In 2010 there will be a lot of things for small business owners to think about, not the least of which is marketing. Traditional marketing tactics don’t have the same impact anymore and it is time to try something new – online advertising. More than 80 percent of consumers are now searching online for local services and it is crucial for the small business owner to be where the consumers are. That being said, here are four simple tips for online advertising to help as you launch your new online advertising campaign.

1. Market to your current customers: Remember… your best source of new business is always existing business. The easiest and most cost-effective way to keep your business running and profitable is bringing customers back for more. Staying in touch with existing customers – whether that means sending out a holiday card, a monthly newsletter, joining Facebook to start a group, or starting a twitter feed or a blog on your site – can often do the trick, keeping you top of mind the next time your services are needed.

2. Know where your marketing dollars are going: When times get tight, small business owners want to know what their return on investment is for every penny – which means vague advertising ROI metrics no longer cut it. This is one of the bigger tips for online advertising. With online lead generation, advertising results are more transparent than ever, and everything – yes everything – becomes measurable. Online lead generators have developed techniques to measure exactly how many clicks, calls and emails are generated from a single advertisement. This gives you confidence that you’ll have the information you need to determine whether your online efforts are successful - and change your approach if they are not.

3. Advertise for the services you WANT to provide: Think about what services you provide that bring in the most value for you. Now, think about what services you do most often. They are probably not the same. Online advertising campaigns allow you to target consumers looking for the services you want to provide, not just reach any consumer who might be interested in your services.

4. Have the Right Website: Building a website is not like decorating your living room – a website should drive leads to your business not just show off your design expertise. More valuable tips for online advertising, a website should be clear and feature your phone number and any promotions you are offering prominently. Contacting you from your website should be easy to do and the user should be able to find your phone number or a contact no matter where on the website they go. The pages should load quickly so your user doesn’t get bored waiting for the information they need. Highlight any awards, customer testimonials, or industry certifications you have. These things build trust and credibility as well as generate selling power.

Editor’s Note: Tips courtesy of Yodle, Inc. and authored by Yodle CEO, Court Cunningham. As CEO of Yodle, Court oversees all aspects of operations and strategy, including technology, product development and sales and marketing.