple store locations also have to consider managing the marketing for individual stores at the store level now-a-days and not just at the national level.
Read more at www.smartfindsmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/o5t92o

2011-09-27T01:38:00.001-04:00

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services http://bit.ly/peM5oS

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services

2011-09-27T01:37:00.001-04:00

Considering that local business listings show up on the first page of search results, in mobile searches, and in mobile applications, this is a local business marketing tool you don’t want to ignore.

Amplify’d from smartfinds.posterous.com

September 26, 2011

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services

Geographic Marketing is the key to making your business stand out to local consumers, but are you taking advantage of these great business marketing tools? Are your stores dependent upon the local geography for your revenue? If you’re not using the full power of Geographic Marketing as an additional business marketing tool to reach local consumers, then you are missing out on a significant local business marketing opportunity.

Considering that local business listings show up on the first page of search results, in mobile searches, and in mobile applications, this is a local business marketing tool you don’t want to ignore.

The only way local listings show up in these various search results is if you have managed your listings by entering your business marketing information for each store. If you’re wondering how to enter your local business marketing information, it begins by claiming your listing and seize the management of each store’s local business listing.

By no means should you think the geographic marketing process starts and ends with Google. There are multiple search engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites and various other business directories that are accessed by consumers and mobile application developers and provide business information for a specified search area (latitude and longitude or street address).

It is equally important to keep in mind that geographic marketing is not a one-time process. You have to manage these listings by updating your store’s local business marketing information including keywords, photos, videos, coupons, and events on a regular basis. Local listings are an interactive geographic marketing tool that can be accessed and managed 24x7x365.

If you’re wondering what I mean by “interactive” geographic marketing tools, keep in mind that consumers get to post their ratings and reviews about your store, your business, products, or services. As a corporate multi-location business, it is important to get satisfied customers to post their feedback in order to negate any negative reviews. If you do get negative reviews, there is a process that allows you to dispute them either as a rebuttal, an apology, or an acknowledgement. This process adds a new layer of public relations at the local business marketing level which large multi-location corporations are unfamiliar.

Let’s take a look at the five reasons why you probably want to outsource your geographic marketing services to a company with experience and expertise who can manage this for your company across multiple local listing websites.

1. You Have a Business Marketing Need for Revenue
You have to manage these listings by updating your:

keywords,

description and general text copy,

photos (products, services, company),

videos (tv commercials and others),

coupons (discounts, offers), and

events (promotions)

…..on a monthly basis! And don’t stop at Google, keep going to Yahoo, Bing, Yelp, Local.com, Citysearch, Mapquest and many others that are quickly becoming consumer favorites.

2. You Have a Public Relations Need
Consumers have the ability to post their experience with your store, your business, products, or services to these local business listings. While it never requires a request for a customer to post a negative review, it is a smart local business marketing strategy to consider how you plan on asking satisfied customers to post positive ratings and reviews.

Reviews have a quantitative component to them and thus are open to search engines using them as another data point in the future to rank your website. Anyone posting a review can indicate one star (negative) to five stars (positive). From a geographic marketing standpoint, it is important to push for as many positive reviews as possible.

What do you do with negative reviews? You have to do something! You cannot let them sit in your local business listing on multiple websites for customers to interpret. Your options include: dispute, rebuttal, or apologize and you need an experienced local business marketing specialist to handle these responses on an individual basis.

Keep in mind that customer reviews are syndicated around the web from one local business listings website to another.

3. You Have a Security Need
Your local business listing is a free geographic marketing service provided by a variety of local business listings websites, search engines, social communities, 411 websites, business directories and more. So, what should you as a business expect for free? Probably not much, and that includes the level of security around these local business listings. The reality is that someone can hijack your listing and manage the listing either against you or in their favor. In order to avoid a local business listing hijacking you will need to ensure that you claim your listing at multiple local listing websites.

While claiming your listing is a good starting point to your geographic marketing process, you also have to consider how you will monitor duplicate listings that enter into the information system and need to be continually claimed and monitored.

4. You Have a Data Accuracy Need
Geographic marketing information about your stores on the internet comes from multiple sources and from sources over many years of selling data. We have seen many situations where business names vary, phone numbers are inaccurate, addresses and map markers showing the actual location (latitude and longitude) are not correct, and the list goes on.

Once again, this is not something that stops at Google, but needs to be reviewed, monitored, and managed at multiple local listing websites in order to ensure customers have access to the most accurate business marketing information possible. You do not want to miss mobile application developers either, as they decide randomly whose database they will use.

5. You Have a Time Resource Need
Hopefully you have learned from our discussions here that the time needed to claim, update, monitor, and manage your local listings at multiple local listings website is significant . Since the geographic marketing process does not end with your work being completed one time, it becomes a regular monthly process that has to be managed by a local business marketing expert.

Furthermore, this process is in no way entirely automated and requires experienced local business marketing labor resources in order to make decisions. For example, you are required to ensure business marketing information consistency across multiple local listing websites; analyze monthly local listing analytics to take actionable changes to your listing at multiple local listing websites; respond to consumer reviews at their origin since consumer reviews are syndicated across many different local listing websites; and more – the list goes on and on.

Ultimately, a large corporation will not have the time resources to manage the geographic marketing process effectively, and the support of experienced Internet business marketing professionals will be required.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758
Read more at smartfinds.posterous.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/peM5oS

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services

2011-09-26T23:58:00.001-04:00

Geographic Marketing is the key to making your business stand out to local consumers, but are you taking advantage of these great business marketing tools? Are your stores dependent upon the local geography for your revenue? If you’re not using the full power of Geographic Marketing as an additional business marketing tool to reach local consumers, then you are missing out on a significant local business marketing opportunity.

The only way local listings show up in these various search results is if you have managed your listings by entering your business marketing information for each store. If you’re wondering how to enter your local business marketing information, it begins by claiming your listing and seize the management of each store’s local business listing.

By no means should you think the geographic marketing process starts and ends with Google. There are multiple search engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites and various other business directories that are accessed by consumers and mobile application developers and provide business information for a specified search area (latitude and longitude or street address).

It is equally important to keep in mind that geographic marketing is not a one-time process. You have to manage these listings by updating your store’s local business marketing information including keywords, photos, videos, coupons, and events on a regular basis. Local listings are an interactive geographic marketing tool that can be accessed and managed 24x7x365.

If you’re wondering what I mean by “interactive” geographic marketing tools, keep in mind that consumers get to post their ratings and reviews about your store, your business, products, or services. As a corporate multi-location business, it is important to get satisfied customers to post their feedback in order to negate any negative reviews. If you do get negative reviews, there is a process that allows you to dispute them either as a rebuttal, an apology, or an acknowledgement. This process adds a new layer of public relations at the local business marketing level which large multi-location corporations are unfamiliar.

Let’s take a look at the five reasons why you probably want to outsource your geographic marketing services to a company with experience and expertise who can manage this for your company across multiple local listing websites.

1. You Have a Business Marketing Need for Revenue
You have to manage these listings by updating your:

keywords,
description and general text copy,
photos (products, services, company),
videos (tv commercials and others),
coupons (discounts, offers), and
events (promotions)

…..on a monthly basis! And don’t stop at Google, keep going to Yahoo, Bing, Yelp, Local.com, Citysearch, Mapquest and many others that are quickly becoming consumer favorites.

2. You Have a Public Relations Need
Consumers have the ability to post their experience with your store, your business, products, or services to these local business listings. While it never requires a request for a customer to post a negative review, it is a smart local business marketing strategy to consider how you plan on asking satisfied customers to post positive ratings and reviews.

Reviews have a quantitative component to them and thus are open to search engines using them as another data point in the future to rank your website. Anyone posting a review can indicate one star (negative) to five stars (positive). From a geographic marketing standpoint, it is important to push for as many positive reviews as possible.

What do you do with negative reviews? You have to do something! You cannot let them sit in your local business listing on multiple websites for customers to interpret. Your options include: dispute, rebuttal, or apologize and you need an experienced local business marketing specialist to handle these responses on an individual basis.

Keep in mind that customer reviews are syndicated around the web from one local business listings website to another.

3. You Have a Security Need
Your local business listing is a free geographic marketing service provided by a variety of local business listings websites, search engines, social communities, 411 websites, business directories and more. So, what should you as a business expect for free? Probably not much, and that includes the level of security around these local business listings. The reality is that someone can hijack your listing and manage the listing either against you or in their favor. In order to avoid a local business listing hijacking you will need to ensure that you claim your listing at multiple local listing websites.

While claiming your listing is a good starting point to your geographic marketing process, you also have to consider how you will monitor duplicate listings that enter into the information system and need to be continually claimed and monitored.

4. You Have a Data Accuracy Need
Geographic marketing information about your stores on the internet comes from multiple sources and from sources over many years of selling data. We have seen many situations where business names vary, phone numbers are inaccurate, addresses and map markers showing the actual location (latitude and longitude) are not correct, and the list goes on.

