Guest post by my fiancee.
Local search is expanding. According to Google, 73% of all online activity is local – with this number constantly growing. Naturally, you want your business to benefit from Google local search. Read through our list of “Dos And Don’ts” to learn how to create a great Google local listing, and at the same time avoid the common mistakes that might threaten your online local presence.
DO Read Guidelines About Google Local Business Listings
There is a number of resourceful articles and posts that will help you to better understand the importance of great listings.
I wrote a guide about it, too.
It’s crucial to read them because you will have better knowledge of how to bring your business closer to prospective customers.
DON’T Underestimate The Importance Of Local Search
Studies shows that a large percentage of population researches online only to buy offline (ROBO effect).
Local search is very important. As I already said above, 73% of all online activity is local. Prospective customers will go online and look for your business. You have to have a great, up-to-date listing with accurate information in order to benefit from local search.
Don’t just create a listing and forget about it. Make sure to track all your progress, see what keywords better convert, where your customers come from etc. You will learn a lot by listening to them.
DO Make Sure All Your Business Information Is Accurate Across The Web
Google uses third-party data providers to gather all information about your business to “improve the search results”. Make sure that all your information is accurate across the web – your phone numbers, your address etc. Any inconsistencies can kill your local campaign.
Information provided on your Google local listing has to match the data Google finds across the web.
DON’T Skip Steps
As much as you might think that filling out the “Hours Of Operation” field might waste of time, think about your prospective customers.
Would they like to know this information? Of course the answer is yes! Fill out all the fields – you can always return and make changes, but in the end, make sure that no steps were skipped.
By doing this, you’re not only making your listing stand out, but you’re also helping your conversion rates go up. It’s a win-win situation.
DO Include Pictures And Videos In Your Local Listing
Videos and pictures can seem irrelevant to some, but they can play a big role in making your Google local listing unique, trust-worthy and successful. Adding pictures (up to 10 in Google local listings) and videos (up to 5 in Google local listings) will help your conversion rates, too. Show off your logo, your building, captivate the unique environment of your working space. Be creative and watch your local presence hit through the roof!
DON’T Mis-Categorize Your Listing
Categories are very important. Submitting your listing to the wrong category can really hurt your business. You can create up to 5 categories including the predefined ones and your keyword research has to be done before the process of categorization. Don’t spam – keyword stuffing is never a good idea. Always keep your categories short, but very descriptive.
DO Build Reviews
Reviews are going to make or break your business. If your listing is well optimized and easily found on the web, most often than not customers are going to share their experience regarding your products and/or services. First advice is: never build false reviews. It’s not ethical and eventually it will hurt your business.
If you want positive reviews, obvious advice is to always go above and beyond, because just giving customers what they want is expected.
Offer great service, be friendly, help them solve problems. Make sure your products are worth their time and money.
Ask your customers to review your business. Tell them to share their opinion and comments online.
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