Imagine being transported to a strange digital city that looks like a cross between something out of “Star Wars” and what people think the cities of tomorrow will look like.
Amidst confusion, as you walk down the street surrounded by thin wisps of light running every which way, you hear faint conversations, songs, and scenes from TV shows and movies playing as background music. On each side of the street you notice different business storefronts, however instead of peering into windows to see the hustle and bustle happening behind the front doors, you are peering into screens, barely making out what appears to be someone scrolling down a page, pausing to read, then quickly scrolling again.
Where in the world are you?
A man approaches to welcome you to their city, explaining that it's not one you've ever directly visited before. Instead, you have found yourself deep into the Internet. Questioning how to get back home, away from the lights, screens, and utter confusion, you are told that there's only one way home, and that's through the city. This man becomes your guide, both back to typical civilization as well as through the twists and turns on learning the digital world of marketing and how to best navigate its many faces, facets, and opportunities.
Just like your daily internet consumption, people in this city try everything possible to prevent you from escaping it. However, as you explore tools that help you, a rural business owner, connect with potential customers, drive traffic to your website, and grow your business, you also get closer to finding the escape route home.
Grounded in research and real-world examples, “Digital Marketing for Rural Small Businesses” provides practical tips and strategies any small business owner can apply to their marketing strategies. If you're a rural small business owner struggling to be found online, this engaging story format delivers the knowledge you need to get your digital marketing on track.
Some key strategies that are explored in the book include:
Developing a strong website as the foundation of a business.
Utilizing targeted landing pages and geo-landing pages to get found.
Building social proof through testimonials, reviews, and more.
Leveraging social media, email marketing, and more to drive people to the website.
Focusing on search engine optimization and improving local SEO rankings.
Getting involved in the local community to build personal relationships.
Digital marketing opportunities for businesses are endless, but when effective strategies are used, rural small businesses can reach their potential clients to build and grow their businesses.