Once again, this is not something that stops at Google, but needs to be reviewed, monitored, and managed at multiple local listing websites in order to ensure customers have access to the most accurate business marketing information possible. You do not want to miss mobile application developers either, as they decide randomly whose database they will use.

5. You Have a Time Resource Need
Hopefully you have learned from our discussions here that the time needed to claim, update, monitor, and manage your local listings at multiple local listings website is significant . Since the geographic marketing process does not end with your work being completed one time, it becomes a regular monthly process that has to be managed by a local business marketing expert.

Furthermore, this process is in no way entirely automated and requires experienced local business marketing labor resources in order to make decisions. For example, you are required to ensure business marketing information consistency across multiple local listing websites; analyze monthly local listing analytics to take actionable changes to your listing at multiple local listing websites; respond to consumer reviews at their origin since consumer reviews are syndicated across many different local listing websites; and more – the list goes on and on.

Ultimately, a large corporation will not have the time resources to manage the geographic marketing process effectively, and the support of experienced Internet business marketing professionals will be required.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-5758

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-09-26T23:45:00.003-04:00

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ra... http://bit.ly/nxYF3e

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ratings and Reviews

2011-09-26T23:45:00.001-04:00

September 26, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com ), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has been invited as the guest speaker for the Detroit Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (DMCVB, http://www.visitdetroit.com) educational series for their members. The event focuses on learning how to manage the business online reputation at the local geographic level.

Amplify’d from www.allvoices.com

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ratings and Reviews

What’s the Online Buzz?” is the third and final installment of the DMCVB membership educational series focusing on business ratings and reviews by local customers

September 26, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com ), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has been invited as the guest speaker for the Detroit Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (DMCVB, http://www.visitdetroit.com) educational series for their members. The event focuses on learning how to manage the business online reputation at the local geographic level.

“As our Geographic Marketing Solution and Services has expanded over the past years, we have had to engage in helping businesses not just monitor, but also manage their ratings and reviews being posted by their local customers in the business’ local business listing,” said Melih Oztalay, Smartfinds CEO. “Geographic web marketing is a fast growing industry making it easy for local customers to post their positive or negative experiences with a local business store either through a web browser or through a mobile phone. Knowing how to approach the process of managing these ratings and reviews is an important factor to insure continued business to the local store by future prospects.”

The DMCVB’s 2011 Membership Educational Seminar will end with “What’s the Online Buzz?” as the third and final installment in the membership educational series. In the blink of an eye customers can share their opinions and experiences online, and you need to be aware of what they’re saying about your business. Learn how to manage your online reputation with presenter Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Internet Marketing. Melih and an all-star lineup of panelists will discuss the latest ways businesses are monitoring their social brand image, attracting new customers through favorable reviews, responding to criticism, turning negatives into golden opportunities, and more!

Following the presentation a panel will convene for open discussion that includes representatives from Yelp, Motor City Casino, and WDIV.

The event is held on Thursday, September 29, 2011, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Sterling Inn at 34911 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. You must be a DMCVB member to attend. You can contact Angela Gillis at the DMCVB for further information by phone at (313) 202-1973.

Geographic web marketing as a solution for multi-location businesses from Smartfinds Internet Marketing expands not only beyond Google Places, but also encompasses other elements that include Geo Tagging, Citation Marketing, QR Code Marketing, Consumer Rating and Reviews Management along with a Mobile Locations Finder mobile application. Geographic Marketing is a way to attract local customers online through strategies that leverage a business’ physical location. When a local customer searches online via mobile, web or GPS, a map appears with business listings related to the search criteria. When fully leveraged with the company’s marketing content, pictures, logos, videos, events, coupons, promotions, customer reviews and more, it helps to create a micro website for the client across each of the search engines.

About Smartfinds Internet Marketing

The most critical element of SmartFinds Internet Marketing services is the creativity and imagination to apply the technological aspects of the digital marketplace to the marketing objectives of a particular business. Initial research provides SmartFinds the ability to develop a digital strategy that can be measured every step of the way to insure business growth and revenue generation. Some of SmartFinds’ clients have included ComForcare Home Care, Delphi, Flagstar Bank, Guardian Industries, Soave Enterprises, McCann Erickson, Penske Automotive Group, Wendy’s, Ziebart and others. You can learn more about SmartFinds at http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com .

About The Detroit Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau (DMCVB) is the only organization that promotes metro Detroit regionally, nationally and internationally as a convention, business meeting and tourism destination. To achieve this goal of soliciting and servicing the area’s second-largest industry, the DMCVB works with the Detroit and Windsor area business community, civic organizations and local government offices in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. You can learn more about the DMCVB at http://www.visitdetroit.com .

New Release Contact

Melih Oztalay, CEO

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

Direct: (248) 568.2241

melih@smartfindsmarketing.com

330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009

Toll-Free: (866) 501-5758

http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com
Read more at www.allvoices.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/nxYF3e

2011-09-26T09:50:00.003-04:00

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ra... http://bit.ly/pjJkjX

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ratings and Reviews

2011-09-26T09:50:00.001-04:00

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ratings and Reviews Management as part of Geographic Marketing for local business marketing.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsmarketing.com

The Detroit Metropolitan CVB includes Melih Oztalay of SmartFinds Internet Marketing As Guest Speaker On Customer Ratings and Reviews

“What’s the Online Buzz?” is the third and final installment of the DMCVB membership educational series focusing on business ratings and reviews by local customers

September 26, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com ), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has been invited as the guest speaker for the Detroit Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (DMCVB, http://www.visitdetroit.com) educational series for their members. The event focuses on learning how to manage the business online reputation at the local geographic level.

The event is held on Thursday, September 29, 2011, from 2 – 4 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Sterling Inn at 34911 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. You must be a DMCVB member to attend. You can contact Angela Gillis at the DMCVB for further information by phone at (313) 202-1973.

See more at www.smartfindsmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pjJkjX

2011-09-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services http://bit.ly/mZP3yp

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services

2011-09-26T09:47:00.001-04:00

Outsourcing Geographic Marketing for Multi-Location Companies. Geographic Marketing requires ongoing marketing management of Google Places Listings as well local business listings in many other websites. Smartfinds Internet Marketing can assist your multi-location national business with geographic marketing processes.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsmarketing.com

5 Smart Reasons To Outsource Geographic Marketing Services

Geographic Marketing is the key to making your business stand out to local consumers, but are you taking advantage of these great business marketing tools? Are your stores dependent upon the local geography for your revenue? If you’re not using the full power of Geographic Marketing as an additional business marketing tool to reach local consumers, then you are missing out on a significant local business marketing opportunity.

Considering that local business listings show up on the first page of search results, in mobile searches, and in mobile applications, this is a local business marketing tool you don’t want to ignore.
Read more at www.smartfindsmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/mZP3yp

2011-09-23T23:30:00.003-04:00

http://ping.fm/37mTj Geographic Marketing as a Business Marketing Tool.

Geo-Ma... http://bit.ly/qkaol3

2011-09-23T23:30:00.001-04:00

https://plus.google.com/104258629627358304448/posts?hl=en Geographic Marketing as a Business Marketing Tool.

Geo-Marketing (or Geographic Marketing) is a new method of marketing a business and its website through web searches, mobile searches and social media. As you can see, the geo-marketing tools being used are digital and through the Internet or Mobile devices. http://bit.ly/qkaol3

2011-09-23T15:16:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing Optimization is Important for All Businesses http://bit.ly/rbA5gT

Geographic Marketing Optimization is Important for All Businesses

2011-09-23T15:16:00.001-04:00

Geographic marketing has become increasingly more important in recent years for businesses seeking to grow their local consumer base. You may have noticed that a Google search result also shows the local map on the right side, and the local listings (aka as Google Places at Google) are part of the organic search results. If you follow the evolution of local business listings on search engines since 2007 you will find that this geographic marketing tool is invaluable to any local business marketing strategy.

Amplify’d from localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

Geographic Marketing Optimization is Important for All Businesses

September 22, 2011

Edit

Geographic marketing has become increasingly more important in recent years for businesses seeking to grow their local consumer base. You may have noticed that a Google search result also shows the local map on the right side, and the local listings (aka as Google Places at Google) are part of the organic search results. If you follow the evolution of local business listings on search engines since 2007 you will find that this geographic marketing tool is invaluable to any local business marketing strategy.

The disappointing issue is that most businesses have not tapped into their listing as a local business marketing tool. For businesses that have engaged, they are only looking at Google without regard to other websites that consumers visit. For instance Yelp is a significant source for many consumers over Google.

While the industry is 3 years ahead of businesses, the businesses that are dependent upon the local geography for their revenue are unclear that they can actively manage these listings through a geographic marketing service instead of watching them passively.

