If you're a regular iMediaConnection reader with an interest in local marketing, there's a good chance that you saw a new article in the Local Media Strategies section entitled 'Channels that will drive the local marketing revolution' (authored by Balihoo's VP of Marketing, Shane Vaughan). Check it out here. 

In addition to (and in support of) the various channels pinpointed, there are a number of  considerable facts and statistics, worth listing:

• 55% of the total US advertising spend ($130 billion of $235 billion) is spent at the local level. (i.e. "advertising" isn't all about Superbowl budgets and million dollar photo shoots - to the contrary, in the U.S. "advertising" is largely occurring at the local level (and from the local business owners' pocket - not that of a multi-million brand).
• Despite the incessant buzz regarding new media, more than 40% of small business advertising dollars remain dedicated to traditional media (newspaper, television, radio).
• 97% of consumers are using the internet to research products or services.
• Since 2009, social media adoption has doubled among small business owners.
• 40% of US adults are now using their phones to access the internet, email and instant messaging.
• Direct mail remains a leading channel for many local businesses (nearly 30% of local marketing dollars). Many of which are increasingly tying these campaigns to local microsites. 

One thing is clear, local marketing is increasingly becoming more complex, more powerful, more interactive and exponentially more difficult.  Being a savvy and tactical marketer is now practically a requirement for a successful  local business owner. Working with a channel marketing software and services solution such as Balihoo, that specializes in enabling client's to achieve local marketing success, will drastically reduce if not completely remove the burden of being a local marketing connoisseur. 

Schedule a live demo to see how Balihoo can help you and your local affiliates experience local success.