Useful Online Marketing Resources for Smaller Business
Posted on | October 7, 2009 | 7 Comments
After a great turnout at the recent PodCamp Philly, I was surprised to see that relatively few small businesses took advantage of this inexpensive online marketing resource. For those unfamiliar, PodCamp Philly is a conference with a focus on new media that includes blogging, podcasting, video, search engine marketing (SEO & PPC) and technology. While anyone can lead a session, speakers often include Philadelphia area SEO and social media luminaries whose talks typically run in the thousands of dollars. I’m sorry if you missed PodCamp, but I thought that I’d offer several resources that any business person would find useful when working on their online marketing plans.
The Google YouTube Channel There is a great deal of information available regarding websites and how search engines crawl them. Sometimes it’s accurate, sometimes it’s not. Since Google is the big boy on the block, why not go straight to the horse’s mouth? The Google YouTube Channel offers videos that covers topics that users of all levels can understand and use.
Search Engine Guide There are many search marketing blogs, however many can be very technical or get too detailed. Search Engine Guide offers a good balance of understandable information that small business users will find helpful.
Search Engine Strategies Webcasts As previously mentioned, there are several conferences where the online marketing “heavy weights” routinely share their knowledge. While few small business people can afford the $1000 + admission fee, they can access some of the conference presentations on the Search Engine Strategies website. To access the presentations contact information must be provided, but it’s worth the prospect of getting a sales call.
Lynda.com Whether working on an online marketing plan or just running a business, staying current with the software a business depends on can be a time consuming and expensive process. Lynda.com offers online training on a variety of software starting at $25/month. Note: I haven’t used this service myself, but I’ve heard good things about it.
These are just a few no or low cost resources that online businesses may find helpful. Do you know of similar resources that other businesses would find useful? If so, please share them in the comments below.
Bill Rowland
Tags: Google YouTube Channel > Lynda.com > online marketing resources > podcamp philly > Search Engine Guide > Search Engine Strategies > Small and Medium Sized Business > smb
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7 Responses to “Useful Online Marketing Resources for Smaller Business”
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Dinkum Interactive is a full-service SEO company based in Philadelphia, with clients around the world.
October 12th, 2009 @ 1:25 pm
I am an internet marketing consultant and I primarily deal with small local business and start-ups and I often wonder the same thing.
You bring up some good points as far as available resources for SEM/SEO education – whether it be for businesses in Philadelphia or Tampa or wherever.
The reality is that although these small business owners could benefit from the free educational resources, BUT they don’t have the time or do not yet see the importance of implementing online marketing tactics into their overall strategy.
I think the key point small business owners need to realize is that there has been a quantum shift in the buying patterns (both on a national and local level). Until the small local business owners adopt the concept of “inbound educational marketing”, internet marketing will only be viewed as a “nice to have” rather than a crucial element of their overall marketing strategy.
October 17th, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Kevin,
I agree. Owners of smaller businesses must recognize the lost potential when they fail to invest in online marketing. However, I think that you’ll agree that inbound educational marketing can be a longer-term investment; smaller business owners must often focus on the short term and keeping costs low. Hopefully those that recognize the value of online marketing, but don’t have the resources, may find these sites helpful.
October 31st, 2009 @ 11:01 am
You’re right, the Google You Tube Channel rocks. A great resource for me. Thanks for posting the Search Engine Guide as a resource for small business owners. Bill, while small business owners are leaving alot of money on the table by not using internet marketing campaigns, it is still a huge challenge to get them to realize the profit potential because they are TOO focused on what they see as short term opportunities. It takes a little longer to develop a website and see results than it does to just run an ad in the local newspaper, even though the results can be so much greater. The upside is that, because so many are focused on the short-short term, my clients who are developing comprehensive campaigns online are building a huge competitive advantage in just a few months.
October 31st, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
Jack, you make a good point. Sometimes those that operate smaller businesses are overly focused on the short term, but who can blame them in these challenging times? Regardless, businesses would be wise to consider strengthening their online presence; for most, it would be a good investment.
November 4th, 2009 @ 9:39 am
It’s all a numbers game, so yes having a website is crucial to increasing the probability of success. All those potential customers on the net are worth tapping into
November 9th, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Good article and I agree, in most cases its not rocket science, just a combo of good content, with some on page structure and some backlinks. I’m trying to take the mystery out of it for those who want to learn at my site too.
In the case of small local businesses I’m finding the link building required is not nearly as onerous as trying to compete on national or international scales.
November 10th, 2009 @ 5:43 pm
Aidan,
As you say, it may not be rocket science but success in online marketing requires a combination of knowledge and hard work. Furthermore, smaller businesses can succeed but they do need some help and guidance.