Getting specific about business categories

This page anticipates the next phase of this website—filling in the blanks forspecific small-business types. Dishing out generic, one-size-fits-all advice does not serve the small business community the best.

Someone conducting a service business (like window blinds) has different priorities and marketing consideratoins than someone running an e-commerce site (even if they both have a website). And some methods that work well for either of them will be very different from what works for a chiropractor or a trucking firm.

This website will develop step-by-step advice whereby various businesses can gain maximum benefit from their Local Search exposure. It will give specifics for local businesses like garden shops, plumbers, hardware stores, etc.

Break down the limitations imposed by categories

We've been trained by the Yellow Page directory to look for a business within its category section. But Local Search permits a person to find suitable businesses under many more descriptive terms. People can search directly for a sub-category, rather than a generic listing like "contractor".

Also, to be listed in the Directory, you pay again for each category where your business appears.But a website can develop numerous sections—like Dog Training, Dog Nutrition, Dog Books, Dog Toys, etc. And it can promote each area with different keyworks—and to different buyers.

So your website could show up in Local Search results in many ways. It should go out of its way develop such specific, narrow topics. People who search with specific terms are more motivated, and likely to buy—"Minolta camera" instead of "camera."

Categories that draw the most attention

Not all businesses rely to the same extent on their Yellow Page listing to attract customers. And I'm sure that will turn out to be true with Local Search as well. The table below shows which directory categories draw the most visitors. Knowing where your type of business stands will give a clue as to how much business may find you through Local Search.