MDS Resource — Digital Ad Agency

Tag: local internet

  • Reputation Management: 10 Things You Can Do To Repair Your Online Reputation

    Reputation Management And Your First Impression

    Who says you never get a second chance to make a first impression? Indeed, you may have a second chance, especially if that first chance was taken from you. In this world where your reputation is everything and your name is far more than mere label, reputation management is a business necessity.

    Internet media is complicated. Now we are all exemplary publishers and we the people build and extend the Internet a little bit more every day! Not only can anybody contribute; but, there are no rules regulating what is said, in which venue and how close any of it is to truth.

    Who’s to stop a vindictive person from anonymously complaining online where everybody can see it? Often, by anonymous, it’s true that many of these complainers hide behind a shroud because they cannot withstand the slightest scrutiny. Did you ever know somebody who complains every chance they get? Far from a majority, it only takes one acerbic comment to destroy a beautifully constructed reputation. One bad review from one disgruntled or obnoxious trouble maker and years of carefully crafted integrity can come tumbling down.

    How Can You Repair Online Reputation?

    So, what can you do to put Humpty Dumpty back together again? Can you really repair a damaged online reputation? Yes, you can repair online reputations. Is it as simple as removing negative online reviews?

    Sadly, no. For the most part, bad reviews are probably carved in Internet stone. But, one bad apple is no reason to throw out the whole bushel.

    Ten Effective Reputation Management Practices

    1. Review Sites

      Review sites, also known as citation sites, are essential to successful reputation management. When people see stars on business reviews, it is social proof that your business has very positive fans. Five stars clearly indicate a winner! Three stars leave people thinking average and so-so.


      What do you think when you see a one or two star rating?

      One way to repair an online reputation is to amass as many five star ratings as possible on many different sits.

    2. Blogs

      Blogs continue to be extremely popular communications tools. Whereas, many estimates count as many blogs as United States population, that number is less important than how business benefits from blogs. Whereas, web pages are intended to present static facets of your business, blog posts are quite different. Blogging allows you to present the day-to-day elements of your business, such as events, success stories and milestones.

      Furthermore, your public audience is invited to comment on and interact with your business through your blog. Therefore, blogs become a chronology of the good things about your business and how your public responds to them over time. A continuous stream of great news eventually removes the effect of negative online reviews.

    3. Pictures

      Yes, a picture is worth at least a thousand words! Even Google recognizes images as their own search category. All else equal, people browsing on the Internet are far more likely to look at pictures than read text.


      Don’t you want your audience to see clean images of your company and happy, smiling faces?

      Cleanup your online reputation by positioning a plethora of positive images high in search results. Basic search engine optimization of your images includes:

      • Main keyword in the image filename
      • Main keyword in the HTML alt tag
      • Keywords in the image description
      • Keywords in the image caption
      • Position images on the page in context

  • Video Testimonials

    Whereas, images are powerful, video is the single most powerful medium on the Internet! So much so, that Google often favors videos over most other online properties in the search results. Have you ever searched and found those remarkable video thumbnails on the 1st search results page?

    We all know that Testimonials are the best marketing promotion you can have, right? Video Testimonials are the most persuasive of all Testimonials. Keep it succinct, to the point and as specific as can be. Then, of course, position your Video Testimonials where they can be easily found and viewed.


    Who will remember that anonymous bad review?

  • Press Releases

    Tell everybody who is anybody what’s going on with your business. Press releases announce noteworthy events and accomplishments. They are designed to attract news media attention, so they can help you spread the word to a larger audience.

    The fact is, you always want a lot of positive attention for your business. You need even more when you’re recovering from bad reviews. Regular press releases help:

    • Generate traffic to your website
    • Give your company more visibility
    • Build your brand
    • Provide credibility and authority

  • Nullify Negative Keywords

    It’s a fact: Many Americans start their fact-finding and decision-making on the Internet. That’s good, isn’t it? Isn’t that why you’re on the web to begin with? They search and when they find you, you have a sales opportunity.

    However, when the 1st search results page includes links associating your company with “scam,” “scammers” and bad reviews, many people cannot get past the negativity. Instead, they use the back button and browse elsewhere.

    Your job, then, is to fill that 1st search results page with positive links to your business, whether they be blog posts, YouTube videos, Facebook or citations. The point is, if you have only one reference to your business on a search results page, there are many more opportunities for negativity. Bury a bad review with many positive references to you.

  • Local News

    Your business is part of your local community, isn’t it? How do you participate in your community? Have you contributed to a church group, civic activity or food drive? Do you partner with businesses down the block? Can you help celebrate and appreciate success stories in your neighborhood?

