A friend of mine, reading yesterday’s tips on finding a local web designer/marketer asked me why I was giving tips on finding services similar to mine locally.

She asked me, “Why not tell them to buy your services instead?”

There are a few reasons.

First of all, I’m a big believer in keeping things local wherever and whenever possible.  It’s something of a “thing” for me.  I think buying locally is better for the environment (less driving, less shipping) and that buying locally makes for a more friendly and vibrant community. When you support other businesses where you live and work, money stays in the community longer and has the potential to do more good.

Of course, there are times when buying locally just isn’t possible. I’m not a martyr for this local buying cause or anything like that. It’s just that I make it a habit with any buying decision I ask “Can I buy this locally?”

For all of my online choices, the answer to that question is “No”

If it’s yes – I compare prices. Yes, I am very aware of my bottom line and budget – who can afford not to be? My husband says it’s my Scottish side showing, but I say it’s just common sense that you try to make the most of your dollars.

If the prices are comparable – then I compare service. For some people service is more important than price. You’ll have to determine what is most important to your target market.

In any case, the point is – in my life and business – a local vendor has more weight in every buying decision. I’ll pay a bit more (not much) to buy local. But the cool thing is…in most cases you can find better prices buying locally. I know as a business person myself, I’m much more likely to consider negotiating my rates. (For the record my very best rates are reserved for local charities. Inquire today about my rates & special discounts for local charities)

And I’d like to encourage my online clients to do the same in their communities – and so that’s why I give local buying tips to potential clients. At least, I hope that being on my website indicates they are potential clients…

After all, if in the end they can’t buy local – there are still communities out there that don’t have a web marketer – though I’d imagine they are few and far between at this point. If you have  high speed access in your community-chances are there are at least one or two in your midst. But if your in one of those communities, then you might consider me for your web marketing needs.

In other communities, you might find the local talent charges too much for your budget. Some of my programs are inexpensive enough for the smallest budgets. My Everlasting PR Plan program, for example, only costs less than $50 a month. And realistically, if you aren’t spending at least that in photocopying flyers or distributing catalogs or in web hosting &mailing list fees or newsletter distribution – or some other small marketing investment – then your likely looking at a very small hobby business that wouldn’t be interested in PR anyway. It can, when done well, increase business too much for the average hobby business.

I’m hoping there are others who read my blog who want to be the web marketer for their local community. I’m happy to give suggestions on where to learn how to do this. Instead of re-inventing the wheel I choose to recommend quality products that already exist rather than creating my own. Just join my mailing list at the top right hand side of the screen and you’ll be updated on the latest recommendations for do it yourself web marketing and public relations too

In other words, I’m okay with being second choice for my online readers. More than that, I encourage it.

While my goal is to be first choice in Whitecourt and Northern Alberta -I’d rather be second choice elsewhere There are, after all, only so many hours in a day – and I’d rather enjoy spending more of them with my family.