Rank On Places

Search engines assume that legitimate business will not only have a web page but that their business will be mentioned around the internet.  These mentions are generally referred to as “citations”.  A standard citation is when the business name appears in conjunction with the business’ address and phone number.

If your business isn’t appearing in the local results chances are that the business is lacking citations?

How do I get Citations?

The are standard citations such as Yellow page listings, Yahoo listings, and other local directory services.  You can use a list of citation sites and complete a business profile at each of theses pages.

**Tip

Find a low cost provider and have them complete generic business citations for you

Why pay someone to create citations?

Save time and focus your energy where it is most effective.  The best citations are specific to your location or your niche.  Local citations include local chamber of commerce website or other business associations.  Get out there and make connections.

Another great way to generate citations is to sponsor local events.  Local events will typically have webpages and automatically list their sponsors.  Not only will this help your online exposure but it helps increase your visibility within the community.

Don’t think your business is relevant?

It prob ably isn’t, but that doesn’t mean you can sponsor local sporting teams, or local events.  Regardless of if your a dentist, locksmith, or anything else the publicity will help.

Another key aspect of your business profile is engaging your customer to leave review.  Read more about getting review on our next post.

Encourage your customers to leave reviews.  Offer promotion discounts or other benefits to incentivize your satisfied customers to share their experience.

Google is focused on providing the best search experience for their users.  This focus is behind all the factors of their search algorithms.  When your completing your business profile keep this thought in mind.  “How can I provide the best experience to people searching for my business?”

The quick answer is to provide as much information as possible.  Your goal is to 100% complete your business profile.  Provide your hours and methods of payments accepted.  Take pictures of the front and inside of your business.

Do you work out of your home?  Takes pictures of your services vehicles, work station, or yourself.  The key is feeding the search engine with lots of data.

Google allows you to list 5 videos with your business listing.  Video is an important part of your marketing efforts.  If you don’t have any promotional videos, get some!

There are lots of services you can use to create a few short videos about your business.  We suggest using outsource websites such as oDesk or fiverr.com to find inexpensive reliable video production.

Google also provides a section for “Additional details.”  This is a great place to list specific services and phrases.  Remember the mantra of providing information that is beneficial for the searcher.  Think of any questions that your customers may ask and use this section to answer those questions.

Make sure your business information is entered with Google, Yahoo, and Bing

Go to Google.com/Places and add your business information today!