COMMENTS
I think this is a very generation thing.
My parents say " look it up in the phone book"
My generation says " look it up online" " Google search it"
Subtext: It is the way of the future
I totally agree with everything mentioned above. The only problem I see is that a lot of industries, let's use garages for an example, don't have websites at all. Let alone means to SEO them, even if they did. That's probably the only thing I've used the paper yellow pages for in the past 5 years.
Andy - I actually think that even a garage should have a simple website with the basics of SEO in place. Imagine in Boston for instance, you are cmoing in from the suburbs and need a place to park near the symphony - if you had a website that was on the first page of Google for "Boston Symphony Parking" and the website had a map with maybe a coupon to print out, that could be powerful! I use Google all the time to search for restaurants, parking, cafes, bars, barbers and more.
Mike - I totally agree that every business should have a website. I use Google for everything I ever need to look up as well. I just findd certain industries are a little behind in their web presence. That gives me an idea to make some extra cash... :)
I have several of my websites on Google first page and it does bring me a lot of business.
People see you as an authoriry. (I even have a site on the first page for 'affiliate marketing')
Though I am a big believer in local search (obviously) this is a bit of an over simplification.
Both media are used... A LOT.
If you are thinking about a local search for say... Pizza. One medium may replace the other. But think about a purchase where the buying cycle is loooong... like Kitchen cabinets. A person is likely to use both in the never ending quest for more info.
So, then where do you look when you want a pizza? A. Val-Pak (smart-alek)
While I agree that every business should have a website, it is also true that unless there is effort put into SEO, it is a waste of time and money because nobody will find it.
Having a website is pretty much a given for any business these days. They are simple and cheap enough to set up for most people's needs.
I have to disagree with the title of this post however. While you should have a website, you don't need to be on page1 of google. There are so many other sources of traffic and reasons to have a website that don't involve search that really the title is kind of silly. This is one of the key things I've learned while reading James Brausch's blog.
A local dog groomer may not get any searches in google for 2 years (I mean who really searches for "dog groomer in podunk missouri" town of 255 people? They all know the dog groomer. But if they have a blog, they hand out a business card and customers can go there to see store hours, holidays, specials, anouncements etc.
Search isn't the only reason to have a site.
Cheers,
Eric
I think the importance of appearing on page 1 of google is dependent on the industry. If you are a source of information being on the first page shows your authority. however other search engines can be sources of traffic, so can web 2.0 sites
Just a comment to the author - your article should match your headline. You did not say why the business should be on the FIRST page of Google. I was hoping for some stats as to how many people only look at the first page when they search and don't click "next page."
Lianne - By my experience about 99% of all clicks are on the first page. I have seen people on the top of the second page of results and get no traffic for a relatively popular term.
Here is a related article:
http://blog.hubspot.com/tabid/6307/bid/1985/Stopping-The-Google-Adwords-Morphine-Drip-How-We-Saved-183-Last-Week.aspx
Great posting. So agree that the smart way to advertise is online. I used traditional YP directories for 17-years, until they forgot to run my contracted ad. First big mess, than I stared using other online solutions. No more YP advertising for my ScanMyPhotos.com biz.
We are profiling our experience for other entrepreneurs to learn from at
http://www.blog.YellowDinosaur.net
Great Info. Also, with a google seach on must cell phones it is just easier then the phone book or even 1411.
This blog is so true in the fact that more than half your
day is spent on a computer. It doesn't matter what industry you are in you need a website and it
needs to be optimized either for a
local internet market or a
national internet market.
If you have a small or large business (SEO) is needed; being on the first page of google or yahoo??? Priceless
DINS-INC
This blog is so true in the fact that more than half your
day is spent on a computer. It doesn't matter what industry you are in you need a website and it
needs to be optimized either for a local internet market or a national internet market.
If you have a small or large business (SEO) is needed; being on the first page of google or yahoo??? Priceless DINS-INC
Do you have stats for the clicks generated through 1-3 ranks on first page (organic listing) versus 1-3 ranks of sponsored listing. I would appreciate if you can provide break-up of the clicks generated for each rank (1-3) between the two categories. Thanks, Shawn
I disagree that yellow pages vs web search is generational. I'm a boomer and most of my friends are like myself--haven't opened a yellow page directory in years. On the other hand, I frequently speak with store clerks and cashiers in the 25 to 35 age range who do not have a computer at home and have never used the internet. I suspect internet use breaks down more into income and cultural categories than age categories.
Good ideas. Need to make experiment to see if the results are obvious. Try and error.
I totally agree. In my industry (quality control for importers), the clients are used to looking for info online. It is really important for a small company without a strong brand name to be very present on the net, that's why i launched
www.asiaQCblog.com.
I can't imagine that people who are using the internet and google are also using yellow pages. I think that the days of yellow pages are over.
I've been trying to get listed on googles 1st page. I will continue to work on it. I'm on page 3 depending on the keywords.
I totally agree with the Google thing. I don't think I even have a yellow pages hanging around anymore. It's become another dinosaur I'm afraid.
Well, when reading the comments I've found them very interesting. I wouldn't say that yellow pages is useless... One of the main things about marketing is visibility; hence
Internet Marketing I would say post as many links ...(Valuable links to your web site) weather its yellowpages or some other directory that people arent using anymore. Remember aging helps with
SEO, so it doesn't matter how old it is -- the real questions is how can it be of use to yourself and your
internet marketing.