All Businesses Can Take Advantage of Local Business Marketing Tools

First of all, a local business is not a small business. While we have discussed this in more detail, we have to keep in mind that national chains with local presence are also dependent upon the local geography for their revenue. So, it doesn’t make a difference if you’re as large as a Home Depot store or as small as a local restaurant, geographic marketing will benefit any size business as long as you can claim the store listing related to a specific state or city that is related to a certain latitude and longitude.

Secondly, the fact that local listings are included in organic Google search results is a telling sign that this is related to both Business-To-Business (B2B) as well as Business-To-Consumer (B2C) models. If you think that B2B won’t have its customer posting ratings and reviews, then you are in for a surprise. B2B businesses that seek revenue from the local economy should equally be tapping into geographic marketing tools like a B2C business.

Customers Decide To Do Business Based On Search Results

Google search results not only display regular organic search results, but they also include local business listings (and the associated business marketing information) that are relevant to the requested search or are located near a specified city, street address, or latitude and longitude. Local listings are showing up above fold and tend to show more results than the organic website results.

Local business listing results are also interesting in that they show quite a bit of business marketing information to a local customer or consumer. Of course the basic information like business name, address, phone number, telephone number, website link and location on the map is pretty standard. If a business has offers, videos, photos are provided as a link. The number of customer reviews and the average star rating is also prominent to the person searching. Translated, this means the local customer or consumer can quickly see from the business marketing information provided if they want to even click on your local business listings or call you.

Geographic Marketing Optimization Becomes Important

Businesses now have two geographic marketing tools that need optimization: their website and their local business listings. Since the local business listing is effectively the interactive yellow pages of the 21st century, businesses need to stop passively watching and actively engaging with their local business listing by implementing appropriate business marketing tools and information.

It is important to remember that mass production data submission services are only a small part of the overall marketing strategy. You now have to look into more details like regular changes to photos, videos, offers, discounts, promotions, events to keep the local customer engaged and willing to click on your listing.

Part of any effective geographic marketing process requires that you first claim your local business listings, followed by their initial update. Once this is complete, you then have to consider monitoring and managing the local business listing just like your website.

You will find that local business listings can actually be a website, but it is probably better to use them as supporting business marketing tool to your primary website. In order for you to show up in the search results, you have to be sure the local business listing has all the right information about your business, products and services.

That is then followed by adding local business marketing information including photos, videos, coupons, offers, discounts, events and other information that will help the local customer decide to do business with you.

Managing your geographic marketing tools also includes managing customer reviews and engaging with them not only to secure positive reviews from satisfied customers, but to ensure positive public relations with any customers that are less than satisfied.

Finally, the geographic marketing optimization process includes watching the local business listing analytics (separate from your website) and making decisions about how to tweak your listing.

…and did we mention this goes well beyond Google? A variety of other websites are included such as Bing, Yahoo, Yelp, Local.com, Merchant Circle, Citysearch, Map Quest and many others that include search engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites, and business directories.

Outsourcing Your Geographic Marketing Process

There are generally two types of companies that provide geographic marketing services. The first are those that provide “data” only services, which really doesn’t help you much since they don’t get involved in the claiming process. The second provides geographic marketing services, but be careful here since some of them are not well staffed to do anything beyond Google.

Seeking assistance for geographic marketing services is no different than seeking professional help for your website’s search engine optimization. You will not only need to have professional help in the optimization of your local business listings, but you will also need someone to monitor for duplicate listings, customer reviews, updating your marketing information, and analyzing the analytics.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

330 East Maple Road, Suite 503

Birmingham, MI 48009

Tel: (866) 501-5758

Fax: (866) 501-57587
Read more at localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/rbA5gT

2011-09-23T15:07:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing is More Than Just Claiming Local Business Listings with Google Places http://bit.ly/qNsIkf

Geographic Marketing is More Than Just Claiming Local Business Listings with Google Places

2011-09-23T15:07:00.001-04:00

Geographic marketing is a uniquely effective opportunity for business marketing teams to fully optimize their local business listings online. Many businesses have gone down the path of claiming their local business listings, but we have seen two distinct problems. The first is that while the local business listings have been claimed, they are only claimed at Google Places. That doesn’t necessarily benefit the overall geographic marketing process on the web, which we will discuss further.

Amplify’d from localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

Geographic Marketing is More Than Just Claiming Local Business Listings with Google Places

September 22, 2011

Edit

Geographic marketing is a uniquely effective opportunity for business marketing teams to fully optimize their local business listings online. Many businesses have gone down the path of claiming their local business listings, but we have seen two distinct problems. The first is that while the local business listings have been claimed, they are only claimed at Google Places. That doesn’t necessarily benefit the overall geographic marketing process on the web, which we will discuss further.

Let’s discuss briefly why there is more to geographic marketing than Google Places. You will find that there this is a closed loop circle that begins with customer using Google Places to search for a business, product or service. Once they have experienced doing business with you, they go to other websites to post their review about your business, product, or service. The other websites then push these reviews into your Google local listing for future customers to see. You can see this requires that you manage your business marketing tools and local listing at other websites.

The other is that no other local business marketing tools associated with the listing have been utilized. Geographic marketing is a multi-faceted operation, and requires updating and using many different local business marketing tools online. For example, for many business listings, we find no coupons updated, no customer reviews disputed, no events, no videos, and no photos. Essentially the listing was claimed, but from a geographic marketing standpoint, it is not being used for local business marketing purposes or to support reputation management problems.

Undoubtedly, businesses that are interested in creating a geographic marketing strategy have claimed their local business listings, but have found that their time resources are limited in order to manage the business marketing tools and listings at Google Places let alone managing the local listings at many other websites, searches engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites and general business directories.

This doesn’t include the frustration they may have encountered in the claiming process that could have led to an anxiety to do anything further with the listings or their geographic marketing strategy. Changes we have see with Google Places and Bing Local during 2011 would scare anyone from spending anymore time with this process.

Here are a few items to consider when creating a geographic marketing strategy that includes multiple local business listing websites, search engines, social communities, 411 websites, and GPS websites:

Claim your local business listing at more than just Google Places

Updating your business listing with local business marketing materials (coupons, offers, events, discounts, promotions, events, photos, videos, map marker location, business information, and much more)

Removing or Claiming duplicate listings

Responding to existing customer reviews (particularly negative ones, but you can also thank positive reviews too)

Securing positive customer reviews from satisfied customers

Monitoring your local listing for new duplicates and customer reviews

Managing your local listing with online business marketing tools like local listing analytics and tweaking your local listing monthly with new business marketing information.

There is of course another reason to stay on top of geographic marketing tools like local listings besides the consumer reviews. Local business listings show up not only in web searches, but also in mobile searches, mobile applications, and some GPS applications (for searches based on a specific area, latitude, or longitude.) Thus, mobile application developers decide which database they will use for their mobile application. If a business only concentrates on Google Places, but the mobile application developer uses another website, then you would be missing out on potential business despite your geographic marketing efforts.

You see, when it comes to successfully implementing geographic marketing strategies, local business listings are the interactive yellow pages of the 21st century. They are also one part of your total Geographic Marketing strategy.

Consider the following as part of your Geographic Marketing components:

Hyperlocal Advertising

QR Code Marketing with Content Marketing and Social Media

Consumer Ratings and Reviews Management

Mobile Location Finder Application

Broadcast Data Services for wide distribution

Analysis and Analytics with data Interpretation for actionable steps for ongoing improvement

As a company who has claimed your local business listing as part of your geographic marketing strategy, you are heading down the right path, but time resources, expertise, and experience will prevent you from using this interactive marketing tool to truly benefit your business and reach the local consumers. Geographic marketing services can support your business listings for as low as $2 per day per location. Do not be fooled by the lower cost data only services as you will get what you pay for.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

330 East Maple Road, Suite 503

Birmingham, MI 48009

Tel: (866) 501-5758

Fax: (866) 501-57587
Read more at localbusinesslisting.wordpress.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/qNsIkf

Geographic Marketing Optimization is Important for All Businesses

2011-09-22T13:07:00.001-04:00

The disappointing issue is that most businesses have not tapped into their listing as a local business marketing tool. For businesses that have engaged, they are only looking at Google without regard to other websites that consumers visit. For instance Yelp is a significant source for many consumers over Google.

While the industry is 3 years ahead of businesses, the businesses that are dependent upon the local geography for their revenue are unclear that they can actively manage these listings through a geographic marketing service instead of watching them passively.

All Businesses Can Take Advantage of Local Business Marketing Tools

First of all, a local business is not a small business. While we have discussed this in more detail, we have to keep in mind that national chains with local presence are also dependent upon the local geography for their revenue. So, it doesn’t make a difference if you’re as large as a Home Depot store or as small as a local restaurant, geographic marketing will benefit any size business as long as you can claim the store listing related to a specific state or city that is related to a certain latitude and longitude.

