Q: What is the most effective way for a small business to get more local traffic?
A: Your free Google Business Listing is designed to match your company with local people searching for your services. One way the companies rank highest on the map ( in the 3 pack) is by providing Google the most complete and up-to-date information. Google is constantly scanning your Business Listing (formerly Google My Business) information to determine if you are the best choice. The problem is most companies don’t complete their business listing properly and are completely unaware of how it impacts their clicks, calls or walk-in business.

Bring your Business Listing to the Top in Your Local Area with These Valuable Tips

#1 Google prioritizes businesses with complete and accurate profiles, especially for “near me” searches. 

Are you sure that your Google Business profile is complete? A quick survey of Westminster, MD companies show many business listings are set up improperly. This is good news for you because you can improve your ranking over business listings that are neglected. Our Google Optimization Service helps you signal to Google and new customers that you are a trustworthy and active business. Make sure your name and address are the same on every listing on the web! Below are some of the more basic optimization features.

#2 Outrank other local businesses on Google – focus on the biggest local SEO ranking factors instead of what’s a waste of time

• Are you concentrating on keyword stuffing your description and services? Studies show the Google Business features listed below are VERY LOW on deciding ranking factors:
• Your description (Google doesn’t really care but customers do!)
• List of services (for the customers so make it short and easy to read)
• Location field for service areas (provide this only for customers, Google knows where your store is through your address)

#3) Increase your listing’s chances of ranking on the local 3-pack by choosing up to 10 categories for your Google Business Profile

Most companies miss an opportunity to be shown in more searches by choosing only 1 or 2 categories. We will quickly and efficiently review the list of 4,000 Google categories to find your optimal categories. Your primary category drives the search so we’ll make sure you understand all the available categories.

This example below shows a Fun Zone business profile that increased from 2 to 10 categories. The new categories boosted their local SEO for the following keywords: children’s amusement center, children’s party services, laser tag center, batting cage center, video arcade, miniature golf course., indoor playground and tourist attraction.

#4 You Might Hate Getting Google Business Reviews but they are the Key to Boosting Local SEO

If you want to rank higher on local searches then you need to increase your Google reviews. Google wants to provide the best information to people searching and customer reviews provide the most current information about a product or service experience. Ask us to generate your FREE Google Review Business Link to easily get 5 star reviews for your business. The link can be shared with clients through text, email or at your business location. Did you know there is a best time to request a review? It is that happy moment where your service or product has recently been used and is fresh in their minds. Contact us today for your Google Review Link

Why replying with only a “thank you” to Google Reviews is hurting your SEO

Here are 2 suggestions that even the most savvy business owners don’t know about Google reviews: how quickly you reply and the keywords you use in your you reply can make a difference in your Google rankings. (Bonus Tip: If you want a review at the top ask your customer to include a photo)

Example of a Client Review: “Great customer service and very friendly staff!”

Typical Client Response: “Thank you for visiting our store. We appreciate our customers. Come back and visit us soon.”

For a better SEO response: always include your company name, location and some choice keywords:
“Thank you for your 5 star review of John’s Market in Westminster, MD. It is our goal to offer the best customer experience at our organic food store. Come back and visit our produce market soon.”

Help Google move you to the top of local searches with our optimized Google Business Profile Services:

– With 90% of searchers in Maryland using Google Search and Maps to find businesses like yours, optimizing your Google Business Profile significantly increases your chances of capturing them as customers.

• Google Business Profile Optimization There are tons of features within Google Business Listings that are overlooked opportunities, and optimizing business information can make a massive impact on rankings, calls, and website visits. We also personally work with you and your business needs to offer tips to get more reviews and recommendations for best photo choices.
• Google Business Profile Set-up Ensure that your listing is not only enhanced and optimized, but a powerful tool for promoting your business. This is the best way to get started if you don’t already have a Google Business listing and don’t want to go through the pain of setting it up yourself.
  
• Google Profile Management We respond to reviews and notify you if there are any concerns. we add monthly posts, new images and tweak your profile with new products or services.
  
• Google Business Profile Support This Service is designed to help you when you have a problem that you can’t figure out or get an answer from Google
  
  Contact Morgan: 410-871-9227