With the onset of social media, prospective customers and clients understand that they can peruse online reviews about a particular product or service that they are considering to purchase. This includes everything from a graphic designer to a doctor, dentist or lawyer.
Obviously, you want to be listed favorably when your prospects begin this online search. That’s where the “social search engines” come into play. A social search engine lists local small businesses and rates, ranks and reviews them.
Sites such as Yelp and Insider Pages are becoming more popular by the day…and for good reason! A listing in a social site is free publicity for your small business. (And, obviously, in my shoestring marketing mind, there’s nothing better than free!)
In addition, you begin the important process of managing and promoting your online reputation. (Don’t worry too much about that dreaded “negative review”; most of the sites have tools in place to fight obvious spam or undocumented rage.)
Here’s a 5-step process for getting involved in social search sites:
1) Sign Up With Major Social Search Engines:
Yelp.com
InsiderPages.com
Judy’s Book
Smalltown.com
2) Fill Out Your Pertinent Small Business Information. In addition to your business name, location and picture, include an enticing marketing message that allows your prospects to ascertain exactly how you will solve their problems.
3) Ask Your Current Customers and Clients For Reviews. Many small business owners are noticing that a positive reviews on the social search sites often gives them better rankings and more visibility.
4) Publish Your Positive Reviews. As the love (in the form of positive reviews) begins to flow in, you can place these reviews on your website, blog, ezine or newsletter. The point is to let the world know what your customers and clients are saying about you. You can talk about yourself until you’re blue in the face, but your bragging won’t make much of an impact in the minds of your prospects. It’s what OTHERS say about you that’s worth its weight in gold!
5) Add Your Own Reviews. Obviously, these social sites are just another form of social media marketing…and it’s important for you to be involved in the process as well!
So, go ahead and get involved in a few social search sites for added visibility, increased trust and hopefully, more leads and sales.
About Jessica Swanson