    The local Internet is a great source for local directories, special offers and collaborative opportunities with other local businesses. One of Facebook’s most powerful features facilitates “tagging” other business pages. Celebrate the best of your community online and ask other businesses to do the same. This will demonstrate your positive place in the community.

  • Thread Authority

    Often times, you can participate in forums to express your authority in your field and build credibility. Find a local forum or one specifically about your industry and look for opportunities to help and provide information. When you see a discussion to which you can add value, forget your sales pitch and simply offer great advice and free information.

    When time is right, start a discussion, again offering great advice and free information. You may also write an article to guest blog on some other blog and get a whole new audience remarking about your credibility and perceived authority.

  • Facebook

    Whereas, your website is mostly about your company and what you have to say about it, social media is primarily about what others have to say about you. Facebook is king of social media now, its members being the 3rd largest country in the world:

    1. China
    2. India
    3. Facebook
    4. United States

    Properly managing social media is a critical part of building your reputation in the community. Facebook done right is social proof, whether that be a Like, Share or simply interacting on your Wall. When many people are positively interacting with your Facebook page, newcomers start their relationship with you on a very positive note. Positive social media engagement and interaction is a powerful buffer to negative reviews that may be found elsewhere.

  • LinkedIn

    LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world. Thread authority, mentioned above, is especially applicable here, too. By participating in Groups and LinkedIn Answers, you can quickly increase credibility and be seen as an authority in your field.

    LinkdeIn Recommendations, however, warrant mention here as an extremely powerful tool to present positive Testimonials. Whereas, elsewhere reviews and Testimonials are often veiled in anonymity, LinkedIn Recommendations cannot be anonymous. Furthermore, since LinkdedIn members are exclusively professionals, their Recommendations are imbued with professional credibility.


    Nothing squashes an anonymous bad review like a recommendation from a credible professional!

    • Reputation Management Is More Than Putting Out Fires

    Although, you may not be able to remove bad reviews, certainly there are many ways to distract prospects with glowing references to your company. Truly, it takes a lot of work to build a good name and very little to destroy it!

    It’s been said that the best defense is a great offense. The simplest reputation management is to build a wall of glowing reviews before any bad review appears. Short of that, you now see many ways you can repair your online reputation once it’s tarnished.

    Call Now
    Answer Questions: 612-235-6060

  • 10 Internet Marketing For Small Business Ways To Attract Local Customers

    Easy Ways To Attract Local Customers

    The Facts About Consumer Internet Usage

    This trend continues to rise and Internet Marketing for small business must get on board with this — or perish.

    • Most Consumers search online for local products and services.
    • Approximately 35% of all Internet searches are for local things.
    • There are more than 250 Million searches on Google alone every single day!
    • Online marketing is predicted to be at least 15% of all media ad spending in 2013.

    Internet technology is GREAT … But, it has caused Problems for Some Local Businesses! Here’s why:

    1. Consumers are using online search instead of yellow pages and newspapers when looking for local products and services.
    2. Some businesses still spend thousands of dollars on ineffective traditional advertising methods.
    3. And, some businesses are not yet investing in online advertising and marketing. Are you?

    As a Result …

    • Business expenses continue to rise while profits decline.
    • Local Businesses are struggling to get new and repeat customers.
    • Great customers are buying from Local Businesses well placed online.

    Here Are 10 Ways Your Local Business Can Connect With Your Local Consumers

    1. Connect With Search Engine Visibility

      • You must work hard to gain better search engine positioning and rankings.
      • You must search engine optimize your website using on-the-page factors, making certain that your money phrases are in your content.
      • You must search engine optimize your website using off-the-page factors, persuading other sites to link back to you.
      • Claim, verify and optimize your Google Places listing
    2. Connect With Your Professional Website

      • All Effective Websites MUST Have:

        1. An organized and easily navigable layout
        2. Fresh, relevant and compelling content everywhere
        3. A strong Call-To-Action on every page
        4. An integrated lead capture system
    3. Connect With Email Marketing

      • Local Internet Marketing Money Is In Your LIST!

