Getting Found in Your Town: How to Get Your Local Business Found Online

Q&A

Please hold questions until the end!

Download this slide deck at http://bit.ly/foundtown

About Me

Coding since 6 years old

Creating websites since 1997

Working in e-commerce since 2005

Marketing MBA


Intro


Where do people go to search for a business?

POP QUIZ!

Intro


Intro


Android

Apple iOS

Microsoft

Other

Local Search 101


Local Search 101


Ads at the top

Then Local results

Then Organic results

Local Search 101


The “Number One” Google result is all the way down there!

Local Search 101


Several top local results don’t even have websites!

So how did they get there???

Local Search 101


Local Search 101


A Google+ Local page is basically an upgraded Google Maps page

Local Search 101


Number of results shown in the “local pack” varies.

Being closest to top of pack is best

Local Search 101


Sometimes it shows the pack as a “carousel” at the top.

Being closest to top of pack equally imp’t

Top of the Pack


How to Get tothe Front (Top?)

Of the Pack

Top of the Pack


Google+ Local Page Factors Citation Factors Website Factors

3 Categories of Local Pack

Ranking Factors

Top of the Pack


Ranking Factor #1: Google+ Local Page

G+ Page Factors


Go to http://maps.google.com Search for your biz name & town Click on the listing, then on “more info” Look for the “Manage this page” button

Claim & Upgrade

http://maps.google.com/

G+ Page Factors


Upgrade to a Plus page Fill out ALL details Add pictures & videos Select as many accurate categories

as possible

Fill Out & Categorize

G+ Page Factors


Your maps listing is now a SOCIAL MEDIA profile

Connect with people Update your status

frequently

Socialize It

G+ Page Factors


SEO Social

Bonus Tip


Bonus Tip

Other social profiles rank well, too

Create & occasionally update profiles for: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.

G+ Page Factors


CAN NOT / DO NOT fake it: Reviews MUST be real

Best to be ON the Google Maps listing Ask happy customers, friends, colleagues Consider (gently) incentivizing reviews

Get REVIEWS on it!

Benefits of Reviews


85% of people read reviews before trying a new business

79% trust a positive review as much as a personal recommendation

REVIEWS = CUSTOMERS

Benefits of Reviews


Google Now! Google Now will search

restaurants WITHOUT EVEN BEING ASKED!

Auto-suggests top rated restaurants when user drives into town!

Benefits of Reviews


GPS Marketing!

Top-rated match for a GPS app search will be auto-suggested

Top of the Pack


Ranking Factor #2: Citations

Citations


1. Citations areonline phone book listings

Citations

Citations


1. Start with http://GetListed.org

Build LOTS of QUALITY Citations

http://getlisted.org/

Citations


Consistency is KEY! Business Name, Address, and Phone must

be listed consistently across the web.

Two University Plaza, Suite 300 vs.

2 University Plz #300

Be CONSISTENT

Top of the Pack


Ranking Factor #3: Website

Website Factors


1. City, State in Title Tag

2. Website NAP consistent with Google Maps listing NAP

3. Schema.org markup

4. Quality of Inbound Links

Website Factors

Recap


RECAP

Recap


“Local Pack” Ranks higher than #1

Google result Great mobile & GPS

exposure

1) Google+ Local Claim & Upgrade Fill out 100% Categories Socialize REVIEWS!!!!!

2) Citations Quantity Quality Consistency

3) Website City/State in Title Tag Consistent NAP Schema Links

Download this slide deck at

http://bit.ly/foundtown

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Getting Found in Your Town: How to Get Your Local Business Found Online

Marketing

Transcript of Getting Found in Your Town: How to Get Your Local Business Found Online