Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.    How does the Green Locals system work? First, it is an online directory to help environmentally conscious consumers find like-minded businesses in their local communities and insures the public that all members have set a goal of and are committed to sustainability by being Green Locals certified. Next, it is a premium marketing system that members can take advantage of without hiring additional staff.
 
2.    What if my customers don’t have a computer or are not that computer savvy? Green Locals recognizes that your customers are not online 24 hour a day or may not even have a personal computer. But most likely they will always have their mobile phones turned on and with them. For this reason Green Locals has created an iPhone/Smartphone application that allows you to stay in touch with your customers 24/7 and 365 days a year. They’ll be able to follow firsthand your commitment to sustainability (as well as receive special announcements about your business) on social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and others.
 
3.    Who can become certified? Any business committed to the goal of achieving and maintaining sustainability by offering green goods and services and/or by engaging in green practices can be Green Locals certified.
4.    How difficult is it to become certified? We view sustainability as a goal and a process that is constantly changing as new technologies are developed. As long as your business is committed to and is making positive steps towards sustainability, it can become and remain Green Locals certified.
5.    What’s to prevent a business from abandoning its green practices once it has become certified? Your commitment to sustainability is continually monitored by consumers and other Green Locals members. We have installed an online feedback feature that allows consumers and other Green Locals members to tell you when you’re falling short of your goals and to make suggestions for improvement.
6.    Why is being certified important? As sustainability becomes more important to consumers, more businesses are engaging in greenwashing - making untrue or misleading claims of sustainability. While other websites will list any business willing to pay, Green Locals’ certification lets consumers know your claims of sustainability have been reviewed by an independent third party.
7.    Why is third party recognition so important? Research has shown that in the public’s mind; being certified green by a third party is one of the most trusted methods to make sure sustainability claims are real.
8.    What is the second part of the Green Locals system? A premium marketing system using the latest cutting edge technology and techniques. Members can take advantage of this marketing system without hiring additional staff or taking a valuable employee away from his/her current duties.
9.    How does the Green Locals marketing system work? Green Locals will create a microsite for every member that will link directly to your company’s website. Accounts will be created on pertinent social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn. Your microsite and social media profile sites will link directly to each other and to your company’s website.
 
Weekly posts will be made to your microsite. These posts can be articles concerning green news and trends in the business world, relevant videos and pictures, or news you may want to share with your customers and prospects. Daily posts will be made to each social media profile. These posts can be green tips or announcements of sales and other events for your individual business.
 
10.What are the marketing benefits of the Green Locals system? Search engines reward websites and microsites that are regularly updated and that are linked to other sites that are regularly updated with high search rankings. Those same search engines value a quantity of consumer reviews. We help solicit those consumer reviews. The resulting higher rankings increase the visibility of your brand over your competition. The daily social media posts keep your name in front of your customers, continually reminding them of your commitment to sustainability. These are all key factors when today’s consumer is making a purchasing decision.
 
      Plus, the Green Locals marketing system allows you to cross promote your business. Your daily social media posts reach your customers, friends, fans and connections, plus your message will be sent directly to the customers, friends, fans and connections of all other Green Locals members. There is no limit to the number of environmentally conscious consumers your business will be able to market directly to - consumers you’d never reach otherwise.
 
For more detailed information about how the Green Locals system can increase your business, contact us at the “Contact Us” page. One of our Account Executives will contact you.