1. Claim your Business on Google
Google Places for Business, google.com/places, lets you respond to reviews, learn insights and more.
Websites like these guarantee free exposure as local customers are able to search for you by name and/or location. The more information you release, the easier a potential customer is able to locate you.
2. Register on Google+
If you’re on the fence about joining another social media site, you’re going to want to think twice about
this one! It’s becoming an important place for companies to connect with customers and fans. Google, leader in web search, maps, video (YouTube), email (Gmail) and a host of other services, directs potential customers to your Google+ Page, plus.google.com, when they search for information about your product or service in your area.
3. Claim your Business on Foursquare
Did you know that your business might already be listed on Foursquare? Claim your business to manage your listing and get access to our free tools and data. Foursquare is a location based social networking website or software for mobile devices that is becoming a huge way for consumers to find local businesses in the form of social media.
4. Start your own YouTube Channel
Owned by Google, YouTube.com is the web’s most popular video sharing website and the fourth most popular site overall. Adding videos to your repertoire of marketing tools can lead to a huge upsurge in your site traffic and press coverage. You would be surprised the amount of exposure you can generate. It’s as simple as uploading a short film or pictures from your smart phone. Anything uploaded on the site can be shared on other networks with a few clicks.
5. Start a Blog
A blog can be an incredible tool for sharing information and expertise. A well-done blog does two important things for a business website; it makes it easy to add and update content, so there’s always something fresh on the site; it helps establish a relationship with visitors and build a climate of trust. Websites, such as www.wordpress.com, can help you set one up for free.
6. Signup to Free & Local Directories
Make sure you are not paying additional fees to be a part of local directories like Manta.com, Yelp.com,Yellowpages.com. Before submitting your information, verify that you are not paying for the listing.
7. Update Social Media Regularly
Whip up a quick post whenever you have a free moment reminding your customers to stop-in and look at everything you have to offer. Registering accounts for social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest increases your visibility in a search. You are able to have more control over your online image; and it amplifies all your other marketing efforts.
8. Connect with Other ECPs
Find out what your colleagues are offering through their own social media profiles; and also, at trade conventions, association meetings, trade magazines. Their expertise is invaluable.
9. Keep Up With Industry Trends
Connect with the industry’s trends through social media by simply checking in on their websites, blogs, social media profiles. We highly recommend websites like Eyecessorize.com by The Vision Council of America (VCA) for their creativity and frequent updates.
10. Maintain an In-Store Signup List
Make collecting email contacts as important as collecting phone numbers from prospects & customers. If you have a tablet or smart phone, the OnSpot app makes it quick and easy for new patients to add themselves to your list at the reception desk. Or go low-tech with a sign-up sheet!
11. Send a Monthly Email Blast
Send an email to your contact list at least once a month (twice a month at most) with a subject line announcing a sale, event, or related eye-issue so that your patients keep you in mind when their optical need arises. Programs through www.aweber.com can help you accomplish this.
12. Send a Postcard
A website like www.sendoutcards.com allows you to communicate with your most loyal customers in a quick and personal way. Their program lets you send that birthday, anniversary or thank you card. You can easily choose your custom card; and they print, stuff, stamp and mail the physical card for you.
13. Email to Thank your Customers
Last but not least, everyone likes a sincere thank you. Let your customers know how much you appreciate them and their continued support.
14. Start your own Label
The best strategy is to begin your own independent label. Keep your costs low; and your profit margins high. Best Image Optical can help you accomplish this. Visit www.bestimageoptical.com.
