“OK, Google. Where’s the closest Thai restaurant?”
“…Who does the best import luxury car service in Chicago?”
“…Where can I get a neck massage in the Loop?”
When you ask your smartphone questions like these, you hope for a well-chosen list of nearby businesses. The results of that search depend entirely on information brought to the web by individual users – both customers and marketers. According to a Google study, four out of five users search locally, meaning people are searching when and where they want to buy – from a specific street to an entire city. If you’re marketing a brick-and-mortar business, you’re probably held accountable for being (or not being) on page one. Before you do anything else, take this one simple step to getting on top of search.
The quickest way to make sure your company’s information is easy to find is to sign up for Google My Business. Google My Business is more than creating a Google+ company page, it’s a window to your customer’s world. My Business takes pertinent information and puts it right at the customer’s buy bird antibiotics fingertips. When you verify your account, you’ll add your business’ address, hours, phone number, and website. That information allows the customer to get directions through Google Maps or call your store, all right from the search results page on their phone.
If you don’t have one already, My Business automatically creates a Google+ page. “Plus” enables you to engage with your customers by posting content, publicizing reviews, and participating in online communities. It’s is a free way for your business to connect with potential customers, whether they’re searching a block away, or planning ahead first.
Once you’ve set up your company’s search profile in My Business, there’s an option to add a Google Business View tour to your account. Business View tours let you share the inside of your business with potential clients and show that you are the right fit for them. If you want to learn more about what search can do for you, drop us a line and see how we can help.
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This post was originally published on Ocotber 28, 2014.