The Best Advertising Ideas for a Local Business

Google Adsense

Using appropriate keywords and advertising entities such as Google Adsense, you can set your advertising to appear only when local customers search for products and services in your city, state or region. Google Adsense offers pay-per-click advertising that can be used in conjunction with these searches to target those customers who are local to your business.

Yahoo Local Listings

Yahoo Local Listings has three plans, including a free plan, designed to help you target consumers in your area only. Yahoo Local Listings is similar to using newspaper or Yellow Pages listings. Depending on the plan you choose, you can control the visibility of your advertising efforts and put your company in the forefront of the offerings when local customers search for your product or service.

Yellow Pages and AOL CityGuide

YellowPages.com offers city guides and business listings. While you can purchase advertising packages, basic listings are free and give your company high visibility to local customers searching for your product or service. Similar to the Yahoo Local Listings is the AOL CityGuide, which offers the same basic local listing package, with the option of more extensive ad placement.

Craigslist

Craigslist follows an advertising format similar to classifieds, broken down into regions and cities. As of 2011, Craigslist has an estimated 10 million unique visitors and connects sellers and buyers in more than 300 communities. While Craigslist is aimed more toward individuals, it can be used by companies and represents an affordable way for businesses with minimal advertising budgets to advertise to a local market.

Traditional Media

Traditional media can still be leveraged for effective local advertising. This includes newspaper advertising, local magazines and making use of public radio and TV time. These media outlets are so effective for local advertisers because the market is targeted, as opposed to a nationwide campaign. Local TV and radio spots are often more affordable for small-business owners as well, making it a viable option for local advertising.