Here is something which many small businesses probably do not know about, but should probably start using. It is Local Search. Even if your business does not have a website (which it really needs to nowadays), you can still make search engines like Google, Yahoo, and MSN work for you. Google even makes it easy, so even if you do not have a web site, you can still be one of the local businesses that Google recognizes.

First try out a local search on local.google.com and see for yourself. Type any city or location and then narrow it down further by adding the service you are looking for.

If you are interested in promoting your business with Google, you have to apply at the Google Local Business Center. You can read more about local search in general at http://local.google.com/help/faq_local.html.