What’s LOCAL got to do with it?

Did you know that over 76% of those that search online with a phone, will, within a day, visit a place related to that online search?  Over 26% actually end up purchasing something! These numbers are really important for local businesses to understand.  That’s businesses that serve a specific geographic location.

People are using their cell phones to search for businesses online.  I know I do!  In this post, I’m going to go over some tips to help your local business get found.

Google My Business

Make sure that your Google My Business account is set up with your correct information.  If you don’t have a Google My Business page, go get that done now!

You want to make sure that you get your account “Verified” with Google.   This allows you to claim your business and update any business information listed.  Google will allow you to do it either via phone or postcard.

NAP

When you are reviewing your Google My Business Account, start with your “NAP”: Name, Address & Phone.  This is the first thing that stands out about a business, so make sure it is accurate.

Other Information

Google My Business also allows you to add photo’s, update hours and even engage with customers and potential customers.  Take a moment to also upload your logo and add your tagline to your profile.

I can tell you that I relied on the business hours listed on a Google profile for a business and when I got there they were closed!  This means they had most likely changed their hours and not changed them on their Google My Business Account.  Not good!

5-Star Reviews

Make sure you’re asking for and getting your Google 5-Star reviews. You can check out my previous video with tips on asking for and getting 5-Star Reviews.

Also, make sure you’re replying to your reviews, good and bad.  Replying to good reviews shows people that you appreciate that they took the time to review you.  Replying to a bad review and asking how you can help the client further so that they will be happy with your business could improve the rating, but also shows others that you are still there to answer questions after the sale is complete.

The Other 5-Star Reviews

Because Google is the #1 search engine in the world, that’s where I would start focusing on getting reviews, but don’t forget about other places online that clients can leave reviews: Facebook, Yelp, YP.com, and many more.  You may have a client that says they prefer to leave their reviews on Facebook, so you need to be able to direct them there as well.  Notice when you search for a business, Google Reviews are first, but it does show other sites just mentioned.  This is why it’s important to keep track of all the sites that you have reviews on so that you can reply.

Local Blog Content

When writing your blogs, newsletters and social media posts, make sure to occasionally mention your local city.  You can write about local events happening or even non-profit events that your clients may be interested in.  Don’t forget to set up your created evergreen content to share continuously.

Speaking of LOCAL!

Friday, August 25th at 7:30 AM I’ll be talking all about video at a local networking meeting in Marietta, GA.  Please come join us at J. Christopher’s East Lake located at 2100 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.  There will be freebies too!

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