I don't believe that your results HAVE to be on the first page in Google. The key is having unique traffic driven to your site and customers who actually buy. High results doesn't guarantee sales.
What may now appear to be archaic methods of advertising, i.e.: newspaper classifieds, yellow pages, etc. - don't count them out. Statistics today indicate a very high percentage of the population still uses them more than you would think and they remain a valuable resource.
Hi Guys,
Great blog post, totally agree with what you are saying!
Ive been reading an
Internet Marketing Coaching blog lately that has been giving some great content that you might like to read.
The yellow pages are dying bread. Google and Yahoos local business listings area this generations yellow pages helping local customer find local businesses. Its real
Internet Marketing (SEO) for the local guys.
Excellent article and point, which is why
those that are positioned to help generate inbound sales leads for SMBs have an excellent opportunity for growth in the next few years.
Another great point that supports this is noted here
Local Search for SMBs: Sign of the Times
Well, having your website on the first page of Google search results certainly gives your website authority status. However, there are industries that would not benefit from a first page Google search result just because there no one searching for the product or service that they are selling. Other than that, it definitely pays having your website on the first page...
Narek Gabrielyan
Strategic Internet Marketing Tips
XSGrowth Plant Health Clinic asked a great question. I have done a lOT of research and haveasked a LOT of people where I can find reliable stats as to what % of people click organic versus sponsored links on a GOOG page.
Any serious replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I have a pile of 4 2008 Yellow Pages sitting in my kitchen waiting to be recycled.
The three 2009 issues dumped in the snow piles at the end of my driveway didnt' even make it into the house.
I have to say it takes a lot of work, but is totally worth it. I don't think enough people understand the value of SERP presence on google. I have been trying to promote an art gallery in New York and
art galleries New York is the only search I can get results for, but I have to be patient.
Yes some sucker Canadian pension fund paid 2 billion dollars to buy little old New Zealand's Yellow Pages from our local telco.
Just watch their revenue go down each year !
when the website at the first page of google this is the bonus for you.
because you have big chance for you business.
I do agree that local search is changing and that you would be losing potential business by not including online marketing in the mix. Also, very seldom is anything ABSOLUTE including on line marketing. Neilsen as recent as Nov 2008 did a survey showing local search was used 28% - online Yellow pages-16& and yes Print Yellow Pages 48%. Plus minus 5% error factor. That was down from 71% five years ago. Local search is moving like a dimmer switch, not an On-Off switch for your lights. Positioning and tracking are key for both the books and SEM/SEO's.
I think if your website could be saved on dmoz, you can have a chance to be listed on the first page of google for most of your keywords.
One tip I must offer is this: Once you reach page 1 of Google, aim for the top spot. Once you got the top stop, don't rest on your laurels. The moment you ease off, you're actually sliding backwards and the competitive advantage that you've worked so hard for, will be lost.
Rgds Vince
Hi,regarding all the blog about the essentiality if being on the front page of google.Who are you kidding? theres millions of sites out there, and they cant all make the first page at the same time, even at 50 results per page!
So again whos fooling who?
this means that most of you are dreaming!if you think this way, and its not keywords that will get you there anyway!but it could be money? and anyway most of the first page listing contain completely unrelated subjects to what you are searching for!and thats possibly due to, "you pay for where, or what you get"! i.e. first class or tourist bums.
the SEs will do it their way, and the SEOs will try to combat them, without much sucess it seems, except to on-sell their expert trash.
regards Colin.
Almost any problem that comes up in my house the auto answer is "Google it."
@ elisesanchez -- Exactly! In today society, we are all in search of an answer, so we GOOGLE IT! According to your industry and appearing on the first page or the most used search engine. You can't put a price on it...its invaluable. I'm ranking within the top 3 for
chicago internet marketing consultant and
chicago web marketing companyin Google. It's truly amazing. I was doing some
off page marketingand some
local marketing for a flat screen tv retailer and he ranked #3 for Cheap Flat Screen TV's not only did he give me a couple of TV's he gave me a nice bonus-- I sold the TV's and made a profit... SEO Priceless
I totally agree. Being on the 1st page of Google brings you a lot of business. When my website about
houses for rent in cebu reached page 1, and especially when it went up to the top 5, that was when I started to get a lot of queries about my business also.
I agree that SEO is very important... however it is not the most important thing. With the advent of PPC networks such as AdWords, it's possible for businesses without stunning SEO or businesses in super-saturated markets to receive loads of search engine traffic.
People will always argue for SEO, because it is a very good way to get traffic, but if you're running a small business or personal blog for profit, don't waste your time with SEO. Just write good content for your following and rely on PPC or other methods to drive your traffic.
Make Money At Home - Internet Marketing Tips For The Average Joe
I am sure the money one can put into being on the first page has just as much to do with the money one can put into the "Google It!" attitude. There are still plenty of people out of school and out of work-who cannot continue their Google lifestyle, and will now depend on the YP in this economy.
Good post, bad title. Does not really explain why you have to be on the first page of google, which would be information I would find very helpful.
I agree with Andy. I wonder how come he produces such great posts every now and then.
Internet Marketing really is an art and he seems perfect at it.
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