What Business Wants to Be Invisible?

by Lissa Monroe

We should all know by now that when customers want a local product, they start by searching online. So we should also all know by now that if you are not ranked highly on search engine results pages for the keywords within your industry, you are invisible. As in, not there. As in, you do not exist in the eyes of the people searching for your local product.

You have several options on SERPs (search engine results page).  Organic results on a Google SERP may include:

• Your optimized website
• Quality citations that function as backlinks to your website
• Your Google Maps listing
• Your Google+ Business listing (this may be merged with your Maps)

Google Maps is a powerful tool in local search that should not be ignored.  Especially if you don’t have a website. OR a mobile-optimized website. Local customers can come primarily from this listing alone.  From the snippets of information, potential customers can find links, your phone number, reviews, directions and much, much more on your Maps listing.

Its surprising how many local businesses are just completely missing from SERPs all because they don’t have a Maps listings or have done absolutely nothing with the listing they do have.  You could search directly for these businesses by their name and their listing won’t show up!  Invisible.

But, the good news, it’s fixable.  Follow these three simple steps to keep your local business from being invisible.

1. Create A Business Listing On Google Maps/Places. If you want to show up on the SERPs, you must have something to show!  Be aware, this step alone won’t grant you Top Dog status on Google since there are other metrics used for ranking and relevancy but it’s a great place to start.
2. Provide Relevancy and Authority Through Quality Citations – Providing citations is where Local Search Marketing most differs from traditional Search Engine Optimization. Citations are directory listings for local businesses. In order to prove relevancy, each citation must match the business listing on Google.  Google looks at the provided NAP (name, address, phone) on your businesses listing. The more information that matches, the better.
3. Provide Relevancy and Authority Through Reviews and Activity – It is important for your business listing to have consistent activity. Customer reviews are a great way to provide activity. Scheduled optimization is another. Use enhanced content and promo tools such as coupons or blogs. Not only does this create activity, it can also influence your potential customer.

Ready to take your local search marketing seriously? 
Call or email Fresh Mint Marketing and we'll find the right
marketing strategy for your small business marketing.