We’ve covered SEO, YouTube marketing and customer retention in recent blogs. Now let’s pay attention to the 800-lb gorilla in online marketing.
I’m talking about Google, of course. In addition to PPC (AdWords) and organic search optimization (on-site linking and content development), there are ways to leverage Google to promote your business and grow your customer base. Think of this as low-hanging fruit that will raise your profile online.
These tools that are free and relatively low-effort. Let’s take a closer look.
- Google My Business
Want some free advertising on Google? Then claim your Google My Business (formerly Google Places) listing to have your business featured in search results and in Google Maps.
After logging into your Google account (or creating one if you haven’t already), you can claim your business listing or enter one if they don’t already have it. This process will also create a Google+ profile for your business, which will link you to the network of Google platforms and tools.
With a Google My Business listing, searchers will see your location, address, phone number, reviews, hours and a photo. That’s a ton of your business information shown to a customer on page one of the search results page.
Don’t have a brick-and-mortar storefront? No problem. If your business serves customers at their homes or business, you should list your business as a “service area business.” Or, if you do business completely online, list as a “Brand” and your Google+ page will link customers directly to your ecommerce portal.
GMB also gives you a review page for your customers to leave public feedback. You should always encourage customers to leave a review. If you use WordPress, the best free plugin to showcase your Google My […]