The strategy businesses first rely on during a recession is to cut back all unnecessary expenses like advertising, employees, pay, quality, customer service and whatever else they can in the name of saving money. This is the same strategy consumers are now personally following, not replacing cars, furniture, delaying Doctor Appointments, postponing vacations and more.
So if everyone is now cutting back on everything how come some businesses are still growing and prospering more than ever?
Common sense shows us that if you need marketing to bring people to your business, and you cut marketing, you will probably be seeing fewer and fewer people coming to your business. The trick is to maximize your marketing dollars and to become more effective and efficient in getting your message out.
From the customers viewpoint you should try to support your local businesses and let them know where you heard about their business, or found them in the first place. This feedback should let the business owner know why you were there and how effective his or her advertising dollars are spent. After all why spend money on marketing if it doesn’t do any good right?
One of the best things both customers and business owners can do for Yuma County now is to take advantage of the new marketing options. How would you like a marketing option where you can;
1. Reach an unlimited number of people
2. Have a link to your website
3. Have hours of operation
4. Have your menu or sales items
5. Make changes when you want and to what you want
6. Have instant coupons
7. Let customers provide feedback on your service and quality
8. Show acceptance of credit cards
9. Have pictures or videos
10. Cost absolutely nothing?
I am talking about Google Maps. Most of us rarely use the telephone book anymore and search by Google. Whether you are at your computer or access by phone, Google Maps will show many of the businesses in our area and provide some basic information. Because things can change Google is allowing people to take control of their Google Maps content to update and use for marketing purposes. If you begin to look at Google Maps and click on the more info you can see many who have started updating their information. You may find a coupon or write a review on your experience. Just remember your review will come with your name and should not be used for putting down a competitor. The business owner will know.
For businesses, if you want to learn how to market through Google Maps for free you can call us for free confidential counseling, or go to our website at awc.azsbdc.info and click on Put Yuma on the Map.
For everyone else look at Google Maps and find phone numbers, coupons, maps, and other great information from our local merchants. This tool gives them the same or better marketing than any fortune 100 company.
So everybody, Let’s Put Yuma on the Map.
