What's a Google alert got to do with your store?
I just had a compulsion to write about this topic. I subscribe to Google alerts about a variety of topics and I am quite certain I’m not the only one who does this. Google’s services are quite popular and this one particular tool allows us to get into our email box a summary of what’s new on the web with links to websites which speak to the interest we’ve chosen.
But, that’s not the topic I’m writing about today. I read stories about businesses and it’s rather frustrating to read about a topic and have my interest piqued and then not have a place to go to learn more about this business.
An example is a resale store, new or existing getting a great press story. My interest is piqued. I want to learn more about them and I couldn’t. No website. So, I go on to the next thing in my life. The next story, back to work, the kids, whatever it is that fills my life. 
Note, if it were something local I’d probably not think much more about it until it was brought once again to the forefront of my mind. Maybe 6 months later I’d walk in and tell the person behind the counter how I’d read the story and we’d have a small conversation. But, it took me quite some time to make it to the place I’d read about. How many times has that happened to you? Customer walks in, you begin chatting and they indicate they read the story, but life took over but they’re there now. I suppose better late than never.
I have to say, personally, I know that had they had a website to visit I’d be drawn in more and it wouldn’t take me 3 or 6 months to make it in. Why? The website would further imprint your business in my mind and bring it to the next level of consciousness. With each click of the mouse or keyboard I’d be investing a little more time and thought into your business and how your business can meet a need of my own.
Clicking from my google alert, to the press story, to your website further draws me in. Once at your website I’d get the image you created of your business to bring an even higher level of consciousness and the odds of me making a decision to go to your store over another store would be increased substantially. The website is a tool to be used to tickle the interest, to provide information and keep that interest level a higher priority.
As I sit clicking, my mind is working… I know that I have the afternoon off next Friday and that would be the perfect time to visit. OR, I know that I’ll be cleaning the kid’s closets this weekend and although I’d planned to drop off those under loved items at the local thrift on my way to work, I just might try this shop out to consign or sell. OR this would make a great place to visit with my friend as we always go shopping together the last Saturday of the month And, oh, I think I’ll sign up for their newsletter…
Each level of information puts this business more so in the forefront of my mind.
When will the local press contact you to write about your business in their special section of the newspaper? Will you be ready? Are you prepared to use this as a full scale marketing tool (assault)? Did you even know that there are Google alerts people use to notify them of such topics?
Now’s the time to arm yourself with the tools to make that marketing assault fruitful to your business. Been thinking you need a website, but not sure where to turn? Email me and I’ll be happy to guide you as well as provide a personalized quote based upon your needs and desires.
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