Secondly, the fact that local listings are included in organic Google search results is a telling sign that this is related to both Business-To-Business (B2B) as well as Business-To-Consumer (B2C) models. If you think that B2B won’t have its customer posting ratings and reviews, then you are in for a surprise. B2B businesses that seek revenue from the local economy should equally be tapping into geographic marketing tools like a B2C business.

Customers Decide To Do Business Based On Search Results

Google search results not only display regular organic search results, but they also include local business listings (and the associated business marketing information) that are relevant to the requested search or are located near a specified city, street address, or latitude and longitude. Local listings are showing up above fold and tend to show more results than the organic website results.

Local business listing results are also interesting in that they show quite a bit of business marketing information to a local customer or consumer. Of course the basic information like business name, address, phone number, telephone number, website link and location on the map is pretty standard. If a business has offers, videos, photos are provided as a link. The number of customer reviews and the average star rating is also prominent to the person searching. Translated, this means the local customer or consumer can quickly see from the business marketing information provided if they want to even click on your local business listings or call you.

Geographic Marketing Optimization Becomes Important

Businesses now have two geographic marketing tools that need optimization: their website and their local business listings. Since the local business listing is effectively the interactive yellow pages of the 21st century, businesses need to stop passively watching and actively engaging with their local business listing by implementing appropriate business marketing tools and information.

It is important to remember that mass production data submission services are only a small part of the overall marketing strategy. You now have to look into more details like regular changes to photos, videos, offers, discounts, promotions, events to keep the local customer engaged and willing to click on your listing.

Part of any effective geographic marketing process requires that you first claim your local business listings, followed by their initial update. Once this is complete, you then have to consider monitoring and managing the local business listing just like your website.

You will find that local business listings can actually be a website, but it is probably better to use them as supporting business marketing tool to your primary website. In order for you to show up in the search results, you have to be sure the local business listing has all the right information about your business, products and services.

That is then followed by adding local business marketing information including photos, videos, coupons, offers, discounts, events and other information that will help the local customer decide to do business with you.

Managing your geographic marketing tools also includes managing customer reviews and engaging with them not only to secure positive reviews from satisfied customers, but to ensure positive public relations with any customers that are less than satisfied.

Finally, the geographic marketing optimization process includes watching the local business listing analytics (separate from your website) and making decisions about how to tweak your listing.

…and did we mention this goes well beyond Google? A variety of other websites are included such as Bing, Yahoo, Yelp, Local.com, Merchant Circle, Citysearch, Map Quest and many others that include search engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites, and business directories.

Outsourcing Your Geographic Marketing Process

There are generally two types of companies that provide geographic marketing services. The first are those that provide “data” only services, which really doesn’t help you much since they don’t get involved in the claiming process. The second provides geographic marketing services, but be careful here since some of them are not well staffed to do anything beyond Google.

Seeking assistance for geographic marketing services is no different than seeking professional help for your website’s search engine optimization. You will not only need to have professional help in the optimization of your local business listings, but you will also need someone to monitor for duplicate listings, customer reviews, updating your marketing information, and analyzing the analytics.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-57587

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

Geographic Marketing is More Than Just Claiming Local Business Listings with Google Places

2011-09-22T12:55:00.001-04:00

Let’s discuss briefly why there is more to geographic marketing than Google Places. You will find that there this is a closed loop circle that begins with customer using Google Places to search for a business, product or service. Once they have experienced doing business with you, they go to other websites to post their review about your business, product, or service. The other websites then push these reviews into your Google local listing for future customers to see. You can see this requires that you manage your business marketing tools and local listing at other websites.

The other is that no other local business marketing tools associated with the listing have been utilized. Geographic marketing is a multi-faceted operation, and requires updating and using many different local business marketing tools online. For example, for many business listings, we find no coupons updated, no customer reviews disputed, no events, no videos, and no photos. Essentially the listing was claimed, but from a geographic marketing standpoint, it is not being used for local business marketing purposes or to support reputation management problems.

Undoubtedly, businesses that are interested in creating a geographic marketing strategy have claimed their local business listings, but have found that their time resources are limited in order to manage the business marketing tools and listings at Google Places let alone managing the local listings at many other websites, searches engines, social communities, 411 websites, GPS websites and general business directories.

This doesn’t include the frustration they may have encountered in the claiming process that could have led to an anxiety to do anything further with the listings or their geographic marketing strategy. Changes we have see with Google Places and Bing Local during 2011 would scare anyone from spending anymore time with this process.

Here are a few items to consider when creating a geographic marketing strategy that includes multiple local business listing websites, search engines, social communities, 411 websites, and GPS websites:

Claim your local business listing at more than just Google Places
Updating your business listing with local business marketing materials (coupons, offers, events, discounts, promotions, events, photos, videos, map marker location, business information, and much more)
Removing or Claiming duplicate listings
Responding to existing customer reviews (particularly negative ones, but you can also thank positive reviews too)
Securing positive customer reviews from satisfied customers
Monitoring your local listing for new duplicates and customer reviews
Managing your local listing with online business marketing tools like local listing analytics and tweaking your local listing monthly with new business marketing information.

There is of course another reason to stay on top of geographic marketing tools like local listings besides the consumer reviews. Local business listings show up not only in web searches, but also in mobile searches, mobile applications, and some GPS applications (for searches based on a specific area, latitude, or longitude.) Thus, mobile application developers decide which database they will use for their mobile application. If a business only concentrates on Google Places, but the mobile application developer uses another website, then you would be missing out on potential business despite your geographic marketing efforts.

You see, when it comes to successfully implementing geographic marketing strategies, local business listings are the interactive yellow pages of the 21st century. They are also one part of your total Geographic Marketing strategy.

Consider the following as part of your Geographic Marketing components:

Hyperlocal Advertising
QR Code Marketing with Content Marketing and Social Media
Consumer Ratings and Reviews Management
Mobile Location Finder Application
Broadcast Data Services for wide distribution
Analysis and Analytics with data Interpretation for actionable steps for ongoing improvement

As a company who has claimed your local business listing as part of your geographic marketing strategy, you are heading down the right path, but time resources, expertise, and experience will prevent you from using this interactive marketing tool to truly benefit your business and reach the local consumers. Geographic marketing services can support your business listings for as low as $2 per day per location. Do not be fooled by the lower cost data only services as you will get what you pay for.

Certainly your time resources are limited and Geographic Marketing Solutions for multi-location companies are provided by Smartfinds Internet Marketing. Let the experts of over 17 years Internet marketing experience help you use this local business marketing tool properly through monthly management marketing services and broadcast data services for mass business data distribution.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing
330 East Maple Road, Suite 503
Birmingham, MI 48009
Tel: (866) 501-5758
Fax: (866) 501-57587

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-09-19T10:19:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing optimization is as important as traditional search engine optimization. If your business is dep... http://bit.ly/qzyAsM

2011-09-19T10:19:00.001-04:00

Geographic Marketing optimization is as important as traditional search engine optimization. If your business is dependent upon your immediate geography for your revenue then adding geographic web optimization is now required.

http://www.smartfindsgeographicmarketing.com/geographic-marketing-optimization-is-important-for-all-businesses/ http://bit.ly/qzyAsM

2011-08-14T22:29:00.001-04:00

Social Media Roundtable Discussion http://bit.ly/pMA1vs

Social Media Roundtable Discussion

2011-08-14T22:27:00.001-04:00

PR PERSPECTIVE: Social Media

Interviews from a online roundtable table discussion regarding the topic of social media and its impact on business, from four Detroit PR professionals. Social media continues to be a popular communication tool yet many businesses today are still trying to determine how this communication platform can be used as a marketing tool.

Amplify’d from the-creative-collection-detroit-edition.onsugar.com

Social Media Roundtable Discussion

Q. Based on your experience, do most clients prefer to outsource their social media services or, do they prefer to coordinate their social media needs in-house?

For businesses that are early adopters of Internet technologies and are committed to a “Internet team”, will focus on managing social media internally with only a request for consultation to review, improve or enhance their efforts.

Q. Do you consider having a “social media presence” to be an absolute must for a company to be successful in today's business climate?

MO: The short answer is “Yes”. I think that the problem with social media for business is that businesses do not understand how to best use it or how to use it most efficiently. Many businesses see social media as a waste of time, when in fact it allows for the most efficient communication and relationship marketing through many people very easily.
Read more at the-creative-collection-detroit-edition.onsugar.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pMA1vs

2011-08-14T22:24:00.001-04:00

PR PERSPECTIVE: Social Media http://bit.ly/nZxUSa

PR PERSPECTIVE: Social Media

2011-08-14T22:23:00.001-04:00

Interviews from a online roundtable table discussion regarding the topic of social media and its impact on business, from four Detroit PR professionals. Social media continues to be a popular communication tool yet many businesses today are still trying to determine how this communication platform can be used as a marketing tool.

Amplify’d from the-creative-collection-detroit-edition.onsugar.com

PR PERSPECTIVE: Social Media

As social media continues to be a popular communication tool for consumers, many businesses today are still trying to determine how this communication platform can be used as a marketing tool for attracting new business and promoting products.

