While many of the clients that I meet with may not be sure exactly how online marketing works, they've all heard of Google. Most use Google as their default search engine.
It should come as no surprise that the place where you want to start advertising your Denver small business online is with Google. Googe AdWords to be more specific. Google has by far the highest volume of search. According to a recent report by Efficient Frontier referenced in Search Engine Land, Google receives 75% of all paid search clicks and dollars.
Screenshot of the Google AdWords Signup Page
Most Denver small business owners should start their online advertising activities with Google Adwords
For most Denver small businesses who are advertising online trying to find customers, you're fishing from a small pond. You're searching for a narrow geographic region (just Denver metro) for narrow keyword phrases that relate specifically to your business. In order to maximize your reach, learn the most about your online advertising campaign's potential, and get more clients, you need to be working with Google AdWords.
How Does this Help Me Market My Denver Small Business?
I have used and continue to use the other paid search platforms (Yahoo, Bing). I also use Google's AdSense products to allow ads to appear on other websites. Far and away though, when a Denver small business is just beginning to advertise online, they need to be using Google AdWords. Google Adwords provides the largest reach, which means you'll get more data and have the ability to modify your online advertising campaign to get more clients.
Only after you've mastered your Google AdWords campaigns should you move on to advertising online with different search engines.