Have you ever wondered where and how your customers are finding you?
Nowadays, almost everyone uses their cell phone to find local businesses. There’s an extremely good chance that many of your current customers have already looked you up online.
Google has a “near me” mobile search feature that has seen a 500% increase in use over the past few years. Many of those people who used it were intent on making a purchase—if they were able to find a business they trust and looks good to them.
If you want to give your business the best chances of ranking well in the Google Local search results, there are a few things you need to do. Keep in mind that while the below items may seem like “obvious” simple stuff, it is what many businesses are missing.
The basics are especially important because it not only shows Google that you are a legitimate business, but it provides valuable information that will encourage prospective customers and clients to try out your products or services.
Read on to learn more.
Google My Business Profile
If you have not already done so, head on over to Google My Business and claim your free profile. Once you have claimed it, it’s now time to fill out your business information as accurately as possible.
Pay close attention to your name, address, and phone number and make sure they are correct. Next, you will want to add some photos of the exterior and interior of your business.
The overall process may take some time, but it is well worth it. Filling out the info serves a two-fold purpose:
- Most importantly—it allows people who are searching for your business to find accurate information. It also helps instill trust that you are a legitimate business.
- Google tends to show favor to companies who have completely filled out their Google My Business profile.
Local Content
Part of the algorithm that Google uses to rank websites in the local search results looks at your website’s content. As such, you should add blog posts and articles that talk about local events and news in your area. For example, a business located in Dallas could benefit from a blog post entitled “Top 10 Breakfast Spots in Dallas.”
Obtain Reviews
One of the biggest reasons people skip over your business is due to a lack of trust. Some of the questions that can pop into their head as they search on their phone are:
- “How good is the food here?”
- “How highly rated is this business?”
- “How well does this company handle customer service issues?”
If you don’t have any reviews, it’s time to start getting some. People love reading reviews as they often paint an accurate picture of a business. The best way to go about getting reviews is to reach out to your biggest customers and simply ask them to go to your Google My Business page and leave a review.
If that is not a possibility, consider having some postcards printed up and left by the register. On the cards, simply ask for the person to head on over to the printed URL (which is your Google My Business profile) and leave a review. You can also add a QR code to the card, which will allow them to scan it with their camera and instantly be taken to where they can leave an unbiased review.
Get Listed in Directories
Adding your company name, address, phone number, and a brief description to various local business directories can positively affect your Google local rankings. There are countless websites out there—some free, some paid. The free ones should move the proverbial needle a bit if you are just starting out.
These business directories are often referred to as “citations.” You can find a few good ones by merely taking the URL of your competitors’ website and Googling it. Look at the first, second, and third pages of results. Chances are, you might find a few citations that are worth getting. This low-hanging fruit is a great way to kick off your citation building.
Local SEO in Dallas At Witmer Group, we specialize in helping our clients grow and expand their brands. We can help you manage your local SEO—and that will allow your brand to gain more exposure and make an authentic connection with potential new customers. Give us a call today at (214) 865-9484 or contact us via our website to learn more about the various digital marketing strategies and services that we offer our clients.