        1. Email marketing is cost-effective, automated and easy to deliver.
        2. Email marketing helps you build trust and credibility.
        3. Email marketing allows you to generate business on auto-pilot 24/7.
        4. Email marketing statistics are simple to track.
    4. Connect With Mobile Marketing

      • There are approximately 4 BILLION Mobile users worldwide!
      • By 2014, Mobile Internet usage is expected to exceed Desktop Internet usage!
      • Business websites must be Mobile optimized to accommodate Mobile Internet on-the-go users too rushed to squint, zoom and scroll.
      • Text message marketing promotes and connects with local audiences on the go.
    5. Connect With Social Media

      • Search engine optimization (SEO) is NOT enough! Hang Out With Your Customers and Prospects Online …

        1. Consumers spend many hours on social media sites every single day.
        2. Building relationships on sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube is necessary for business.
        3. Social media markets are so big, Facebook is the 3rd largest country in the world!

          1. China
          2. India
          3. Facebook
          4. United States
    6. Connect With Video Marketing

      • Online Videos are HOT … Perhaps, Too HOT To Handle!

        1. Videos increase your visibility in search results and positioning.
        2. Online videos help you develop trust and expert status.
        3. Videos increase conversion rates, website traffic and are the single most powerfl small business advertising!
          cVideos run on auto-pilot and set you apart from your competitors
    7. Connect With Publish Online Content

      • The Internet Revolves Around CONTENT! Effective Website Optimization Multi-Purposes Content Everywhere

        1. Publish keyword rich articles and blog posts related to your industry.
        2. Publish keyword optimized press releases to attract media attention.
        3. Publish content to online directories to drive traffic back to your website.
    8. Connect With Reputation Management

      • Do You Know What People Say About Your Business Online? Local Search Optimization Relies On The Social Proof Of Reviews & Testimonials!

        1. Pay attention to what is being said about your business online.
        2. Promote positive online reviews & testimonials about your business.
        3. A bad online reputation can negatively impact your business.
        4. Respond promptly and handle all negative remarks quickly.
    9. Connect With Online Classified Ads

      • Effective Marketing Local Business Is All About Promoting Your Business Everywhere Local Customers Hang Out

        • Online Classified Ad sites are free or are very low cost.
        • Craigslist is one of the most popular online classified ad sites.
        • Optimize your ads with effective keywords to show up in search results.
        • Images in your ads make them more attractive to consumers.
    10. Connect With Paid Online Advertising

      • Successful Internet Marketing For Small Business Quickly Learns Its Best Market From Paid Advertising!

        1. Paid online advertising is effective at gaining more exposure quickly.
        2. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) is one of the most popular paid advertising methods.
        3. Google’s paid advertising platform is called AdWords.
        4. Facebook also has paid advertising to get in front of your best prospects.

    Call Now
    Answer Questions: 612-235-6060

  • What Is Internet Marketing?

    Why does Internet Marketing matter to you and your Local Business?

    Welcome to the Brilliant Ideas About Internet and Money Frequently Asked Questions Series, Part 2: What is Internet Marketing?


    Marketing Local Business Online Is Internet Marketing

    Previously, we discussed What Is Marketing? itself:


    “Marketing is a system the sole purpose of which is to communicate with the marketplace.”

    Marketing, then, is the social process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through creating and exchanging products and value with others.  The Marketing concept becomes a philosophy.  It makes the customer, and the satisfaction of his or her needs, the focal point of all Business activities.  It is founded on the belief that profitable sales and satisfactory returns on investment can only be achieved by identifying, anticipating and satisfying customer needs and desires.

    Let’s look not only at identifying customer needs, but also to satisfying them and anticipating them in the future.  The right product, in the right place, at the right time, at the right price …

    In that same spirit, Internet Marketing is a relationship between Business and customers and prospects that takes place in Internet Media, such as Search Engines and Web Pages.

    Furthermore, Online Marketing is a relationship between Business and customers and prospects that takes place in Online Media, including Email, Mobile Phones and Internet.

    As you recall, a Marketing Relationship is a specific conversation between Business and a market.

    Therefore, Internet and Online Marketing are relationships between Business and customers and prospects that take place in the New Media of today, and New Media of the future.

    Internet and Online Marketing are relationships between Business and customers and prospects — the only difference between these relationships and other Marketing processes is the Medium!

    What, then, is the Opportunity and the Potential offered by this unique Marketing Medium?  Let’s compare and contrast:

    • If a Medium has a continuously shrinking Market, the potential for doing Business in that Medium approaches zero.
    • If a Medium has a continuously growing Market, the potential for doing Business in that Medium approaches infinity.

    This, then, is the crux of everything we have to discuss in this and subsequent conversations.

    • If you want to grow your Local Business, you must participate in the largest and fastest growing Markets for what you offer.
    • If Business is not communicating with a continuously growing Market there can be no relationship with that Market and little or no Business comes from that Market.