Below is a link to an online roundtable table discussion regarding the topic of social media and its impact on business, from four Detroit PR professionals that include Dwight Zahringer (Trademark Productions), Tom Nixon (Identity PR), Melih Oztalay (SmartFinds Internet Marketing), and social media strategiest Pam Perry (Social Media PR Solutions).

FULL STORY:

See more at the-creative-collection-detroit-edition.onsugar.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/nZxUSa

2011-07-20T23:48:00.003-04:00

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media http://bit.ly/p867Hz

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

2011-07-20T23:48:00.001-04:00

I think it is fair to say that Google Plus Project, otherwise known as G+, has exploded onto the web marketing scene in a very short time. Statistics around the web indicate that in the first week, 35% of all new links shared on Twitter were related to the G+ Project.

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Google Plus Project’s 1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

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Google Plus Project's 1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

Google Plus Project's 1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

I think it is fair to say that Google Plus Project, otherwise known as G , has exploded onto the web marketing scene in a very short time. Statistics around the web indicate that in the first week, 35% of all new links shared on Twitter were related to the G Project.

At first glance everyone seemed to be declaring that the Google G Project would be the end of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Skype. I cannot imagine that G would have the ability to knock these behemoths down. Certainly not in the short term and long term the other communities fulfill other needs that G will not be able to. What I do believe the critics are missing is the effect on web marketing. Perhaps these critics are not web marketers, but more likely either seeking attention through competitive propaganda or have an inability to adopt and adapt to new changes within the Internet industry.

Certainly Google's G Project will eventually change the web marketing world. Since this is Google's own product, they will prefer social tick marks through the 1 Button over those coming from Twitter, Facebook and social bookmarking. You cannot help but see that this will impact organic search results. Web pages that generate many 1's will probably populate earlier on Google search results than those websites that do not.

I will avoid detailed discussions related to the features offered through the Google G Project in this discussion, which include sharing Photos, Chatting, Hangout, Spark, Huddles, and Instant Uploads. As a web marketer, all of these other features are social community add-ons that mimic the likes of GoToMeeting, Skype, Flickr and others. None of these will necessarily affect web marketing in terms of search results; only make more features available for Google to allow for Adwords advertising on Google web properties versus on the Google Ad Network.

What Is The Need for Google Plus Project?

First and foremost, if we go back many years when Google got it's start, part of their objective was to be the world's information source. To that end, any information including communications, are fair game to be pooled under one roof for better accessing, interpretation and availability based on content relevancy. Information from social communities certainly falls into the process of aggregating information and in line with Google's objectives.

Secondly, a few years ago if you logged into your Google account, you had the option of commenting on web pages in search results. I think it took one comment to realize that nothing we did would have an effect on website rankings, because the comments were only relative for our own account. Now why would I comment on web pages if my comments are not shared with anyone? Exactly! So, the comment we had on our own website is no longer there and the Google Plus Project seems to have replaced this feature more effectively. Now, all comments, ticks, etc. are shared with people in our community. Certainly seems to be more effective for web marketing.

Perhaps not the last reason, but certainly another important reason, would be related to anti-spam. Google has always sought out ways to reduce spam in the search results. So much so, that it has made it more difficult and complicated for businesses to rank legitimate information and websites (this is also known as job security for web marketers!).

Spammers have infiltrated social communities and found ways to get their information indexed through these communities and/or impacted search engine results for their websites. Since most popular social communities are not as good as Google in terms of anti-spam, one would expect Google to take a pro-active role. Content in the project can be better monitored (aka controlled) to minimize spam, fraud and less reputable websites.

G and Web Marketing

The 1 button is available through web search results now and also through other social communities, blogs, etc. A Google 1 button plugin is available for Wordpress blogs and eventually, this will be as wide spread as other sharing tools for Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, etc.

Since these "social activities" are taking place on Google, it is hard to imagine that the number of 1 button clicks a given page gets would not have an effect on the organic rankings! Not only is the 1 button included on every post within Google Plus and on content publishers' websites, but it's literally sitting next to every single search result that Google returns. Does anyone doubt that this will affect search engine ranking position (SERP) results?!

It would be similar to doubting that star ratings on local business listings won't affect search engine results that come through the local business listings. Let's get realistic. As of November 2010, Google was able to marry a website with a local business listing and display average star ratings for a website based on the results in the local business listing. Star ratings are quantitative and therefore mathematical! Still don't believe this will affect SERP?

If we believe that the number of 1 clicks will affect SERP and also display accordingly to content relevancy to my G community, then the more people in my community, the more people I can effect with 1 clicks.

Yes, I realize if we were to hire a bunch of people from a third world nation for 50 cents per hour clicking away at our client or our own websites, we could affect SERP, but let's move away from that thought for a moment because that loop hole could get closed very quickly based on geographic IP addressing.

However, it does mean that the more people you have in your G community, the more people you can impact. Rather than thinking about third world nations clicking away, think about indiscriminately creating the largest community you can possibly think of using-- every community you already belong to, every email address you have, every connection you can get your hands on. Now that may have a much bigger impact for anything you 1!

Early Adoption and Adapting To Change

Once again, the Internet shows how quickly a technology can enter the market and how rapidly people will migrate to it. Early adoption is the name of the game in the world of Internet technologies. Adapting to the changes in the industry is a must and everyone else will be left behind. If the past 20 years has not shown us that businesses need to jump on board sooner rather than later, then you will undoubtedly be left behind.

The G user population will grow extremely fast, given the interest, Google's reach and resources, and the need businesses have for their website's SERP. Perhaps this will become the "Facebook for Business"!

It will be interesting to learn how well businesses will be able to keep up with all of the changes, given the growing "to do" list. G on the short term will add a host of additional "to do's" and the number of marketing outlets to manage. G will also be too important to ignore.

Article Contact

Melih Oztalay, CEO

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

Direct: (248) 568.2241

melih@smartfindsmarketing.com

330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009

http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com

About

Article Contact

Melih Oztalay, CEO

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

Direct: (248) 568.2241

melih@smartfindsmarketing.com

330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009

http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com
Read more at www.squidoo.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/p867Hz

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

2011-07-20T22:03:00.001-04:00

At first glance everyone seemed to be declaring that the Google G+ Project would be the end of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Skype. I cannot imagine that G+ would have the ability to knock these behemoths down. Certainly not in the short term and long term the other communities fulfill other needs that G+ will not be able to. What I do believe the critics are missing is the effect on web marketing. Perhaps these critics are not web marketers, but more likely either seeking attention through competitive propaganda or have an inability to adopt and adapt to new changes within the Internet industry.

Certainly Google’s G+ Project will eventually change the web marketing world. Since this is Google’s own product, they will prefer social tick marks through the +1 Button over those coming from Twitter, Facebook and social bookmarking. You cannot help but see that this will impact organic search results. Web pages that generate many +1′s will probably populate earlier on Google search results than those websites that do not.

I will avoid detailed discussions related to the features offered through the Google G+ Project in this discussion, which include sharing Photos, Chatting, Hangout, Spark, Huddles, and Instant Uploads. As a web marketer, all of these other features are social community add-ons that mimic the likes of GoToMeeting, Skype, Flickr and others. None of these will necessarily affect web marketing in terms of search results; only make more features available for Google to allow for Adwords advertising on Google web properties versus on the Google Ad Network.

What Is The Need for Google Plus Project?
First and foremost, if we go back many years when Google got it’s start, part of their objective was to be the world’s information source. To that end, any information including communications, are fair game to be pooled under one roof for better accessing, interpretation and availability based on content relevancy. Information from social communities certainly falls into the process of aggregating information and in line with Google’s objectives.

Secondly, a few years ago if you logged into your Google account, you had the option of commenting on web pages in search results. I think it took one comment to realize that nothing we did would have an effect on website rankings, because the comments were only relative for our own account. Now why would I comment on web pages if my comments are not shared with anyone? Exactly! So, the comment we had on our own website is no longer there and the Google Plus Project seems to have replaced this feature more effectively. Now, all comments, ticks, etc. are shared with people in our community. Certainly seems to be more effective for web marketing.

Perhaps not the last reason, but certainly another important reason, would be related to anti-spam. Google has always sought out ways to reduce spam in the search results. So much so, that it has made it more difficult and complicated for businesses to rank legitimate information and websites (this is also known as job security for web marketers!).

Spammers have infiltrated social communities and found ways to get their information indexed through these communities and/or impacted search engine results for their websites. Since most popular social communities are not as good as Google in terms of anti-spam, one would expect Google to take a pro-active role. Content in the project can be better monitored (aka controlled) to minimize spam, fraud and less reputable websites.

G+ and Web Marketing
The +1 button is available through web search results now and also through other social communities, blogs, etc. A Google +1 button plugin is available for WordPress blogs and eventually, this will be as wide spread as other sharing tools for Twitter, Facebook, Delicious, etc.

