If you are engaged in any kind of search marketing, you are looking to leverage Google in every way.
According to Vedran Tomic of Small Biz Trends, “80% of are people using search engines to find local information, so it is impossible to imagine a brick and mortar business that couldn’t benefit immensely from local search. On the other hand, having no local search presence could potentially end a local business.”
I was recently reading his post “10 Things You Should Have Done to Make Your Google Business Listing Great” and a few things caught my eye:
Right after you claim and verify your business in Google local business center, make sure that your business info is correct with Google’s trusted data providers like InfoUSA, Acxiom, Localize, or Yellow Pages. Check those first, because they supply data to a very large number of business directories.
Since Google is placing a lot of trust on information they get from the business owner via GLBC ( Google Local Business Center ), don’t forget to be as accurate as possible when filling in your business information.
How important is proper categorization in Google Maps. It can make a difference between a poor listing and a great one. Google will suggest categories as you type and you will have to use one of those predefined categories to classify your business.
The description field should be used to emphasize what is unique about your business and to inspire trust. All that in less then 200 characters. Having something remarkable about the business in the description is a must. Maybe you have the oldest company in your town, or a patent for something.
Images and videos are ideal tools for making listings compelling and bringing their conversion rates up. Google allows 10 images and 5 videos to be added to your listing. Some types of images that would help your listing in many ways are:
- Your Logo
- Brands Carried
- Pictures of your establishment
- Logos of associations you belong to (like the Better Business Bureau)
- Your Video Commercials or Interviews, etc…
Use coupons to promote products and services, because in Google Maps they are possibly the only reliable way to track business generated by your Google listing that couldn’t be tracked otherwise ( by call tracking, or web analytics software).
Reviews and Web citations (mentions of your business) are extremely important for similar reasons.
Encourage reviews and make it easy for people to review you. Make it a part of your routine to ask for reviews from happy customers and point them in the right direction.
How to Get Started with Google Business listing for your new business
To get your business registered on Google and get your listing, go to the Google Local Business Center.
Here is a video from them on the local business center:
Web.com is now offering forums designed to support small businesses in cities throughout the US. Learn more about these forums here: http://Businessforum.web.com/
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