Best way to find local businesses that need SEM?



I suppose the best way is to search on google for small business who rank on the second or third page for their target keyword on Google and contact them to find out if they are interested to use your services...
 
I suppose the best way is to search on google for small business who rank on the second or third page for their target keyword on Google and contact them to find out if they are interested to use your services...

^^ Agreed.

Also - don't forget Google Maps listings - search for local businesses and see which ones are not appearing in the '7 pack'. This is probably because their listing hasn't been fully completed and/or optimized (and most business havnt). Huge potential here!
 
Go through your local paper/free paper/flyers pushed through your door.
Now compare these adverts to SE results.
Find ones that dont rank? Great, these guys need help AND have money to spend on advertising.

Call the local paper/free paper/flyers publisher and ask how much the advert costs, and what their circulation figures are.

Now you know how much they consider a safe price for advertising, and what percieved value they are getting from it.

Tell them how much more they can get for their money (if you cant work this out, give up).
 
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^^ Agreed.

Also - don't forget Google Maps listings - search for local businesses and see which ones are not appearing in the '7 pack'. This is probably because their listing hasn't been fully completed and/or optimized (and most business havnt). Huge potential here!

What do you mean by "7 pack"?
 
I recommend that you walk in the door of the business with a confident smile and ask to speak to the owner. Have a good pitch prepared, focus on ROI and be prepared to show your past work.

Many small business owners are interested in establishing a presence on the Internet but don't know where to start or who to trust. I don't recommend calling because people email and call business owners all day long and we have learned to ignore these tactics.

You may want to focus on a particular nice (real estate agents, restaurants, etc) once you find your groove.
 
I recommend that you walk in the door of the business with a confident smile and ask to speak to the owner. Have a good pitch prepared, focus on ROI and be prepared to show your past work.

Many small business owners are interested in establishing a presence on the Internet but don't know where to start or who to trust. I don't recommend calling because people email and call business owners all day long and we have learned to ignore these tactics.

You may want to focus on a particular nice (real estate agents, restaurants, etc) once you find your groove.

The problem with this method is that its very difficult to walk into a restaurant, boutique, or other business and get access to the owner. You have to get pass all the gate keepers. More than likely, the highest up you'll be able get by just walking in cold is a manager.
 
Businesses that are relatively new (< 6 months old) generally have the owner on site nearly all the time.
 
Check yellow page on your local city for local business owner.Get their phone number & call them up for a meeting.On the meeting convince them how an online presence can help their business to expand & how you can help them to achieve that.