<b> Bold Interactive Inc.

They’re out there. They want what you’re offering and they’re closer than you think. Some of them are probably right around the corner. The problem is, they don’t know you exist… yet.

Have you guessed who they are yet? That’s right; they’re your potential customers, and the only reason they’re still “potential” is because they’ve never heard of you. That’s where local marketing comes in.

What’s local marketing? Here’s a revelation: You already know all about it. In fact, you see local marketing every day of your life. Ask yourself how often you see the following things. Better yet, ask yourself how many have influenced your purchasing decisions.

1. Billboards - You know, those larger-than-life ads that dominate your view of the highway. Imagine getting your business in front of every motorist that passes through. Then imagine how much extra exposure you’re getting for the locals who see it on a daily basis.
2. Blogs - You may not know much about them, but they sure pop up in the news a lot. In case you didn’t know, you’re reading one right now. Blogs are a great way to interact with the local online community, and open up marketing opportunities that traditional advertising simply doesn’t offer.
3. Business Directories - Plenty of people still use the old-fashioned phone book, or go online and check out interactive business listings. Business directories are great because they allow you to market your business to a local audience right when they’re most interested in your product.
4. Classified Ads - Online or off, classified ads are a great way to target your business offering to the local community.
5. Direct Mail - With the right mailing list and the right offer, you can drive serious demand and boost visibility to your ideal demographic.
6. Local/Mobile Search Listings - Local search listings come in two varieties: Sponsored (paid) and organic (free). Ideally, you want strong placement for both. This will get you in front of anyone searching for your product or service online, and has the added benefit of getting your listing on mobile phones.
7. Radio Ads - Do you have a favorite radio station? So do your customers! Get your message out to them on the air and increase awareness of your business throughout the local area.
8. Social Networking - Like blogging, social networking is a new form of promotion that only the internet can offer. By developing and interacting with a network of friends, you can help promote your business online.
9. Television Ads - A well-made, well-placed, well-timed television commercial can do wonders for your brand. I wouldn’t know about half of the car dealerships or restaurants in my area if not for their TV ads.
10. Word of Mouth - My family and I just went on vacation to the beach. Want to know where we ate? A pizza place and a seafood restaurant, both recommended by friends. Nothing drives business like a solid reputation. Turn every customer into an advocate and you’ll get more free promotion than money can buy.

Any one of these methods can drive the kind of awareness your business needs; many or all of them can make you the most popular business in town. The trick is knowing which ones will be most effective and how to get them up and running.