Is Google the new yellow pages?

Are you in business? Do you spend ridiculous amounts of money for a one-year membership to your local yellow pages directory?

How does that work for you?

Come on… think about it. When was the last time you used the yellow pages to look up a phone number yourself? You either googled it or called 411 directory assistance, right?

So why throw your money away for something that doesn’t work anymore?

This is what you have to ask yourself… Do you have a website that makes you money, or just an online business card? Because if people don’t find you, what’s the point either!

As I was reading a local newspaper today, an article was written about the change in marketing that is happening everywhere. It was an interesting article, and the basic question was… whether to have an ad in the Yellow Page or in Google.

Here’s a fact according to Newsweek…over 91% of people say they use the internet search engine (Google) to find local products and services. That is awesome. Even well-known computer and online expert Chris Anderson of Wired says, “Your brand is no longer defined by Google.”

Smart local businesses no longer advertise in local newspapers or local yellow pages. Instead, smart companies focus advertising resources on building a strong web profile (a good brand) and ranking high on Google locally. Smart businesses know that local consumers are more likely to go online and use Google to find local products and services.

Google is the new Yellow Pages!

Today you must have a good online profile, you must have a blog or website, you must be willing to learn the secrets of online marketing or pay someone to do it for you, and you must understand the power of branding.

Budgets are tight these days, and online marketing and brand web profiles are a very powerful tool. Just 5 years ago, most businesses used the yellow pages. Just two years ago, most businesses were listed in the online yellow pages directory.

You must be using Google today!

Over 76% of offline businesses will move most of their marketing online this year. Hosting, video creation, and list building will be key components for businesses to connect and succeed. It’s like the gold rush of over 100 years ago.

The history repeats it self.

Offer picks and shovels (tools for online success)!

Local businesses must have the tools for their online marketing requirements, they must also gain the necessary knowledge to advertise online effectively, and they must promote themselves with the correct information.

Local businesses will be more interested in getting a good ranking on Google than having an ad in the yellow pages that no one will read. The change is happening now.

What are you going to do?