Meet Markeisha Harris-Minor, Creator of Blocal Search— Nationwide Black Business Directory

Today we’d like to introduce you to Markeisha Harris-Minor.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Markeisha. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Blocal Search was the solution to a problem that I found many Black business owners were facing. I began my career in entrepreneurship as a business consultant, where the majority of my client’s were African American. An issue that they would face was exposure. What is great is that we are entering a time where consumers are conscious about where they spend their money and are intentional about buying Black. I saw this as an opportunity to create a platform that was similar to others that we all commonly know and use for the general population of businesses. Whether it be to find a business close to us, read reviews, or leave our own ratings after an experience we had; I believed that this was needed specifically for the Black culture. After forming the idea, I was able to locate a domain to house Blocal Search and to build the app as well. I am excited to announce that Blocal Search app is now available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Blocal Search has been moving full steam ahead since the inception of this idea in December of 2019. The connections made have been surreal, and the direction that Blocal Search is heading appears promising. I have traveled to the Atlanta area and have scheduled visits to Charlotte, Mobile, and Houston in the upcoming months.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Thus far, everything has aligned for the good of Blocal Search. I am extremely grateful for the many connections that have been made and the overwhelming amount of support. Among that support, I have also received constructive criticism and useful feedback to consider as Blocal Search is being fine tuned. I have remained open to growth while not veering from my own vision, which I believe is most important. With all of these things being considered, I look at it as being an easy process because I work hard to always acknowledge the good.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Blocal Search is a nationwide directory and downloadable app for locating Black owned businesses specific to any area. Our mission is to assist with rebuilding sustainable communities and creating generational wealth for Black families by increasing the lifespan of the dollar within our neighborhoods. Blocal Search aims to achieve these two goals by providing convenience for consumers to spend their money with Black businesses. The app and website provides the ease of locating services and products offered with the click of a button. Whether Blocal Search is accessed by using the direct website or through the app, it allows for a user’s current location to be automatically identified. Listings are also searchable by typing in a specific area by city or state name, as well as zip code–this makes for a great tool when planning for upcoming travel. Additionally, listings can be viewed by categories or ratings for leisure scrolling.

Blocal Search offers three different options for owners to list their businesses. With our nationwide directory, it is our hope to include every business in the country! To ensure this, our basic level is free, so there is no reason for anyone to be excluded. Businesses that choose to claim their listing at no cost will have the opportunity to provide basic details to include business name, telephone number, address/location, email, website, and hours of the location. Our two paid levels are Preferred and Premium Listings that are offered at $7.99 and $14.99 a month, with discounts for yearly memberships. If a paid listing is selected, businesses can include the following features: customer reviews, social media links, deals, photos, videos, and other imagery, which will set them apart from other businesses listed within the same category. This also allows for Blocal Search to produce revenue, along with paid advertisements as traffic increases to the site. A portion of all revenue will go towards conferences and pop up shops to provide education, business development, and resources for the communities.

I am most proud of the effort that I have been able to put forth, and the progress that has been made in just a short span of time. Blocal Search has listed close to 2000 businesses in over 63 cities throughout the US. The app is now available and is being downloaded daily. What sets Blocal Search apart from other directories is the sleek set up, the convenience of use, and the ability for customer interaction through the ability to provide ratings and reviews. Additionally, with Blocal Search, businesses listed can display badges that will provide customers with certain guarantees of the services and products provided. This allows Blocal Search to compete with other crowd-sourced review services that we are familiar with.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Blocal Search has many exciting things in store! The main goal is to continue on with the Blocal Tour and reach as many cities as possible. I will be traveling to Houston hopefully the first week of April amid the current crisis. Precautions will be taken if necessary. I am also planning a Blocal Pop Up event in Atlanta this summer, so be on the lookout! I am truly looking forward to completing the groundwork and fulfilling the mission to help rebuild sustainable communities and create generational wealth for Black families. It has been a pleasure to meet so many Black business owners as I continue to grow this platform. I am hoping to visit 2-3 cities a month and expanding the reach of Blocal Search throughout the country.

Pricing:

• Preferred Business Listing 7.99/month
• Premium Business Listing 14.99/month

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blocalsearch.com
• Phone: 855-BLOCAL0
• Email: contactus@blocalsearch.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/blocalsearch
• Facebook: facebook.com/blocalsearch
• Twitter: twitter.com/blocalsearch

Image Credit:
Picture 1- Kupcakerie
Blocal Search Logo
Picture 3- Shannon Renee Sings
Picture 4- Atlanta Black Chambers
Picture 5- Mixx 106 Radio
Picture 6- Ms. Bee’s Juicebar
Picture 7- Ink Laddi T-Shirt Factory
Blocal Search Logo
Picture 9- The Healing Hub RVA
Picture 10- Club CEO
Picture 11- Hebrew Bakes

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