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I am going solo in this episode but I have a lot of content to share with you.
Today, I go over 10 ways you can become a market leader. Just a fair warning: I don’t go into great depth in anyone of the way, however my list should expand some of the opportunities available for you. Pick out a few of these that will work for you and get the ball rolling. Let’s get right into it!
10 Ways To Be A Market Leader In Your Community
Keyword Research
In order to know what your customers and potential customers are looking for you must do keyword research. You can get ideas for how much “google search traffic” you can expect once you find the keywords for your local business. Also, by using some of the paid tools you can see what keywords your competition is using and what you will have to do to get ahead of them.
- Google Keyword Tool (Free Tool)
- Market Samurai (Paid Tool)
Google Places
Over the last couple years Google has shifted it’s focus to local search results. Leading the way is their flagship service for local businesses called Google Places. The incredible thing I have found is that only 30% of the business out there have even claimed their Google Places Listing. (It’s free by the way). When you optimize your listing you are well on your way to being one of the top results for your business in your city.
Your Website
My weapon of choice for websites is a self hosted WordPress site. It’s easy to use and in-expensive to set up. You can choose from thousands of ready made designs, Themes, or have on made custom for you for a small price. Make sure you get your own domain name and hosting.
- WordPress
- Thesis Theme (my Theme)
- Email Autoresponder (Aweber)
- Web Hosting (Host Gator – who I use)
Social Media
Video Marketing
Today, people are consuming video at incredible rates. It’s seems to be one of the most preferred ways to take in information. Businesses have opportunities to show their customers their products, answer important question and give valuable information that the printed word just can’t do. Once you put up a good video you can get traffic to your site for a long time.
Audio Marketing
I recommend a service called AudioBoo. It’s free and you can upload your messages for your market right from you smartphone. It’s really slick. Then just grab your link and put it on your website or social network.
Direct Mail
With this digital age upon us, businesses should still be using direct mail. It’s still very effective when done right.
Press Releases
You can do press releases for your business at anytime you want to communicate a new product or service offering. This is a great way to drive traffic and bring awareness to your business. If you do it right you may even be quoted in the local paper or even better, interviewed on the radio or TV.
Update
I have decided to call my forth-coming free service a Market Leadership Audit. More details to follow.
Please consider Re-Tweeting this update to share this episode.
10 Ways To Be A Market Leader In Your Community | Details on episode 007 of The Local Method | thelocalmethod.com/007-the-local-…
— Albert Hathazi (@TheLocalMethod) February 17, 2012