Since these “social activities” are taking place on Google, it is hard to imagine that the number of +1 button clicks a given page gets would not have an effect on the organic rankings! Not only is the +1 button included on every post within Google Plus and on content publishers’ websites, but it’s literally sitting next to every single search result that Google returns. Does anyone doubt that this will affect search engine ranking position (SERP) results?!

It would be similar to doubting that star ratings on local business listings won’t affect search engine results that come through the local business listings. Let’s get realistic. As of November 2010, Google was able to marry a website with a local business listing and display average star ratings for a website based on the results in the local business listing. Star ratings are quantitative and therefore mathematical! Still don’t believe this will affect SERP?

If we believe that the number of +1 clicks will affect SERP and also display accordingly to content relevancy to my G+ community, then the more people in my community, the more people I can effect with +1 clicks.

Yes, I realize if we were to hire a bunch of people from a third world nation for 50 cents per hour clicking away at our client or our own websites, we could affect SERP, but let’s move away from that thought for a moment because that loop hole could get closed very quickly based on geographic IP addressing.

However, it does mean that the more people you have in your G+ community, the more people you can impact. Rather than thinking about third world nations clicking away, think about indiscriminately creating the largest community you can possibly think of using– every community you already belong to, every email address you have, every connection you can get your hands on. Now that may have a much bigger impact for anything you +1!

Early Adoption and Adapting To Change
Once again, the Internet shows how quickly a technology can enter the market and how rapidly people will migrate to it. Early adoption is the name of the game in the world of Internet technologies. Adapting to the changes in the industry is a must and everyone else will be left behind. If the past 20 years has not shown us that businesses need to jump on board sooner rather than later, then you will undoubtedly be left behind.

The G+ user population will grow extremely fast, given the interest, Google’s reach and resources, and the need businesses have for their website’s SERP. Perhaps this will become the “Facebook for Business”!

It will be interesting to learn how well businesses will be able to keep up with all of the changes, given the growing “to do” list. G+ on the short term will add a host of additional “to do’s” and the number of marketing outlets to manage. G+ will also be too important to ignore.

Article Contact
Melih Oztalay, CEO
Smartfinds Internet Marketing
Direct: (248) 568.2241
melih@smartfindsmarketing.com
330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009
http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-07-18T20:29:00.003-04:00

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media http://bit.ly/ncdSnt

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

2011-07-18T20:29:00.001-04:00

Once again, the Internet shows how quickly a technology can enter the market and how rapidly people will migrate to it. Early adoption is the name of the game in the world of Internet technologies. Adapting to the changes in the industry is a must and everyone else will be left behind. If the past 20 years has not shown us that businesses need to jump on board sooner rather than later, then you will undoubtedly be left behind.

Amplify’d from www.site-reference.com

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

At first glance everyone seemed to be declaring that the Google G+ Project would be the end of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Skype. I cannot imagine that G+ would have the ability to knock these behemoths down. Certainly not in the short term and long term the other communities fulfill other needs that G+ will not be able to. What I do believe the critics are missing is the effect on web marketing. Perhaps these critics are not web marketers, but more likely either seeking attention through competitive propaganda or have an inability to adopt and adapt to new changes within the Internet industry.

Certainly Google’s G+ Project will eventually change the web marketing world. Since this is Google’s own product, they will prefer social tick marks through the +1 Button over those coming from Twitter, Facebook and social bookmarking. You cannot help but see that this will impact organic search results. Web pages that generate many +1′s will probably populate earlier on Google search results than those websites that do not.
Read more at www.site-reference.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/ncdSnt

2011-07-18T11:30:00.003-04:00

Google Plus Project and +1 Button Will Change Web Marketing http://bit.ly/oPt2zL

Google Plus Project and +1 Button Will Change Web Marketing

2011-07-18T11:30:00.001-04:00

Amplify’d from www.searchenginejournal.com

Google Plus Project’s +1 Button Changing Web Marketing With Social Media

I think it is fair to say that Google Plus Project, otherwise known as G+, has exploded onto the web marketing scene in a very short time. Statistics around the web indicate that in the first week, 35% of all new links shared on Twitter were related to the G+ Project.

At first glance everyone seemed to be declaring that the Google G+ Project would be the end of Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Skype. I cannot imagine that G+ would have the ability to knock these behemoths down. Certainly not in the short term and long term the other communities fulfill other needs that G+ will not be able to. What I do believe the critics are missing is the effect on web marketing. Perhaps these critics are not web marketers, but more likely either seeking attention through competitive propaganda or have an inability to adopt and adapt to new changes within the Internet industry.
Read more at www.searchenginejournal.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/oPt2zL

2011-07-17T12:37:00.001-04:00

Franchisor and Franchisees in Promotional Products Partner on Geographic Marketing http://bit.ly/nLo5Sp

Franchisor and Franchisees in Promotional Products Partner on Geographic Marketing

2011-07-17T12:27:00.003-04:00

URL: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/85350646/Smartfinds-and-Pro...

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing with more than 750 franchise operations to offer local business listing management nationally for local business marketing with geographic marketing.

Proforma franchises are able to offer geographic marketing through their promotional products business.

Smartfinds Internet Marketing focuses on web marketing with an emphasis on geographic marketing solutions for businesses nationwide.

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/nLo5Sp

Geographic Marketing and Promotional Products Company Parnter

2011-07-17T12:27:00.001-04:00

“Our goal is to help Proforma’s clients maximize their marketing dollars for reaching local customers whether the business is a national company or a local company. Afterall all business is conducted locally,” said Mr. Oztalay. “Our marketing staff is experienced with creating and managing Geographic Marketing that help a business stand out, support higher rankings and build their local customer traffic online. Businesses adopting Geographic Marketing early will generate higher rankings as their competitors continue to fall behind in a fast moving industry segment.”

Amplify’d from www.prlog.org

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

Smartfinds Internet Marketing, an Internet Marketing pioneer and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma.

Geographic web marketing is a way to attract local customers online through strategies that leverage a business’ physical location. When a customer searches online via mobile, web or GPS, a map appears with business listings related to the search criteria. When fully leveraged with the company’s marketing content, pictures, logos, videos, events, coupons, promotions, customer reviews and more, it helps to create a micro website for the client across each of the search engines. Geographic web marketing as a solution expands not only beyond Google, but also encompasses other elements that include Geo Tagging, Citation Marketing, QR Code Marketing, Consumer Rating and Reviews Management.
Read more at www.prlog.org

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/mQrzlG

2011-07-17T12:24:00.001-04:00

Geographic Marketing and Promotional Products Company Parnter http://bit.ly/mQrzlG

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

2011-07-16T22:34:00.001-04:00

Smartfinds-Proforma-Partnership-Announcement.pdf Download this file

Posted via email from smartfinds's posterous

2011-07-16T10:07:00.001-04:00

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing http://bit.ly/mUD9Mh

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

2011-07-16T10:06:00.001-04:00

Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmareting.com), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, http://www.proforma.com) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will allow for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as well as, local business listings monthly managed marketing services to be offered across more than 750 Proforma locations across the North America.

Amplify’d from www.pr-inside.com

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

More than 750 locations to offer local business listing management nationally.

July 13, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (www.smartfindsmareting.com ), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, www.proforma.com ) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will allow for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as well as, local business listings monthly managed marketing services to be offered across more than 750 Proforma locations across the North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Proforma to bring our geographic web marketing expertise and help their Owners to expand their portfolio of
Read more at www.pr-inside.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/mUD9Mh

2011-07-16T01:34:00.003-04:00

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing http://bit.ly/pusPWe

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

2011-07-16T01:34:00.001-04:00

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsmarketing.com

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

By Internet Marketing Experts

More than 750 locations to offer local business listing management nationally.

July 13, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmareting.com), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, http://www.proforma.com) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will allow for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as well as, local business listings monthly managed marketing services to be offered across more than 750 Proforma locations across the North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Proforma to bring our geographic web marketing expertise and help their Owners to expand their portfolio of web marketing services,” said Melih Oztalay, Smartfinds CEO. “Geographic web marketing is a fast growing industry and it makes sense that Proforma offers their business clients (national and local) a valuable service that every business will need to attract local customers.”

Proforma’s 750 plus Owners are located across North America, offering business clients marketing related services including promotional products, printing services, multimedia and eCommerce. With the addition of geographic web marketing services, each of the Proforma locations will now be able to offer web marketing to attract local customers. Specifically, Proforma will offer their clients a packaged marketing service for their Local Business Listings at a lower partner preferred cost. The geographic marketing package includes both broadcast data submission services to over 200+ websites plus monthly managed marketing services with major websites including consumer ratings and reviews, marketing content, and measured rankings and analytics.

