More and more customers are shifting the way they search for products, services, and businesses from the out-dated yellow pages and newspapers to on-line sources—particularly search engines. Instead of finding the phone book and going down the list of companies it’s a lot quicker for them to open up their browser on their laptop or pull out their smartphone and do a simple search. In fact, recent studies have revealed over 80% of customers look on-line for small businesses instead of using traditional methods.
To succeed, you must be listed on these search engines and the higher you get the better. Recent changes and enhancements to the most popular search engine, Google, has brought a new type of result to local business search—Google+ Local.
What is Google+ Local and why is it important?
When users make a search for a local business on Google, it doesn’t display the same type of results an ordinary query (such as “how to train a dog”) would show.
Searching for a local business or service such as “plumber in Dumfries” will give a different type of results page, however. A short list of local plumbers will appear on the left similar to a yellow pages directory. On the right will be a map that has the location of each of these businesses.
It’s extremely important to note that the Google+ Local listings appear before traditional search results. This means even if you don’t have a website (which you should) or you have done any type of search engine optimization, you can still appear above everyone else—your competition—if you are listed in the Google+ Local results.
In addition, as users scroll down the page, the map that is positions on the right side of the page scrolls with the user. This keeps their eye on listings within their area and those that are listed on Google+ Local rather than the other organic search results toward the bottom of the page.
How Can I Use Google+ Local?
Using Google+ Local is technically as simple as claiming your page. By doing this you can have your business listed in the Google+ Local section but it’s important that you do this properly. If you fill out the information incorrectly or don’t follow the claiming instructions you could end up delaying the time it takes for your company to be processed. If everything is done correctly, you could see your listing appear in the results within hours.
Take note that just claiming your listing isn’t the last step, though. You most likely have competition in your area and there’s a good chance those competitors have already claimed their Google+ Local listing and will rank higher than you on the page. To rank higher, having citations across the web (on other on-line directories, websites, etc.), that reference your business and location is extremely important. When making these type of citations make sure the business name, address, and phone number appear exactly like you have it listed on your Google+ Local page. Any difference (even as minute as having the main office phone number on one listing and your personal number on another) can cause problems with rankings and cause citations to be discounted.
Ultimately claiming your Google+ Local listing and getting your business at the top of the results pages on Google is a fast, free, effective solution to boost your on-line presence and convert the traffic searching for your business or service into your buyers and not your competitors.
[headline htype=”h4″]Quick Tips And Facts For Google+ Local[/headline]
- Claim your Google+ Local business listing today
- Over 40% of all Google searches are local or location based.
- Over 50% of all Mobile searches are local or location based.
- Make sure you select the most relevant categories
- Encourage happy customers to leave a Google review for you (put this on your business card!)
- Make sure your listing is 100% complete
