LightSwitch Local Get Your Business Out of The Dark

Matt McGee over at Search Engine Land explains how Twitter’s play into local search could impact local businesses – and allow local business owners to ‘eavesdrop’ in word-of-mouth conversations and perhaps find new customers.

There’s still a lot to be worked out and figured out in this area to see if this addition to Twitter is worthwhile for most local business. (Lightswitch will monitor and contact our clients with any opportunities.)

A good read from Mashable for any small business owner – but especially if you’re not sure how social media can help your business. We have found that using social media along with a strong web presence and first page placement on local searches is a magic formula for success.

The next Iphone may include auto-add local business apps to your home screen – could be a marketing game-changer for local businesses. They’re calling it “Location Specific Content.” What do you think? Does this mean all local businesses need an app?

That’s an expensive concept for us to accept. Most local business can’t afford to develop their own app, nor should they. For now, appearing in the first page of the Google local searches are the best bet for driving new customers to your business.

See how a suburban Chicago law firm grew their client base by 25% with the help of Lightswitch Local.

Photo courtesy of New York Times

In the fashion world, dressing the first lady of the United States is the ultimate marketing nirvana. But this Chicago-based designer closed up shop last month even as the First Lady wore her clothes.

The article calls this “The Great Recession” – we see this as another example of how local businesses need to use smart local marketing tactics to thrive – and not just count on one homerun (or one print advertisement or one keyword) to make or break a business.