    What Relationships do you want with your Market?

    Over 1 Billion Local Searches are performed every month on the Internet …

    … if your Customers do not find you, from whom will they buy ???

    The Internet is one of the largest and fastest growing markets in the known Universe.  Ecommerce and multinational companies have created extraordinary fortunes based solely on Internet Marketing.  Local Internet Marketing for small Business is quite a different animal, as we will discuss in subsequent conversations.

    To learn more about Internet, Money and your Local Business browse our Web Site and see if our ideas work for you and your Local Business.  Look for our further conversations and Brilliant Ideas About Internet and Money !!!

    Marketing Local Business Online Is Internet Marketing

  • Millions Now Find Local Business On The Internet Even Though The Yellow Pages Lie On A Shelf In Their Closet


    Millions Now Find Local Business On The Internet Even Though The Yellow Pages Lie On A Shelf In The Closet

    Is Your Local Business Getting Enough Phone Calls?



    MDS Resource Is Marketing Local Business Online

    MDS Resource Is Marketing Local Business Online

    What keeps you awake at night, indigestion boiling up your esophagus, eyes open, staring at the ceiling?  What do you secretly, ardently most desire?  Is your business growing to satisfy all of your Needs?

    With the radical changes in the economy and people moving away from Yellow Pages, newspaper Ads and other old school advertising media, your customers are looking on the Internet for you.  They search the Internet, and then they go down the street and buy what they want and need.  If they don’t find your Local Business in their search, they are not buying from you.  When are you going to be marketing your local business online?

    Times have changed, indeed.  The Internet is still new; but, it is everywhere, and it is not going away anytime soon.  The Internet has transformed our world, shrunk the whole world into a computer you hold in your hand, heretofore known as a cell phone.  If you don’t get your business in position to be seen on that small screen, your customers are going someplace else.

    Marketing Local Business Online is what you need to do to be found.

    If Your Local Business Is Found On The Internet, You Can Sell

    WARNING: Your Customers Are Looking For You Online Right Now!

    Perhaps, a few statistics will shed light on this mystery:

    • Over 1 Billion Local Searches performed every month — growing over 50% a year
    • 80% American consumers are using the Internet [2009]
    • 80% of people first search online before making a purchase
    • 97% Internet users use the Internet to shop [NPD Group]
    • 90% Internet searches result in offline brick & mortar purchases [Comscore]
    • 82% Internet searches result in calls & contact with businesses [Comscore]
    • 74% Internet users perform Local searches [Kelsey Group]
    • 73% Internet searches are related to Local content [Google]
    • 66% Internet users use Internet for Local searches [Comscore / TMP]
    • 25% Internet searches have purely Local commercial focus [ Kelsey / Bizrate]
    • Pepsi, FedEx pass on 2010 Super Bowl Ads … shift Ad dollars to new marketing efforts mostly online.

    Marketing Local Business Online Is A Brilliant Idea

    What Are Your Customers Looking For?

    Old school marketing is still King.  Times have changed, and media change, too.  None of us alive today remember the King’s herald announcing news from the official scroll.  Some of us recall barkers calling out theater or carnival sideshow attractions to passers-by.  Most of us have bought something from a newspaper advertisement, or called to order something prompted by a Yellow Page spread.

    The Internet and computing devices are new media.  Applying old school marketing principles to new media is a wise idea.  That’s exactly what we are about to show you here.  Marketing Local Business Online simply makes sense.

    Can Your Customers Find Your Local Business On The Internet?

    Local Business Search Results

    Don’t worry — if you’re a Fortune Multi-National Conglomerate, you don’t need to appear in the Local Business Results.

    One of the best kept Local Internet Marketing secrets is Google Places.  Until your business is registered here, it cannot be found in the search results map.  Google implemented this feature in early 2009, and it’s been evolving ever since.  For those buying locally, however, this is the First thing most searchers see … and probably the First links on which they will click.  Once here, not only are you at the Top of Page One — look at that Map! They now know where you are and how to Get To You …

    If you’ve seen maps and GPS on cell phones, this is how your Local Business shows up on mobile devices.  The Mobile Market is enormous and truly the Wave of the future.  Marketing Local Business Online puts you on the Map.

    Organic Search Results

    Additionally, you need to be at the top of the normal, Organic Search Results, the traditional results area on the left, mostly below the Local Business Results.  When your web page link is in the Top Six Organic Search Results — your Local Business has Another Clickable Link on this First Search Page. Multiple Clickable Links on the First Search Page increases your odds that your Customers will go to your Web Site … once there, we believe you can close them.  This is the heart of Marketing Local Business Online.

