Small Business Directory Has Launched, Helps Online Shoppers “Shop Small”

by jeasson jea businessman

March 31, 2014 – Promoting U.S. small businesses in numerous categories, Locate a Small Business.com is now officially live and open to registration. The site, started by two entrepreneurs, is a directory created to help shoppers “shop small”, spend less, and access products and services from small businesses. Intended to boost sales for these companies, its other purpose is to stimulate local economies in the wake of the 2007-2008 economic recession.

The small business directory incorporates companies from cities and towns in every U.S. state. It is searchable using various parameters. Visitors can pick from various categories, ranging from dining to health and beauty services, legal and financial services, real estate, and shopping. They can also search by state, zip code, and on a map. To qualify for listing on the local business directory, each small business must be defined as such under state and federal guidelines and be located within the United States.

In 2010, American Express started Small Business Saturday, which was officially recognized by the U.S. Senate in 2011. The program stimulated an estimated $5.5 billion in consumer spending. Held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it is intended to encourage people to shop from small local establishments. There are millions of these nationwide. The program’s purpose was therefore to help entrepreneurs and store owners thrive and to stimulate the economy at the local level.

Just as American Express offers resources to help small businesses prepare and thrive, the “shop small” concept of Locate a Small Business.com is the same. People can even find shops, products, and services outside their own area. Companies can also advertise and promote on the site just as easily as people canshop local. A “crowdsharing” model is used by the website for advertising expenses. The company uses various SEO and SEM strategies and hyperlocal search functions to increase each business’s visibility.

In addition, the small business marketing website provides promotional and advertising opportunities to accommodate clients’ budgets. Businesses can find sponsorship, partnership, and advertising banner opportunities. A reach of millions of potential shoppers opens the door for restaurants, stores, home services, transportation, industrial, beauty, medical, security, music companies, and more to increase business.

People can sign on to and search the free business directory at no cost. Login/registration is simple. There are two package types for listings: users can pay $60 USD annually or $10 USD monthly. The service is therefore well within the budget of the average small business. Usage is not limited to computers. Locate a Small Business.com also has a mobile website so smart phone users can search the directory. A mobile app is in the works as well.

While many stores have closed in the economic climate, Locate a Small Business.com is designed to help keep neighborhood stores and service providers in business. Marketing, which helps attract customers, is often expensive. It can be hard to bring in new clientele, let alone retain customers.

To benefit from an effective small business directory, either as a consumer or a business, go towww.locateasmallbusiness.com for more information.

About Locate a Small Business.com

Started by two entrepreneurs, Locate a Small Business.com uses Internet marketing to help people find local businesses and “shop small”. Small neighborhood stores and localized service providers can advertise and attract new clientele. All businesses must be located within the United States and shoppers can search for them online by category, zip code, state, or map.

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Locate a Small Business

Email: info@locateasmallbusiness.com

Phone: 215-410-9406