The tried and true methods we all used to rely on for growing a local business are quickly becoming relics of the past. While just ten or twenty years ago you might have been able to bank on foot traffic to generate more sales or print ads in the local newspaper to entice new customers, today’s power of growth is all about the internet.

Sure, word of mouth will never stop being important for small businesses, but even word of mouth is shifting online.

When people today are looking for a local service, whether it’s a good bakery, an oil change, or a lawyer, they will take to the internet for information and reviews before they even leave their house. That’s one major reason that about 93% of all online interactions begin with a search engine. Needless to say, if a potential customer can’t find your information online, they’re not likely to find you in real life either, even if your storefront is situated right in the middle of the town square.

In order to grow your business in the digital age, local companies need the assistance of local search engine firms who can optimize their presence in the Googlesphere. Google dominates the web search market with 65 to 70% of all queries, but simply purchasing an AdWords campaign isn’t always enough. Around 70 to 80% of all users actually ignore the paid advertisements on Google, focusing on the organic results instead. Besides, why pay per click when you can direct more traffic to your website through a good local search engine optimization strategy?

When you’re a local business, a local search engine firms will have a built-in familiarity with your area and demographic targets, plus the time and resources required to develop a good SEO strategy for your company. And sadly, not every SEO company can be trusted. By dealing with another local business, you’ll know you’re working with a company that’s committed to your local economy.

When you sign up for SEO services, you’re getting more than just a marketing strategy. Your business can also benefit from services such as:

• Keyword Research

• Content Creation

• Google Maps Positioning

• Social Media Management

• Online Reputation Management

• Pay-Per-Click Advertising

• Website Consultation

• Google Universal Search Optimization

Make no mistake: Managing and maximizing your online presence is a full-time job. When you need to focus on the day-to-day operations of your business dealings, leave the digital realm to an expert search engine firm that can help you drive sales and get results.