I mean that in the nicest way possible; no really, hear me out. If you go google your El Paso business right now, what do you find? If you've done even a semi decent job at listing your business online, you may find your Facebook listing, your BBB listing, and you website listing, and so on. Then you feel pretty good about yourself and the stellar marketing performance you've done, right? Well yeah. "Bravo!" for getting listed because surprisingly there are businesses that are barely listed and don't care to be. But what about when we look at this situation more realistically. That is to say, what if we google our service or our products like a real customer looking to spend some money? At that point our competition comes into play and we may not be so smug anymore when we are listed 3rd, 4th, or worse- on page two!
Pro Tip: Be sure to log out of your Google account when testing this your searches because Google will bias your search returns to your past activity and may give you a false sense of security.
So whether we are on page 1 or page 5, the question becomes "how can I gain rank and/or stay at the top?". What is exciting here is that MOST BUSINESSES ARE NOT DOING WHAT I'M ABOUT TO SHARE. That means it is a huge opportunity for those reading this today. You could be likened to those SEO gurus that made millions because they understood how to make their websites seen in a national level. You see, SEO, or Search Engine Optimization has come a long way in that we have found that locality is key to many searches, especially when it comes to brick and mortar locations.
Once we realize that Google's ultimate goal is to provide the best results to a user, meaning the most up-to-date, consistent, and relevant, then we must look at what we are providing Google to look at!
Do these 4 things and you're on your way to the head of the pack!
1. Consistent NAP
NAP stands for Name, Address, Phone number, and having your name, address and phone number listed the exact same everywhere will ensure Google knows your business and it’s address. Any variation of a number or comma, and Google will get annoyed. As nice as Google is, if it sees your business listed with different NAPs, it will penalize you for not cleaning house.
Here is what Google support says about your online listings:
“Make sure information about your business on third-party sites is accurate...”
Your online presence is particularly in danger if you have changed your business name, address or phone number recently; or if you’ve taken over an existing business with the same address and phone number.
You’re going to have to sort that out as it will hurt your Google Maps listing ranking.
So how can you make sure you’re business listings are consistent?
2. Go Google Yourself
Have you ever Googled yourself to see what would come up? If not, do so, it’s kinda fun. When you’re done having fun do it for your business as well. This is the best way to gain insight to what Google is showing your prospective clients.
Double check the business info is correct and up to date. If it’s not correct, chances are your business has moved, changed names or phone numbers, and it is hurting your ranking!
Take some time each day and update every directory you can, or use our service and have us professionally do this for you.
Pro Tip: Set yourself an alert for your business to be alerted whenever your business is listed online- https://www.google.com/alerts
3. Take Ownership
While you’re doing this checking, see if there is an option to claim, manage or take ownership of your listing. Once done, you sometimes also have the ability to create backlinks and include pictures etc. so that your online reach is extended.
4. Document
Taking ownership will save you work if you ever must move or change phone numbers. Don’t forget to keep a spreadsheet with each listing and the user name and password to sign in. This way if you ever need to make changes it will be super simple!
We do this for our clients, and we even send a monthly ranking report so they can see exactly what we are doing each month.
That’s it! Be consistent, take ownership and document your business’ directory listings on the web. This way you can help your Google Maps listing and local SEO in the process.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our affordable local visibility services please call us – (915) 241-7566
If you'd like a free scan of your PowerScan of your listings, click Here!
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