Local Business Marketing Terms Explained
Learn the terminology behind AI Agents, review management, lead generation, and marketing automation. Clear definitions for busy business owners.
AI & Automation
AI Agent
An artificial intelligence system that can autonomously handle tasks like answering phone calls, responding to chat messages, or managing customer inquiries. AI Agents work 24/7 without human intervention.
Chat AI
AI-powered chatbots that handle text-based conversations on websites, SMS, and social media. Chat AI can answer questions, qualify leads, and schedule appointments automatically.
Voice AI
AI technology that can understand and respond to spoken language. In business, Voice AI answers phone calls, takes messages, books appointments, and provides information to callers automatically.
Advertising
Facebook Ads
Paid advertising on Facebook and Instagram. Allows targeting by demographics, interests, and behaviors. Effective for brand awareness and lead generation.
Google Ads (PPC)
Pay-per-click advertising on Google Search and Display Network. Advertisers bid on keywords and pay when users click their ads. Primary source of leads for many local businesses.
Communication
Two-Way Texting
SMS communication where both parties can send and receive messages. More engaging than one-way broadcasts and preferred by customers over phone calls.
Lead Management
Appointment Setting
The process of scheduling meetings or service calls with leads or customers. Can be manual or automated through online booking systems and AI assistants.
CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
Software that manages all customer interactions and data. Tracks leads, customers, communications, and sales pipeline in one central location.
Lead Nurture
The process of building relationships with leads through relevant content and timely follow-up until they're ready to buy. Automated sequences keep leads engaged.
Missed Call Text Back
An automation that instantly sends a text message to callers when their call goes unanswered. The text typically acknowledges the missed call and offers to help, keeping the lead engaged.
Speed-to-Lead
The time it takes to respond to a new lead inquiry. Studies show responding within 5 minutes increases conversion rates by 400%. Speed-to-lead automation ensures instant follow-up.
Marketing
Data Reactivation
The process of re-engaging past customers or dormant leads through targeted outreach campaigns. Uses AI and automation to identify and contact people who haven't done business with you recently.
Drip Campaign
A series of automated messages sent over time to nurture leads or customers. Can be email, SMS, or multi-channel. Triggered by specific actions or time intervals.
Google Business Profile
Free business listing on Google that appears in Maps and local search results. Critical for local businesses - includes reviews, hours, photos, and contact information.
Lead Generation
The process of attracting potential customers and capturing their contact information. Includes paid advertising, SEO, content marketing, and referral programs.
Lifecycle Marketing
Marketing strategy that targets customers at different stages of their relationship with your business - from first awareness through repeat purchase and referral.
Local SEO
Search engine optimization focused on improving visibility in local search results. Includes Google Business Profile optimization, local citations, and location-based keywords.
Marketing Automation
Technology that manages marketing processes automatically. Includes email sequences, SMS campaigns, follow-up reminders, and lead nurturing workflows that run without manual intervention.
Metrics
Conversion Rate
The percentage of leads or website visitors who take a desired action (book appointment, make purchase, fill out form). Higher conversion rates mean more customers from same traffic.
Cost Per Lead (CPL)
The average amount spent on marketing to acquire one lead. Calculated by dividing total marketing spend by number of leads generated. Lower CPL means more efficient marketing.
No-Show Rate
Percentage of scheduled appointments where the customer doesn't appear. Automated reminders via SMS and email significantly reduce no-show rates.
ROI (Return on Investment)
Measure of profitability calculated by dividing net profit by cost of investment. In marketing, ROI shows how much revenue is generated for every dollar spent on advertising.
Reviews
Reputation Score
A metric representing overall online reputation based on review quantity, quality, and recency across platforms. Higher scores correlate with more customer trust.
Review Automation
Systems that automatically request reviews from customers after service completion. Typically sends SMS or email requests with direct links to review platforms.
Review Management
The practice of monitoring, requesting, and responding to online reviews across platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Includes automated review requests and AI-powered review responses.