Geographic web marketing is a way to attract local customers online through strategies that leverage a business’ physical location. When a customer searches online via mobile, web or GPS, a map appears with business listings related to the search criteria. When fully leveraged with the company’s marketing content, pictures, logos, videos, events, coupons, promotions, customer reviews and more, it helps to create a micro website for the client across each of the search engines. Geographic web marketing as a solution expands not only beyond Google, but also encompasses other elements that include Geo Tagging, Citation Marketing, QR Code Marketing, Consumer Rating and Reviews Management.

“Our goal is to help Proforma’s clients maximize their marketing dollars for reaching local customers whether the business is a national company or a local company. Afterall all business is conducted locally,” said Mr. Oztalay. “Our marketing staff is experienced with creating and managing Geographic Marketing that help a business stand out, support higher rankings and build their local customer traffic online. Businesses adopting Geographic Marketing early will generate higher rankings as their competitors continue to fall behind in a fast moving industry segment.”

About Smartfinds Internet Marketing

The most critical element of SmartFinds Internet Marketing services is the creativity and imagination to apply the technological aspects of the digital marketplace to the marketing objectives of a particular business. Initial research provides SmartFinds the ability to develop a digital strategy that can be measured every step of the way to insure business growth and revenue generation. Some of SmartFinds’ clients have included ComForcare Home Care, Delphi, Flagstar Bank, Guardian Industries, Soave Enterprises, McCann Erickson, Penske Automotive Group, Wendy’s, Ziebart and others. You can learn more about SmartFinds at http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com.

About Proforma

PFG Ventures takes its customers’ businesses forward with Proforma. The company franchises more than 700 Proforma locations across the US and Canada, offering an array of office supplies (such as forms, labels, and stationery), customized promotional products, and printing and e-commerce services. The company has served more than 50,000 clients in a range of industries, including education, finance, food and beverage packaging, health care, manufacturing, and retail. Clients have included Honda, Beck’s, the University of Minnesota, and the New York State Nurses Association. After establishing Proforma in 1978, Gregory Muzzillo formed PFG Ventures in 1994 to help franchise the brand. http://www.proforma.com

New Release Contact

Melih Oztalay, CEO

Smartfinds Internet Marketing

Direct: (248) 568.2241

melih@smartfindsmarketing.com

330 East Maple Road #503, Birmingham, MI 48009

http://www.smartfindsmarketing.com
Read more at www.smartfindsmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pusPWe

2011-07-15T14:55:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing Partnership To Help Businesses http://bit.ly/nhREWV

Geographic Marketing Partnership To Help Businesses

2011-07-15T14:55:00.001-04:00

“We are thrilled to partner with Proforma to bring our geographic web marketing expertise and help their Owners to expand their portfolio of web marketing services,” said Melih Oztalay, Smartfinds CEO. “Geographic web marketing is a fast growing industry and it makes sense that Proforma offers their business clients (national and local) a valuable service that every business will need to attract local customers.”

Amplify’d from www.pitchengine.com

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

07.15.2011– More than 750 locations to offer local business listing management nationally.

July 13, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmareting.com), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, http://www.proforma.com) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will allow for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as well as, local business listings monthly managed marketing services to be offered across more than 750 Proforma locations across the North America.

smartfinds, internet, marketing, smartfinds internet marketing, smartfinds marketing, proforma, pfg ventures, promotional products, franchises, print supplier, promotional products supplier, geograhic marketing, local business marketing, local business listings, local search marketing, local internet marketing
Read more at www.pitchengine.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/nhREWV

2011-07-15T00:28:00.001-04:00

Google+ Adding Connections from other Social Communities http://linkd.in/ngbTCA

Google+ Adding Connections from other Social Communities

2011-07-15T00:27:00.001-04:00

Google+ only allows for Yahoo and Hotmail connections to be added in mass to a Google+ account, however, there doesn't appear an option to add Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook connections. If you have feedback, we would like to hear on LinkedIn!

Amplify’d from www.linkedin.com

Google+ connections. Has anyone figured out how to add more connections efficiently?

Google+ connections. Has anyone figured out how to get more connections through importing at Google+ besides the meager Yahoo and Hotmail options over there? If you're interested my Google+ ID is melih@smartfindsmarketing.com. Look forward to connecting with everyone there and affecting SERP! :)

posted 6 minutes ago in Search Marketing
| Clarify my question

Read more at www.linkedin.com

See this Amp at http://linkd.in/ngbTCA

2011-07-13T21:10:00.003-04:00

Early Adopters of Internet Technologies Will Win http://bit.ly/qV2jve

Early Adopters of Internet Technologies Will Win

2011-07-13T21:10:00.001-04:00

The Internet is definitely an ever-changing environment. Early adoption of technologies is a key factor to fully capturing the marketing potential for a business through the Internet. The book Crossing The Chasm comes to mind, which discusses innovators, early adopters and late adopters. Businesses need to fall into the category of early adoption, particularly in Michigan.

Amplify’d from www.metromodemedia.com

Early Adopt Or Die: A Q&A with Melih Oztalay

Melih Oztalay has two words for Metro Detroit: early adoption. In the eyes of this downtown Birmingham-based entrepreneur, it's a key phrase that will go a long way towards reinventing the region's economy for the 21st C

Melih Oztalay has two words for Metro Detroit: early adoption. In the eyes of this downtown Birmingham-based entrepreneur, it's a key phrase that will go a long way towards reinventing the region's economy for the 21st Century
Read more at www.metromodemedia.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/qV2jve

2011-07-13T20:57:00.003-04:00

Geographic Marketing Partnership http://bit.ly/pecohD

Geographic Marketing Partnership

2011-07-13T20:57:00.001-04:00

Geographic web selling is a approach to attract internal business online by strategies that precedence a business’ earthy location. When a patron searches online around mobile, web or GPS, a map appears with business listings associated to a hunt criteria. When entirely leveraged with a company’s selling content, pictures, logos, videos, events, coupons, promotions, patron reviews and more, it helps to emanate a micro website for a patron opposite any of a hunt engines. Geographic web selling as a resolution expands not usually over Google, though also encompasses other elements that embody Geo Tagging, Citation Marketing, QR Code Marketing, Consumer Rating and Reviews Management.

Amplify’d from www.webtailors.co.uk

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing – SYS

July 13, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmareting.com), an Internet Marketing colonize for some-more than 20 years and personality in web selling including geographic selling has strictly shaped a vital partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, http://www.proforma.com) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will concede for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as good as, internal business listings monthly managed selling services to be charity opposite some-more than 750 Proforma locations opposite a North America.

Proforma’s 750 and Owners are located opposite North America, charity business clients selling associated services including promotional products, copy services, multimedia and eCommerce. With a further of geographic web selling services, any of a Proforma locations will now be means to offer web selling to attract internal customers. Specifically, Proforma will offer their clients a finished selling use for their Local Business Listings during a reduce partner elite cost. The geographic selling package includes both promote information acquiescence services to over 200+ websites and monthly managed selling services with vital websites including consumer ratings and reviews, selling content, and totalled rankings and analytics.

“Our idea is to assistance Proforma’s clients maximize their selling dollars for reaching internal business either a business is a inhabitant association or a internal company. Afterall all business is conducted locally,” pronounced Mr. Oztalay. “Our selling staff is gifted with formulating and handling Geographic Marketing that assistance a business mount out, support aloft rankings and build their internal patron trade online. Businesses adopting Geographic Marketing early will beget aloft rankings as their competitors continue to tumble behind in a quick relocating attention segment.”
Read more at www.webtailors.co.uk

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pecohD

2011-07-13T09:36:00.001-04:00

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing http://bit.ly/pusPWe

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

2011-07-13T09:35:00.001-04:00

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing with more than 750 locations to offer local business listing management nationally for local business marketing with geographic marketing solutions.

Amplify’d from www.smartfindsmarketing.com

Smartfinds and Proforma Partner to Expand Geographic Marketing

More than 750 locations to offer local business listing management nationally.

