Based on new Local Search Association (LSA) data, driven by digital media outlets, SMBs plan to boost digital spending and now use more than seven methods for marketing. According to the research, the top categories where local businesses plan to increase digital spending include websites, social media, mobile, display advertising and search marketing.
This acceleration of digital activity in the SMB community only reinforces LSA’s recent decision to coordinate marketing events for SMBs around the country.
The LSA Bootcamp tour brings together many of the most recognizable and influential companies in the digital marketing space for a series of one-day events. Geared towards providing SMBs with practical and tactical tips, expert speakers from Google, Yahoo, Bing, YP, Moz, Acxiom and more will answer questions and provide insight.
“Internet marketing has become more complex and challenging, not easier, over time,” said Greg Sterling, Vice President of Strategy and Insights for LSA. “We’re trying to create a forum where business owners can learn and get their questions answered in an objective and no-nonsense way.”
What follows is today’s press release in its entirety:
Small Businesses Plan to Boost Digital Spending, Now Use More Than Seven Methods For Marketing
Complex Marketplace Demystified at LSA Bootcamp, Coming to Charlotte July 26, 2015
Small businesses in the United States, on average, now use more than seven marketing and advertising methods to promote themselves. That number has steadily been growing, according to Local Search Association (LSA) survey data. It also stands as a kind of indicator of the increasing complexity of digital marketing.
For this reason LSA has created LSA Bootcamp [www.LSABootcamp.com], an affordable one-day digital marketing intensive designed to help business owners gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of online marketing. Following a successful inaugural event in Los Angeles in April, the program will be held in four additional US cities:
- July 26 – Charlotte, North Carolina
- September 20 – Atlanta, Georgia
- November 1 – Portland, Oregon
- January 24 – Austin, Texas
The purpose of these events is to demystify and provide local business owners and marketers with practical information about online and mobile marketing, as well as direct access to the leading internet companies.
Speakers and exhibitors at the earlier Los Angeles event included Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, Yelp, GoDaddy, Constant Contact, YP, ReachLocal, Goodzer, Moz, Closely, Search Influence and more. The upcoming LSA Bootcamp tour is sponsored by Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, YP and more.
“Internet marketing has become more complex and challenging, not easier, over time,” said Greg Sterling, Vice President of Strategy and Insights for LSA. “We’re trying to create a forum where business owners can learn and get their questions answered in an objective and no-nonsense way.”
Session topics include the following:
- Top 10 website mistakes and how to fix them
- SEO and paid search fundamentals for local business owners
- Digital marketing on a limited budget
- Mobile marketing: what you need to know
- Email marketing in the smartphone era
- Social media for time-starved entrepreneurs
- Managing your online reputation
- What to look for in a digital marketing vendor
- How to understand ROI and what’s working
The program is consistent with small business digital marketing needs and interests, according to LSA research. The top categories where local businesses plan to increase digital spending include websites, social media, mobile, display advertising and search marketing.
The program is intended for both digital novices and those that already have considerable experience with online marketing. It’s divided between general advice sessions and tactical breakouts that provide specific guidance and how-to information from industry experts. LSA Bootcamp also offers informal peer networking and access to sponsors and exhibitors for in-depth discussion of their specific marketing issues and questions.
To learn more visit www.LSABootcamp.com.
