Local Search
Back in the days before the Internet, people relied on physical directories such as Yellow Pages and Thompson Local and trade directories to find potential suppliers to their businesses.
The Internet changed all of that of course and now most research into products and services is carried out online, with most people looking at Google, Yahoo or Bing search engines to find the goods and services they require.
The Phone Book In Your Pocket
Right now, there is another revolution taking place and few businesses are aware of it, even though they are probably already using it!
It’s called Local Search and it’s probably the most important thing you need to know if you’re to be successful in promoting your business in the near future.
Forget computers. Local search is all about mobile technology.
With the advent of smart phones (think iPhone, Blackberry etc), the world of search has changed and if your business isn’t ready, you’re going to be left behind.
More Than Just A Phone
Think about the iPhone and the Blackberry. These two devices are the market leading business tools at the moment. They are so much more than phones with Internet browsers though, because they come equipped with mapping software (as do many other phones).
The mapping software contains a search function that is linked to one or all of the major search engines by default.
These maps have built-in GPS systems, just like a satellite navigation system in a car.
Your phone knows where you are, always.
The search engines have been quick to see the potential and so when you search for a particular service from your smart phone, you’ll be presented with results showing on a map, in the proximity of where you are at that moment.
This is a quantum leap in technology and search as we know it, because now, businesses have to consider the implications and have to adjust to ensure that they are included in the local search results.
Your Local Search Solution
We understand local search and have been optimising our own sites for this for some time now, with great success.
But it’s not only about search. Think about what you can do with a mobile device.
When the result is shown from the search engine, the user can call by telephone direct from the search result, they can view a street view map, obtain reviews of your products or servicesright and they can browse your web site there and then.
Size Matters!
Viewing a web site on a 19 or 24 inch compter screen is not the same as viewing it on something as small as 2-4 inches.
In fact, most web sites look awful on a small screen and are usually completely illegible.
That’s where experience comes into play.
It is no longer sufficient to have one web site.
You now need your normal web site and a mobile version that is cut down and optimised for the smaller mobile screens, as there is no point in having a site that people can’t read.
It’s All Included In The Price
That’s no problem if you’re a Hollywood Internet Ltd customer, because our sites come with a mobile version as standard, since we believe in giving our clients every advantage possible.
Remember, we’re a marketing company first and foremost, so we see your web site as a tool to help you promote your business to the widest possible audience.
Not having a mobile version of your web site reduces your potential audience significantly – and that audience is growing daily.
Search has changed and so has the Internet. Tomorrow’s web surfer expects the best technology and local search results.
To stay ahead in the technology race, at minimal cost, talk to us now on 01564 824554 or 07800 790427