    Your Organic Search Results are a function of the Quality & Credibility of your Local Business presence on the Internet.  You want all online roads leading back to you and your Web Site.  There are virtually unlimited credible and respectable sources throughout the Internet, and from there nearly infinite routes back to your Local Business Web Site.  Remember traditional Referrals and Testimonials from old school marketing?  Referral Links back to your Web Pages from everywhere on the Internet are Testimonials to your Local Business relevance.

    The Local Business with the Most Links Wins !!!

    Content Search Results

    Furthermore, your Online Content must also appear in the Top Search Results!  All Content relevant to that search adds More Links back to your Local Business on the First Search Page. You and your Local Business are going to be viewed as the Top Authority on all matters regarding this Search.  Google loves Rich, Relevant & Rewarding Online Content !!! If marketing is fundamentally the relationship between business and its marketplace; then, Marketing Local Business Online presents the opportunity to initiate conversations with your marketplace.

    • Online Videos (Youtube.com)
    • Online Press Releases (PRweb.com)
    • Online Articles (EzineArticles.com)
    • Social Content Sites (Squidoo.com)
    • Online Classifieds (Craigslist.org)
    • Online Business Directories (MerchantCircle.com)
    • Online Review Sites (Kudzu.com)

    But, wait, there’s more!

    Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

    You want to be in the Pay-Per-Click and/or Sponsored Results up there in the top yellow box and down along the right side.  Pay-Per-Click is Pay-As-You-Go — your Ad Only shows up when somebody searches for your specific Key Words.  Your Ad is Only shown to your Best Customers who are searching specifically for what you have to offer.  You set how much you are willing to pay, and you Only pay when somebody clicks on your Ad — the Fully Qualified Buyer.

    So, the question is, how much is each Fully Qualified Customer on your web site worth to you ???  Marketing Local Business Online is your opportunity to decide.

    Geo-Targeting Your Ads

    Furthermore, you can also target your Ads to Local Customers in your area.  By focusing on Local Customers, your Ad is Only seen locally.  Locally seen Ads are more likely to attract Local Customers, are cheaper for you, and you do not compete with companies on the other side of the World.

    For example, a consumer searches, “I need a plumber.”  Google knows where the Local Plumbers are.  When you Only show your Ad to people in your city for these “generic” keywords, you get cheaper clicks, targeted traffic and less competition.  Do you see how Marketing Local Business Online differs from the yellow pages?

    What If Your Web Pages Sit Atop The Search Engine Results?

    What If You Are The #1 Authority Online?

    Imagine what Marketing Local Business Online means for your Local Business! How many more customers do you want coming to you every single day?  every single week?  every single month?

    What will it do for your Local Business when you have your Online Market Domination Plan in place?

    If Marketing Local Business Online interests you … If you’re just a little bit curious … If your Local Business wants more telephone calls …

    Contact Us Today!    612-235-6060

    Make an Appointment for an Absolutely FREE and NO Obligation Consultation.

    MDS Resource will review your Local Business and your current situation on the Internet.  MDS Resource will work with you; we will work out a plan that Best meets your Needs. MDS Resource will light your way to Marketing Local Business Online.

    If you have a Yellow Pages Ad, you are already Spending Marketing Money.  What is your Return On That Investment ???

    WARNING:     Only A Few Will Qualify To Work With Us

    Every Search Engine Result Page can present only the Most Relevant Web Pages that fit into the limited space on one page.  Only an Elite Few Local Businesses can possibly be seen there.  Marketing Local Business Online is simple today because you will leap ahead of your competition; and once in the lead, you need only hold the lead to win.

    Do your own homework.  Look for yourself.  Do a search using keywords that your Best Customers will use to find your Local Business.

    Which Local Businesses are on the First Search Page? How many Local Businesses are on the First Search Page? Is that your Biggest Competitor there in A. or B. in the Local Business Results? Are your Best Customers going to your Competitors because they find them — NOT YOU — in the search results?

    As you see, nobody can possibly do a credible job placing more than six Local Businesses in your Market on Google Page One.  Furthermore, when you consider our goal is to have Multiple Links to your Local Business on that same Google Page One, even fewer Local Businesses qualify for our representation.

    Will your toughest Competitor come to us first?  Do your Competitors want more customers? Are your Competitors marketing local business online.

    Act Now!    612-235-6060    Call Today!

    Marketing Local Business Online May Be Your Salvation