10 online marketing tips from Local University: Baltimore | MDBIZNews

Baltimore area businesses attended the Local U conference in White Marsh.

Nearly anything is better than nothing when it comes to Internet marketing for small businesses, online marketing expert?Aaron?Weiche said during Friday?s Local University: Baltimore conference at the?Hilton Garden Inn in White Marsh.

?If you understand what [online marketing] is, you?re much more likely to do something. Actionable takeaways is one of the main reasons we do this. We need to take it away from a tech sort of thing and show people that it?s just an extension of how you do business,? said Weiche, one of several presenters during the Google-sponsored conference.

Lisa Dotson of Essex-based Hunt Manor Insurance attended with the hope that she could sort through the clutter of technical jargon.

?Attending the Local U seminar was an eye-opening experience. I?m not up to date on social media technology, and today, they defined many of the terms I have heard over the past few months. The information has encouraged me to build on what I learned today,? Dotson said.

So, what essential steps should a small business take when expanding their online presence?

Below are 10 takeaways from the conference:

• Start a business blog and write as frequently as possible about solutions your business provides and answers to common questions.
• Avoid using stock photography on your website, but instead fill your website and Facebook page with authentic photos of your work and employees.
• Use an analytics service, like Google Analytics, to track traffic on your website. It?s hard to improve online engagement before you can measure it.
• Avoid Flash websites. Use HTML coding whenever possible, as it is more search engine friendly.
• Keep web design as simple as possible and always post your phone number and address on the homepage.
• Even if you don?t yet have to time to invest in Facebook and Twitter, create accounts so your company name is reserved, and so a competitor does not steal it.
• Make sure your company name is consistent both online and in real life.
• Be proactive about online reviews. Urge your happy customers to review your business online and approach negative reviewers with understanding.
• Generally avoid paying for expensive advertising on review websites like Yelp.
• Check references on any paid online marketing consultants. Make sure they are experienced and do not make unrealistic promises like, ?I can guarantee you a top spot on Google search.?

In addition to Google, sponsors included?Citybizlist Baltimore,?Overlea?Fullerton Business & Professional Association,?Pulaski Highway Business?Association,?Perry Hall/White Marsh Business Association,?Stingray Social,?DAASN?and?Progressive Insurance.

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Source: http://mdbiznews.choosemaryland.org/2013/03/08/10-online-marketing-tips-from-local-university-baltimore/

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