July 13, 2011 (Birmingham, MI): Smartfinds Internet Marketing (http://www.smartfindsmareting.com), an Internet Marketing pioneer for more than 20 years and leader in web marketing including geographic marketing has officially formed a strategic partnership with Proforma (PFG Ventures L.P., Cleveland, Ohio, http://www.proforma.com) as a Preferred Limited Partner. The partnership will allow for Smartfinds’ Geographic Marketing Solutions, as well as, local business listings monthly managed marketing services to be offered across more than 750 Proforma locations across the North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Proforma to bring our geographic web marketing expertise and help their Owners to expand their portfolio of web marketing services,” said Melih Oztalay, Smartfinds CEO. “Geographic web marketing is a fast growing industry and it makes sense that Proforma offers their business clients (national and local) a valuable service that every business will need to attract local customers.”
Read more at www.smartfindsmarketing.com

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/pusPWe

3-Day Car Sale Event in Phoenix Arizona

2011-06-25T16:09:00.000-04:00

Five dealerships in the Phoenix, Arizona area are have a 3-day sales event that includes, BMW, Ferrari, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and VW. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

Sales Event Hosted by VW North Scottsdale
“Go German or Go Home” is the bold slogan of the upcoming 3-Day sales event hosted by Volkswagen North Scottsdale this weekend from Friday June 24th, through Sunday June 26th. Event participants will have the opportunity to browse the dealership’s wide selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagens being offered at special low pricing. It is a premium opportunity for Volkswagen lovers to find their favorite models at quality affordable pricing.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.vwnorthscottsdale.com/

Volkswagen North Scottsdale
7001 East Chauncey Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6143
Tel: (480) 538-4700

Exotic Cars on Sale This Weekend at Scottsdale Ferrari

Exotic car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to browse the entire inventory of pre-owned luxury vehicles at Scottsdale Ferrari being offered at special low pricing this weekend during the McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event. The sale event will run from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Scottsdale Ferrari houses a unique array of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus vehicles for the discriminating buyer interested in the finest luxury and performance vehicles in Arizona.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.scottsdaleferrari.com

Scottsdale Ferrari
6825 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Tel: (888) 558-9436

Mercedes-Benz Models at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event Hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the latest Mercedes-Benz line-up at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler this weekend. The event runs from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th and features a wide array of new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.mercedesbenzofchandler.com

Mercedes-Benz of Chandler
7450 West Orchid Lane
Chandler, AZ 85226
Tel: (480) 421-4500

Scottsdale Lexus Sales Event this Weekend

The event begins Friday morning, June 24th and runs through Sunday evening June 26th. Significant discounts will be available on all pre-owned models in stock. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to take advantage of special financing and lease rate options.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.scottsdalelexus.com

Scottsdale Lexus
6905 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257-3205
Tel: (480) 990-7000

BMW North Scottsdale to Host a 3-Day Summer Sales Event This Weekend

The event will be hosted on site at BMW North Scottsdale starting Friday morning and running through Sunday evening. Anyone interested in viewing or driving a new 2011 BMW should stop by for their chance to take advantage of the large selection that will be available to shop.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.bmwnorthscottsdale.com

BMW North Scottsdale
18018 N Scottsdale Road
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6139
Tel: (800) 287-9465

VW North Scottsdale in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event

2011-06-25T16:08:00.002-04:00

VW North Scottsdale in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

Sales Event Hosted by VW North Scottsdale
“Go German or Go Home” is the bold slogan of the upcoming 3-Day sales event hosted by Volkswagen North Scottsdale this weekend from Friday June 24th, through Sunday June 26th. Event participants will have the opportunity to browse the dealership’s wide selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagens being offered at special low pricing. It is a premium opportunity for Volkswagen lovers to find their favorite models at quality affordable pricing.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.vwnorthscottsdale.com/

Volkswagen North Scottsdale
7001 East Chauncey Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6143
Tel: (480) 538-4700

Scottsdale Ferarri in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event

2011-06-25T16:08:00.001-04:00

Scottsdale Ferarri in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

Exotic Cars on Sale This Weekend at Scottsdale Ferrari

Exotic car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to browse the entire inventory of pre-owned luxury vehicles at Scottsdale Ferrari being offered at special low pricing this weekend during the McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event. The sale event will run from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Scottsdale Ferrari houses a unique array of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus vehicles for the discriminating buyer interested in the finest luxury and performance vehicles in Arizona.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.scottsdaleferrari.com

Scottsdale Ferrari
6825 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Tel: (888) 558-9436

Mercedes-Benz of Chandler in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event

2011-06-25T16:07:00.002-04:00

Mercedes-Benz of Chandler in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

Mercedes-Benz Models at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event Hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the latest Mercedes-Benz line-up at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler this weekend. The event runs from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th and features a wide array of new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.mercedesbenzofchandler.com

Mercedes-Benz of Chandler
7450 West Orchid Lane
Chandler, AZ 85226
Tel: (480) 421-4500

Scottsdale Lexus in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event

2011-06-25T16:07:00.001-04:00

Scottsdale Lexus in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

Scottsdale Lexus Sales Event this Weekend

The event begins Friday morning, June 24th and runs through Sunday evening June 26th. Significant discounts will be available on all pre-owned models in stock. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to take advantage of special financing and lease rate options.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.scottsdalelexus.com

Scottsdale Lexus
6905 East McDowell Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85257-3205
Tel: (480) 990-7000

BMW North Scottsdale in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event

2011-06-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

BMW North Scottsdale in the Phoenix, Arizona area are having a 3-day sales event. Read the details below, click on their links, download their sales flyers or visit the dealership website from any of the below information.

BMW North Scottsdale to Host a 3-Day Summer Sales Event This Weekend

The event will be hosted on site at BMW North Scottsdale starting Friday morning and running through Sunday evening. Anyone interested in viewing or driving a new 2011 BMW should stop by for their chance to take advantage of the large selection that will be available to shop.

Learn more at Amplify and Topix. You can also download the PDF Flyer or visit the dealership Website: www.bmwnorthscottsdale.com

BMW North Scottsdale
18018 N Scottsdale Road
Phoenix, AZ 85054-6139
Tel: (800) 287-9465

2011-06-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

Sales Event Hosted by VW North Scottsdale http://bit.ly/lhCKwe

Sales Event Hosted by VW North Scottsdale

2011-06-24T20:25:00.003-04:00

http://www.topix.net/forum/phoenix/T4TTM4ARE3MHHVLUS

“Go German or Go Home” is the bold slogan of the upcoming 3-Day sales event hosted by Volkswagen North Scottsdale this weekend from Friday June 24th, through Sunday June 26th. Event participants will have the opportunity to browse the dealership’s wide selection of new and pre-owned Volkswagens being offered at special low pricing. It is a premium opportunity for Volkswagen lovers to find their favorite models at quality affordable pricing.

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/lhCKwe

2011-06-24T20:25:00.001-04:00

Exotic Cars on Sale This Weekend at Scottsdale Ferrari http://bit.ly/ioHIT6

Exotic Cars on Sale This Weekend at Scottsdale Ferrari

2011-06-24T20:24:00.005-04:00

http://www.topix.net/forum/phoenix/TDUD0UE8FE8GR6RVH

Exotic car enthusiasts will have the opportunity to browse the entire inventory of pre-owned luxury vehicles at Scottsdale Ferrari being offered at special low pricing this weekend during the McDowell Motor Mile Used Car Sales Event. The sale event will run from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th. Scottsdale Ferrari houses a unique array of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lotus vehicles for the discriminating buyer interested in the finest luxury and performance vehicles in Arizona.

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/ioHIT6

2011-06-24T20:24:00.003-04:00

Mercedes-Benz Models at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event Hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler http://bit.ly/iVcWto

Mercedes-Benz Models at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event Hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler

2011-06-24T20:24:00.001-04:00

http://www.topix.net/forum/phoenix/T8D5KF5IMFJACARMU

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see the latest Mercedes-Benz line-up at the World Famous 3-Day Sales Event hosted by Mercedes-Benz of Chandler this weekend. The event runs from Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th and features a wide array of new and certified pre-owned Mercedes-Benz

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/iVcWto

2011-06-24T20:22:00.003-04:00

Scottsdale Lexus Sales Event this Weekend http://bit.ly/m3Xhvl

Scottsdale Lexus Sales Event this Weekend

2011-06-24T20:22:00.001-04:00

http://www.topix.net/forum/phoenix/TLBQ486NA6L9OTLAH

The event begins Friday morning, June 24th and runs through Sunday evening June 26th. Significant discounts will be available on all pre-owned models in stock. Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to take advantage of special financing and lease rate options.

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/m3Xhvl

2011-06-24T20:20:00.003-04:00

BMW North Scottsdale to Host a 3-Day Summer Sales Event This Weekend http://bit.ly/kfeYcB

BMW North Scottsdale to Host a 3-Day Summer Sales Event This Weekend

2011-06-24T20:20:00.001-04:00

http://www.topix.net/forum/phoenix/T12BRGK111EGRV75I

The event will be hosted on site at BMW North Scottsdale starting Friday morning and running through Sunday evening. Anyone interested in viewing or driving a new 2011 BMW should stop by for their chance to take advantage of the large selection that will be available to shop.

See this Amp at http://bit.ly/kfeYcB

2011-06-24T12:34:00.001-04:00

Volkswagen North Scottsdale 3-Day Sales Event http://bit.ly/ly4chC

2011-06-24T12:31:00.001-04:00

Scottsdale Ferrari 3-Day Sales Event http://bit.ly/lTig0O

2011-06-24T12:30:00.001-04:00

Scottsdale Lexus 3-Day Sales Event http://bit.ly/mkr3qd

2011-06-24T12:28:00.001-04:00

BMW North Scottsdale 3-Day Sales Event http://bit.ly/jTwOBD

2011-06-24T12:26:00.001-04:00

Mercedes-Benz of Chandler 3-Day Sales Event http://bit.ly/jHQ05j