Hi everyone! I’m Angie Beck, and if you’ve spent any time in the Austin, MN area or surrounding towns, you might recognize me from my other business, Martana Bookkeeping. For years, I’ve been working behind the scenes with local business owners, helping them keep their numbers in order.
Martana Connects actually started because I wanted to support the small businesses I already work with through my bookkeeping service—give them an extra boost, help them get seen, and connect them with more local customers. But it didn’t take long to realize something: it’s not just “my” bookkeeping clients who deserve that boost. Every local business in our SE Minnesota towns deserves the same chance to be discovered and supported.
And as I talked to more and more of you, I started to notice a recurring theme: it is really tough to get noticed online without a massive marketing budget.
We live in an incredible part of Southeast Minnesota. We have charming downtowns, hardworking contractors, cozy cafes, and innovative service providers. But when someone goes to search for a local service, they are often bombarded with corporate ads or national chains that have the "pay-to-play" game figured out.
That’s exactly why I decided to launch Martana Connects.
And neighbors—this isn’t just for business owners. This is for you, too. When you use the directory, you’re finding the best local spots (sometimes the hidden gems you didn’t even know were there), and every review you leave helps other locals shop with confidence. Your clicks, your reviews, and your engagement help our whole community thrive.
I wanted to create a space that was built specifically for us: the small business owners of SE Minnesota. My mission is simple: I want to level the playing field. I want to make sure that the local plumber, the boutique downtown, and the independent consultant have just as much of a chance to be found as the big guys.
Right now, if you head over to our directory, it looks a little bit quiet. In fact, Martana Bookkeeping is currently the only listing! But I know that won’t last long. I’m inviting you to help me fill this space up and turn it into the go-to resource for our community.
Why Join Martana Connects?
I know what you’re thinking: "Another directory? Why should I spend time on this?"
I get it. Your time is your most valuable asset. That’s why I’ve designed Martana Connects to be different. This isn't just a list of phone numbers; it's a community-driven growth engine. Here is how we are doing things differently to make sure your business actually gets the attention it deserves.
1. Risk-Free for 60 Days
I want you to see the value before you ever have to commit a dime. When you sign up today, your business gets its first 60 days for free. No hidden catches, no restricted features. You get the full experience.
After your 60-day trial is up, it’s just a flat $19.99 per month. That’s it. No "premium tiers" where you have to pay more to stay at the top of the list, and no annoying sales calls trying to upsell you on "gold" packages. If you find it’s not for you, you can cancel at any time. My goal is to keep this affordable for everyone, from the side-hustler to the established storefront.
2. A Personal Welcome (and a Plan)
The second you sign up at martanaconnects.com/add-listing, you aren't just tossed into a database and forgotten. You’ll receive a welcome email directly from us that outlines exactly how to make your listing shine. We’ll guide you through the details of what makes a listing searchable and how to use your dedicated page to your advantage.
3. Weekly Business Spotlights & Social Media Shout-outs
We don’t just wait for people to find the directory; we go out and find the people! Every single week, we’ll be picking different businesses from our directory to feature in our community newsletter.
Plus, we’ll be shouting out our members on our social media channels. We want to tell your story: why you started your business, what makes your service unique, and why the people of Austin, MN and surrounding towns should give you a call. This kind of cross-promotion is included in your $19.99 monthly fee. It’s like having a little extra marketing team in your corner.
4. Incentivized Customer Reviews
We all know that reviews are the lifeblood of a local business. They build trust and help you show up higher in search results. But getting customers to actually leave a review can feel like pulling teeth.
We’ve solved that with our giveaway funnel. To drive traffic to the directory and get people talking about your business, Martana Connects will be hosting regular drawings for $25 gift cards. To enter, customers just need to leave a review for a business in the directory.
This is a win-win:
- For the customer: They get a chance to win free money to spend locally.
- For you: You get a steady stream of fresh, honest reviews that boost your credibility and help more people find you on Martana Connects.
More Than Just a Name on a List
Beyond the promotions and the giveaways, there are some serious "under-the-hood" benefits to being part of a local directory like this.
A Major SEO Boost
Google loves local directories. When your business is linked on a reputable, local site like Martana Connects, it tells search engines that you are a legitimate part of the SE Minnesota community. This helps improve your own website’s SEO (Search Engine Optimization), making it easier for people to find you even when they aren't looking at the directory directly.
Your Own Dedicated Page: Ad-Free
When someone clicks on your business listing, they should be focused on you. Unlike some of the "big name" review sites, we don't allow competitor ads on your listing page. You won't see another business's "sponsored link" trying to lure customers away from your profile. It’s your space to showcase your photos, your hours, and your story.
Targeted Town Filters
Whether you are strictly in Austin, MN or you serve SE Minnesota, our town filter feature ensures that the right people find you. Locals can search by category or by specific location, making it a breeze for a neighbor to find exactly the service they need just down the street.
Let’s Grow Together
I am so excited to see where we can take this. Martana Connects isn't just about a website; it’s about the people who make Southeast Minnesota a great place to live and work. When we support local businesses, that money stays in our community. It supports our schools, our parks, and our neighbors.
If you’ve been looking for a way to get more eyes on your business without breaking the bank or learning how to become a digital marketing expert overnight, I’d love to have you join us.
Ready to get started? It only takes a few minutes to set up your profile.
Click here to add your listing and start your 60-day free trial!
If you have any questions or just want to chat about how Martana Connects can help your specific business, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help, and I can’t wait to see your business featured on our homepage soon!
Let’s make some connections.
: Angie Beck
Owner, Martana Connects
Want to see who's already joined the neighborhood? Browse all listings here and keep an eye out for our upcoming gift card giveaways!