Blog: Small Business Marketing

A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is essential for any local business. However, many companies don’t claim, complete, or fully optimize their business profile.

“Near Me” search queries have surged by more than 200% in recent years. For any local businesses to get found on Google, it starts and finishes with your Google Business Profile (GBP).

We compiled a list of 23 powerful stats and facts demonstrating how vital your Google Business Profile is to local search success.

In the world of SEO, there are numerous myths and misconceptions that can cloud our understanding of effective search engine optimization strategies. It’s essential to debunk these myths and separate fact from fiction to ensure you make informed decisions for your small business website. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore and dispel 30 common SEO myths, providing valuable insights and recommendations to help you navigate the complex landscape of search engine optimization. So, let’s dive in and unravel the truth behind these SEO myths to unlock the full potential of your online presence.

When small North Carolina businesses get started, they typically focus on how to land their first clients. Often they will rely on traditional forms of advertising, such as coupon mailers, billboards, out-of-home, or print ads. While many small businesses think that because they provide a superior product or service, it is only a matter of time before prospective clients will find their way to them.

While this strategy may bring in a small amount of revenue, there is a better and easier way. Small businesses should think about leveraging the power of the internet to reach prospects online and reap the benefits of combining traditional and digital marketing. No small business, no matter how new, should disregard digital channels as a source of leads and the conversion of interest into clients.

Still not convinced? Think about this over 94% of business-to-business (B2B) buyers do research online, whereas your business-to-consumer (B2C) buyers research online 97% of the time before making a decision.

Unfortunately, if you rely only on traditional methods, you miss out on a significant portion of your potential clientele.

The key to increasing your Asheville area small business’s clientele is through marketing, primarily content marketing. With content marketing, you are telling your business’s story in such a way that it attracts prospects, educates them, and entices them to choose your WNC small business.

Now, there are numerous options for small businesses to get the word out, but content marketing is one of the better and more cost-effective ways to differentiate yourself and your business from the competition.

As prospects begin their search for services or products, they have several questions, such as:

1. What distinguishes your Asheville small business from the one down the street?
2. What are the criteria for hiring employees?
3. What is the business’s mission/philosophy?
4. How much can clients be involved, and what role can they play?
5. What are the expectations for communication with clients?
6. What results can we expect if we use your services or products?
7. What are the business’s difficulties? What are the areas that need to be improved?

Your marketing materials, website, social media presence, and personal interactions should all follow a consistent theme and work to answer these questions.

Ensure you deliver on what you promise regarding what you say and do. This will not only reassure clients, but they will also be able to see the quality of your services or products.

You can and should create buyer personas to help you focus your marketing efforts. Defining an ideal client will help you develop marketing content and collateral that speaks directly to them.