MY NUMBER 1 RECOMMENDATION TO CREATE FULL TIME INCOME ONLINE: CLICK HERE
Are you concerned about the online reputation of your local business?
Are you happy with the ratings?
Wondering how you can better meet your customers ’expectations and get closer to five stars?
Online ratings could improve or ruin your business – especially in the age of smartphone research on the go.
On June 8, I led a webinar with Marc Hansen, senior director of revenue marketing at Podium, and Kelley Knott, co-founder of Intrepy Healthcare Marketing.
Hansen and Knott showed you how to stay competitive, outperform comparative research, and gain customers before they even enter your store.
Here is a summary of the webinar.
To access the entire presentation, fill out the form.
What is local SEO?
Local businesses rely on their online presence to thrive, as 97% of users search for local businesses online.
And when we say local business, we’re talking about businesses with a physical presence.
Local SEO is search engine optimization for local marketing.
How does Google determine local search rankings?
- Relevance – Match the search to the answers.
- Distance – the proximity of the searcher to your business.
- Prominence – the online reputation of your business.
[Discover how to win in local SEO] Instant access to the webinar →
Local myths about SEO
Many small local businesses still do not believe in the power of SEO. The truth is that if you have a small marketing budget, you should consider SEO.
Let’s take a look at some of the myths that hold back most businesses.
Myth # 1: Organic search and local SEO are the same.
FACT: Organic SEO is based on the relevance of search terms. Local SEO, on the other hand, is based on location signals.
Myth no. 2: The ratings are “nice to have”.
FACT: Opinions are “mandatory”.
Myth # 3: How consumers discover that the company hasn’t changed much in the last few years.
FACT: The way consumers discover your business is changing. You should too.
Myth # 4: Consumers want the ‘best’ and are willing to travel to get it.
FACT: Consumers want the ‘best’ and they want it close.
The search for the “best burger” increased by 400% year on year.
Searches of the type “Near” or “Near” have increased by more than 900% in two years.
Myth # 5: Print and online advertising encourage personal visits.
FACT: Local smartphone searches encourage personal visits.
A beautiful store will no longer shrink it. When quality and convenience come first for the consumer, your online ratings will speak 1,000 words.
[See what consumers are looking for aside from convenience] Instant access to the webinar →
Myth no. 6: Google prioritizes companies with the best rankings, whether local or not.
FACT: Google prioritizes local businesses in local search results.
Now that we’ve dispelled these myths, it’s time to optimize your local SEO.
6 best practices for local search
The following simple steps can help you make the most of your local search lists and attract better opinions. Make sure you implement these best practices! The more qualified customers you attract, the more likely they are to have a great experience.
1. Check your location
More than 70% of all searches are done through Google. This means that Google will often report verified results higher than those they are not sure about.
How to check your entry:
- Check by phone, email or mail.
- Review any information regarding accuracy or any last-minute changes.
- Remember that you cannot update your business name until the verification process is complete.
2. Add high quality photos
Businesses with photo profiles see 35% more clicks than profiles without images.
In addition, photo ads receive 42% more driving directions requests.
[See what your profile should include] Instant access to the webinar →
Follow these best practices:
- Optimize all photos for desktop and mobile devices.
- Give priority to taking attractive photos of your business, products, or services.
- Add metadata to each image to improve your ranking without making your keywords directly visible.
3. Update your Google Business Profile (GBP).
Did you know? 31% of consumers report that they are more likely to see a list of local businesses in GBP before a visit than before a pandemic.
Information required for your listing on GBP:
- Who you are (name, website, company description, category, attributes, opening date, photos).
- Where are you (address, service area).
- When customers can visit you (working hours, holiday hours).
Screenshot from search for [Primary Children’s Hospital]Google, June 2022[Find out how to be consistent with your listing] Instant access to the webinar →
4. Use keywords
Location keywords are strong because 72% of consumers looking for a local business visit a business that is 5 miles away from their current location.
How to use keywords to your advantage:
- Use keywords in your description wherever you can, while making it sound natural.
- Get started with On-Site Service (SiL) [in “your location”] for all your products or services).
- If you’re trying to get started, use the Keyword Tool.
5. Increase and manage your online ratings
Ratings have a strong impact on consumers. 88% of them say that ratings influence their decision to try a new business.
In addition, consumers are willing to travel longer and spend more to sponsor a company with a higher rating.
[See the statistics] Instant access to the webinar →
How to increase the total number of opinions and the average rating:
- Ask for ratings via text.
- Create a shortcut to the Google review link.
- Respond to both negative and positive ratings. Use a reputation management platform.
With these best local SEO practices, you can improve your list and attract more local clients. Reach them when and where they are looking for what they need.
By properly managing local SEO, you increase the likelihood of attracting engaged customers who leave satisfied. Once they do, don’t let the relationship end.
Ask for a review.
6. Respond to grades
With the reputation management platform, you can start working with reviewers to further improve your reputation.
[Learn the best way to respond to reviews] Instant access to the webinar →
[Slides] Local SEO: The Best Ways to Get Higher Quality Ratings
Here is the presentation:
Join us for the next webinar!
Small Business Marketing: How to Safely Test New Strategies
When it comes to your small business, how do you feel you take risks? Learn how you can play it safe while taking risks by measuring the results of testing new marketing strategies.
Credit for the pictures
Selected image: Paulo Bobita / search engine newspaper
MY NUMBER 1 RECOMMENDATION TO CREATE FULL TIME INCOME ONLINE: CLICK HERE