It didn’t take off back then so I just kept on building my reach and collaborations and will relaunch it when time allows and I can rally more bloggers around the idea.

I encourage bloggers to run with your idea of a “favorite businesses” section and also to review your favorite businesses online (where to do that is explained and linked to in the post I’ll put in CommentLuv in this reply).

What I believe is going to happen is that there will be more geo-targeted niche blogs with multiple authors/promoters that attract small business advertising.

Merchants who have good affiliate programs should provide a way for you to deep link to their site. I wrote about How to Deep Link ShareASale Affiliate Links.

You’re reminded me that I need to write about the pros and cons of direct links versus affiliate links for SEO purposes. Direct links are better for the merchant, but for your affiliates to be compensated for their efforts they need to make all the links they use trackable.

No matter what types of links you use be sure you understand how to use anchor text properly. That link goes to a post that explains how to do keyword research and track the results of your link building efforts.
growmap would love you to read ..Support Small Businesses

It also reminds me (and shames me a bit, okay a lot) that I often forget to add a link to the actual site I’m writing about in favor of the affiliate link to their product. I promise to do better for 2011 – my first new years resolution in years.
Chris would love you to read ..AKC Recycled Dog Collars- 10lb Fluff Ball Chew-a-holic Proof

It can be a real challenge to get a new concept off the ground. It will usually only happen when you persistently refuse to let it die and keep promoting it until it takes off. I am still working on making this happen.

Have you listed your business in the major Local Search Directories yet? Not doing it is like turning down free advertising. My post on Local Search Directory listings has all the information you need.
.-= growmap´s last blog ..Social Media Marketing Monday – SMM Overview =-.

What I hope to do is make recommending and sharing our favorite small traditional and online businesses the norm. Too many people have no concept of business ownership and what it takes to keep it going.

Have you considered writing a guest post for my BizLuv MEME? There are many bloggers willing to publish guest posts and I have a way to create unique versions.

You might find the post I featured in CommentLuv in this reply interesting. Any assistance you can offer to spread the word is greatly appreciated.

.-= growmap´s last blog ..Why Marketing is NOT Evil =-.

I wish more people could see that supporting local and small online businesses would turn the economy around for those who do it. It won’t help those who don’t take action but it will make life better for just those who care.

Your clinic would benefit from the information in the post I’ll feature in CommentLuv in this reply.
.-= growmap´s last blog ..Free Business Listings in Local Search Directories =-.