I'm into a new venture. I recently purchased a tanning salon for an investment. It's a nice salon, been around for over 20 years. Thing is that it's in the dark ages on web marketing (not that I'm on the cutting edge or anything). However, I would like to see what kind of business I can get from doing online marketing. Obviously people in China, other states, and other cities/towns aren't going to drive miles to get to a tanning salon. So I am wondering about what kind of online marketing do you suggest that focuses on local markets?

Thanks,

Jim

This will get you started:

Google Local Listings
www.google.com/local/add/login?hl=en-US&gl=US

Google AdWords
adwords.google.com/support/b...ic.py?topic=21

Yahoo Local Sponsored Search
searchmarketing.yahoo.com/local/ls.php

Yahoo Enhanced Listings
searchmarketing.yahoo.com/local/ll.php

Also ... consider online yellow pages -

SuperPages

InfoUSA

A vital part of your strategy will be to track conversions and measure 'success'. That's the first step to figure out imo. There is more to consider as well, including optimizing your web site pages for your geographic and keyword terms. Much more... but for starteres this should get anyone 'going'.

I've answered a similar question about local search marketing here, you might want to check it out.

You need to create a press release and get the word out. Some of these ideas above are great. You need a website to pull people in, too. The local online yellow pages and city sites are great for that. They let you add.

I'm not sure if this would come up in the resources listed above, but are you listed on sites by the local chamber of commerce, or organizations like that?

I've seen some effective sites like that.

Getting listed on your local Chamber of Commerce is a great qualifier of your business for local search results.

Keep in mind that joining the Chamber of Commerce costs on average $400, which you will recuperate very quickly through their networking facilities.

Supporting the Chamber of Commerce supplies its coffers with cash, enabling them to push its agenda for business and politics in America. You might want to take a look on their stance on current issues and examine if you want to support them in building the America they envision.