Do you have a Google Listing For Your Business?
It is so important and really helps your SEO - search engine optimization to have a google listing set up for your business. An active listing helps google recognize that you are a legitimate business, and therefore pushes your profile up the rankings when someone say types in "bookstore napier".
It is also another way of sending potential clients to your website, where you can show them your other offerings. So say someone is looking for a "bookstore in napier" your business comes up - you have an actual store but you also sell books online and you offer writing courses to aspiring authors. Your business does not actually have to have a store front. You can have a service based business listing which gives potential customers all the information they need, then they can contact you either directly through your Google listing or click on through to your website.
Google has now given us the capability of adding our own social profiles to our Google Business Profile, which is a game changer! Previously you had to wait for Google to recognize your platforms. I've got an explainer video on how to do it on Pinterest here ⬇️
Your Google Business Profile listing is like a directory listing or a mini website telling people who find you, everything they need to know about you and your business, as well as a link to your main website where they can find even more information and take the next steps to purchasing your products or services. You can even load your products and services to your Google Business Profile listing, do keep it current though, as there is nothing more annoying than broken links or links going nowhere.
Make sure you post regular updates to tell people about your business, load photos of you at work, use it the same as a FB page. Create some Canva templates which you can re-use to have a steady stream of content to post. I create Canva templates available for purchase or can make them up for you as required. Flick me a message if you're interested in this service. Make sure you are logging in once a week - posting something, and making sure everything is up to date. You just have to be mindful of Google's quite strict post guidelines, it does not like spammy ad type of posts but also sometimes Google will take down a post and you just have no idea why. Just have a good read of the guidelines anyway.
Go through and add information about your business everywhere you can on your listing, don't leave anything not filled in. Add your services, products, hours you operate. And remember to update this for public holidays or if you go away on holiday, there is nothing worse than Googling to see if a business is open, then you turn up or call and it is not actually open, they just haven't updated their business hours!
You will also need to get reviews which again helps your SEO, the more reviews you have on your profile the higher up your business will be shown in search results. So if you get the opportunity ask your customers to give you a review. You can add a quick line at the end of an email campaign eg: "Happy with our services? Would you mind leaving us a review", or this is a great one I came across from an online help chat - "PS. If you're happy and you know it drop a 🤩! - then a link to their feedback page. So you could keep it light and quirky then add your review link from your Google Business Profile.
To create your Google Business Profile, you just Google - Google Business Profile and follow the steps. If you need help setting it up give me a yell!
Starter Canva Templates
Grab my 6 pack of Starter Social Media Tile Templates.
These 6 starter social media tile templates are a great way to get started when you want to make a conscious and consistent effort with your social media. Download these 6 templates into your Canva account and make them your own. Schedule them on your social media platforms and re-use periodically as part of your content plan. Use them to create content for your business's content pillars so you have the same look of all your posts going out as well as some videos and photos of your and your business.
Set and forget 😆
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is based on my personal experiences, research, and opinions as of 12.01.24. While I strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, I make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of the information contained herein.
Results obtained from implementing the suggestions and guidelines in this blog post may vary, and I cannot guarantee any specific outcome. It's essential to consider your own circumstances and, do your own testing and research. See what works for your business.
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