Things to Know Before Hiring a Local Search Marketer for Online Lead Generation
Kennebunk, Maine (PRWEB) July 22, 2013 -- Most local business owners understand the importance of bringing in experts when it comes to local search marketing efforts. The reality of it is that the business owner and their team specialize in a particular set of skills to best address the needs and wants of their customers. They are fully aware that they are not versed in the various internet marketing strategies that will help them to increase reach and generate leads online. For that reason, they turn to a firm such as My Local Leads to assist with search engine optimization, social media marketing, and other marketing strategies that will get the phone to ring and help grow their business. Before selecting an internet marketing firm, however, there are a number of things the local business owner should ask. This is a brief list to help avoid wasting time and money with online lead generation.
One of the biggest red flags to watch out for is any marketing firm that guarantees specific results. Online marketing is fickle in nature at best. Algorithms are constantly being updated. Furthermore, competition is always working hard to overcome others’ success. There is no secret answer book that marketing teams have access to providing them all of the answers when it comes to ranking a website. There are tried and proven techniques. There is also a certain level of reliance upon continued research and consistent innovation. Those companies that promise a number one ranking on Google or Bing within a certain time frame might very well have the best intentions, but such claims would lead those experienced in the field to question how well someone truly understands the industry.
For local business, it is important to find a marketing team that specializes in local search marketing. Search engine optimization has many parts to it. This includes testing the website design for responsiveness as well as ease of viewing and navigation. It also means having title tags and other meta data properly integrated. There is offsite SEO to consider such as article marketing, social media marketing, and more. Local search marketing is a specialized form of search engine marketing, which relies on understanding a number of additional nuances including the local market, geo-location services, more highly targeted keyword research, and so on. While a search engine expert may be able to provide a boost to the website traffic, they could also quite possibly fail and bringing in qualified, local leads.
What kind of communication does the marketing team offer? It is important to understand whether the local business owner is expected to be working with one main point of contact or will be working with different staff numbers throughout the days, weeks, and months. Will the team provide information in regards to what changes have been made on the company website to enhance marketing capabilities? How often will the local business owner be able to go over analytics, results, and other matters with the marketing specialists?
Of course, it is also important to be sure that payment schedules, fees, and expectations are clearly defined in the beginning stages. This avoid problems down the line and lets everyone involved know where they stand. Is the payment project-based or is it an hourly rate? Do additional services cost more? There are all important when trying to budget for the expense. It is also important to know what services will be supplied when and what kind of results should be expected.
Chris Moreno, My Local Leads, http://mylocalleads.com, (207) 332-3306, [email protected]
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