Right now and in the future, what can I do to get my business in front of local customers on the internet? Desktops, Ipads, Mobile.. all devices!
Basically you have 2 options:
Hire a local search engine optimization professional
You can either go with a professional consultant or agency to help you with you overall web / media marketing efforts or a more specific local search marketing specific outfit.
As far as big picture internet marketing and multi-media advertising goes I’m sorry to be biased but I recommend ME!
www.BrianFirthConsulting.com
I’ve been marketing online almost since the mid-90′s, offer extremely competitive rates, and for a limited time I’m giving away a trial / initial consultation for Free!
That’s not to say I won’t recommend other agencies or services for you, most of the time successful campaigns require require a team of professionals. Specialists in local search for example, a mobile specialist or two, web construction / SEO / SEM, a talented social media manager, video / imagery production, possibly a media buying guru, and then the person or agency to manage the whole enchilada for you, you know like that guy Brian Firth 
Some of the Local Search specific services that I recommend are compared and reviewed over here. If you want to have it a go on your own, here are
The fundamental steps to getting your business in front of local customers through web and mobile marketing
1. Claim your listing on the prevalent local business directories.
Google Places is the 800 pound gorilla in the local directory business right now so start there. Get your listing started immediately, don’t take too much time over-thinking the listing. Fill in the basics and get them to mail you your confirmation code. They are looking for the actual physical address for your business, PO boxes may not get listed. I can provide you some direction in tricky situations.
Make sure you’re using keywords that your clients would be typing in Google to find you in your listing as much as possible without disturbing the flow of your message. Have some finesse but if you a pet groomer…. pet groomer, pet groomers, pet grooming, should show up 2-3 times in different parts of your listing and shoot for another phrase or two that would trigger some business for you, Throw “dog bath” , “animal care” , “pet nail care” , you know phrases that you know describe what you do all around. Keyword lace your image descriptions, video descriptions, coupons, specialties, basically wherever you can and try to use all the features available!
People love coupons! Give them incentives to jump to action! Limited time, internet only, coupons and discounts are a goldmine, use them!
Video is already massive and fast growing part of marketing these days. So you definitely want to record some decent quality video explaining your services and plugging specials, upload them to Youtube making sure to doll up your title and descriptions over there with crafty keywords and stick them in your Google Places listing as well!
Go get a bunch of your happy customers to leave positive reviews and you’ll on your way to the top, get ready for lots of new business! It would be nice if it was always that easy. Sometimes it is, so I would encourage you to give it a shot if you’re inclined.
If you are definitely NOT inclined read the follow up to this article, choosing a local search marketing company!
