All About Englewood,…….AND Charlotte County

Contact Elaine at Blinds Blinds
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All About Englewood,…….AND Charlotte County

The vast majority of places in the real world have an Internet presence. Our area has many sites focusing on specific locations, shopping centers and communities. Learning how to use these sites can help bring customers to you.

A few quick Google searches, using terms like Englewood FL Business, or Charlotte County FL Business will reveal many websites that focus exclusively on this place and the people here. More than gateway or portal sites, many of these websites have much to offer regarding local culture, neighborhood interests, and area business. In addition to all the informative sites created by the local chambers of commerce, you’ll find interesting sites like AllAboutEnglewood.com, shopperpopper.com, AllAboutNorthPort.com, or Englewood.fl.us. Search for your town, neighborhood or street. Dearborn Street has a website, maybe yours does too! Search for your favorite shopping center and see the different sites your neighboring businesses have. You’ll be surprised!

Do a few more searches using key words describing whatever interests you have, whatever your store or service offers, or where ever you live, work and shop. Create your list of sites and begin to work it.

First, go to Yahoo.com. Create a Yahoo ID and Yahoo email address using your full business name. Despite how long your business name might be, use no abbreviations. You want to be easy to find. Abbreviations and cutsie, but meaningful, names hinder the causal Internet browser’s chances of finding you. Keep it simple.

Second, use this new ID to fully explore each site, one by one. For a while, make ‘Sign up, sign in, and create a profile’, a daily item on the TO DO list. Use a picture of your store, your logo, or your main product as your avatar, or profile picture. Use it everywhere you can, and be consistent. Stay away from pictures of pets or children, unless that is your logo. Be consistent and stable. Unless the appearance of your storefront has altered drastically, do not change this picture.

Take advantage of every free service these sites have to offer.
* Ad your business to any free listings they may have, paying special attention to the category you list yourself in. If the listing includes an option to offer a coupon, do it.
* Post as many ads as you can in any free classified section you find. Spread yourself out to as many categories as can remotely legitimate.
* Upload as many pictures to your profile and ads as they will let you, and be consistent with your keywords.
*Some places have community calendars and you could upload information on events at your shop, or other events around town that you are excited about. If you are a sponsor at a local event let everyone know!

Third, analyze these sites like there will be a test on them in the morning. Pay careful attention to the tone and theme, especially if you are considering paying for ad space or banners. Be as sure as you can that the majority of site members match with your target market. Take notice any non-profit groups receiving special attention or multiple mentions by the site, and try to support the ones you find.

Finally, promote these places any way you can. Tell people they can find you there. If you already have your own website, ask about a link exchange with whatever site you find to be appropriate. They may offer it as a free service, and it could drive much business to your website.

Community themed websites help you to examine local history, and learn the important dates and events about which the community cares. Study and use of these site services will not only make you an expert on the area, but will also deepen your business’s roots in the community, increasing your chances of success.