It's known that 67% of buyer's journeys start with search. If you have any kind of online presence, you're probably in a constant rush to stay up to date on all the newest updates and tweaks from Google. If you're not, however, perhaps you should reconsider.
Potential buyer's reliance on search engines can be very beneficial for a local business – especially “claimed” local businesses. Because claimed businesses send strong signals to Google that they are active, cared-for establishments in a confirmed location, Google gives them a higher ranking over others in search engine results pages.
To have a strong placement on search pages, claim your business in authoritative directories, such as Google My Business, Urbanspoon, Yellowpages.com, TripAdvisor, OpenTable, and even some local directory-style sites. Once you’ve claimed your business page, make sure you fill out all the information consistently and completely — don’t skip over the business hours and photos section. A comprehensive listing will help you stand out from your competitors and give search engines more usable structured data and information.
Other possible benefits on Google from verifying your business pages include:
Your business may show up in Google’s local carousel results (the row of images across the top of the search engine result pages).
Your business may show up on Google’s Map on Search Engine Results Pages.
Your business may show up more frequently on mobile device searches.
All of which brings more locals to your door and inside your store.
Now that you know the importance search engines place on claimed businesses, contact us today to see how DS&P can help you not only claim your business, but establish a successful and effective online marketing campaign. Our clients are constantly experiencing the bulk of new business and new revenue from their online efforts. Questions? Fill out the form below.
