I am in NYC and yesterday had a conversation with Social Media Enthusiasts (and consultants) Connie Reece and Anna Farmery. We were talking about whether or not a small business who only wanted to market locally could benefit from a blog. Here are our conclusions based on running a Fish and Chip shop in the UK:
1: The blog will help your search rankings in google and so if someone wants to know where the nearest or best Fish and Chip shop is when they google it your blog will help get you to the top.
2: If you have particular points that makes your fish and chip shop special your blog is a good way to communicate that added value. For example how fresh is your fish, what oil do you use, where are your potatoes from etc. All these elements are important if you want to communicate why you are in business and share that with your potential customers
3: People move around physically more these days and so in your town the percentage of visitors will probably be higher - your global web presence can access these customers who are looking for that special taste....
4: Your blog is free to set up and run. Provided you have internet access (and if you dont - just get it for the knowledge that is already available online - please) you can set up your blog (which will be your website) free and it takes about 10 minutes to get started.
5: Comments: Encourage your customers to comment on their meal not only to back up your marketing but so that you can find out what is cool (or not) about your product. Ask if in doubt:
Whats the most authentic way of eating your fish and chips - in the paper - on a plate?
How many calories do we need to run off to offset the meal? !
Which fish is the best? Can I have sustainable fish - should I ask for Pollock?
Which evening is fish and chip night for the family and why..
6: Become a leader in your area. mmmm....a fish and chip shop expert? Why not? If a newspaper or your local radio station wants to talk about fish and chips - where do you think they will start...its google. If you are there and have an authentic voice it will be you they interview.
7: Warning: If you are not operating with good business practises, one where you are willing to share your values and be transparent - best not to talk about it... The only problem with that is that your customers have full access to the web and it may very well be they are already spreading the word about your shop.
Best fish and chips I have ever had? Harveys Fish Bar in Looe in Cornwall. What about you?
Heather, I thoroughly enjoyed our lunch and conversation about social media marketing. As for fish and chips, the best I've had was in Sanibel, Florida -- probably can't compare to your experience in Cornwall, though!
Posted by: Connie Reece | April 08, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Do you know how hard it is to find good fish and chips in NY? I had to give in and just drink beer ;)
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | April 10, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Oh and the best fish and chips I have ever had was from a little diner just before the bridge going to Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia.
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | April 10, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Best Fish and Chips has to have been at Doyle's, Watson's Bay, Sydney Harbour.
Looe comes a very close second but can't quite match the climate!!
Posted by: Farmer Phil | April 17, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Since Granny O'Grady's closed, the best Fish & Chippy will have to be Holly Tree Chippy! :) Absolutely awesome and they don't skimp on the mushy pea potions either!
Posted by: Am | June 24, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Right on Farmer Phil - Doyle's, Watson Bay, Sydney Harbour as the sun lowers towards the mountains in the distance.
Posted by: Karen Wilde | February 28, 2009 at 08:45 AM