In this tutorial, I’m going to be showing you guys how to leverage Google with a mobile application to help your customers get found on Google. What this means is more customers, more new customers, and, basically, more revenue for a small business. So, getting found on Google – obviously extremely important and high of mind to all of your small business clients and I have a strategy for you guys to basically allow your customers to finally understand how to rank in one of the most prominent places on Google for local searches and how you can use a mobile app to leverage that which, again, is where all of this strategy comes together is helping small businesses really understand how a mobile app can really benefit their business by showing how it helps other marketing channels and it’s a complete marketing tool and not just a mobile application.
Get Found, Get Social, Get Customers
Let’s say you’re searching for “Juice in San Diego”. A lot of people are probably wondering, “How do I appear in these listings?” Maybe you’re in this are right here, “I can’t find my business on Google. What do I do?” I have the answers for you, don’t worry.
The first thing you’re going to want to do is you’re going to need to claim your Google business page. So, on the left hand side, I have them listed:
- You need to claim your Google business page.
- You need to optimize your Google+ page.
- You need to include Google+ with more social interactions.
You have to be posting on Google+ which is a huge surprise! But if you want to win with Google, you have to play Google’s game and this is a huge advantage to your competitors because they probably don’t know that. They’re probably posting on just Twitter, just Facebook, but they’re leaving out Google which can drive the most customers.
- Most importantly, you need positive reviews to rank highly in Google when it comes to local searches.
Step 1: Go to Google My Business
If you’re an established business, chances are your business already exists in the Google My Business directory and you’ll just need to claim it. New businesses or new locations will probably have to be added.
- Go to Google My Business.
Click “Get on Google”
Step 2: Find Your Business
Enter Your Business Name and Address in the Search Box.
Step 3: Select or Add Your Business
Click on your business listing if it appears among the suggested matches. If not select “Add your Business”, and provide the necessary information.
As you answer questions, remember that the more specific and accurate the information Google has about your business, the better it will be able to correctly classify and display your business listing.
TIP: Determine how you want your business Name-Address-Phone Number (NAP) to appear across the web and use that NAP here (i.e. Will you spell out S-t-r-e-e-t, or use St.?) The address that you use here should become your default address across the web. Consistency is important.
Step 4: Select Your Category
Near the bottom of the form, you will be asked to choose a Category that describes your business.
The category selection is very important as it is essentially the way Google will classify your business, and the type of search query it will display your listing for.
Google has preset Categories, or keywords, for each industry. Start typing your keyword in to see if Google produces a match, then select the best one. You will get a chance to add more categories later on (up to 5).
Step 5: Verify Your Business
Google will want to verify that your business is located where you say that it is. This usually means waiting 1-2 weeks for a postcard with a verification PIN.
Occasionally you’ll be given the option to receive your PIN by text message or or automated phone call – take it – it’s much faster and easier!
TIP: If you do have to wait on a postcard, remind anyone that handles the mail to be on the lookout it, then try to verify it as soon as you get it (you have 30 days). You’d be surprised how often businesses have to go through the verification process 2 or 3 times because someone threw the postcard away or forgot to use it once they received it.
Step 6: Set Up A Conneted Google+ Page
Businesses can establish greater credibility with Google by linking their Google+ profiles with other Google products like Maps and Google+ Local.
Regardless of your strategy for Google+ content, the important thing is that your business is active and consistent in using it as a part of your social marketing efforts.
Tip: If a business connects its Google+ profile with its Google+ Local page [or Google Maps location], Google will take away competitor ads and showcase your business when a customer is specifically looking for your page. Any time you get a review or update photos, they will show up on Google Maps. The [profiles] that have the most up-to-date information do well.
Step 7: Create A Strategy For Increasing Google Reviews With Your Mobile App
Best practices include:
- Do not ask for reviews through push notifications
- Do not ask for reviews with incentives
- THESE CAN GET YOU REMOVED FROM YELP & GOOGLE
- Instead, place a way for your mobile app users to review your client’s business inside the app and let customer’s review businesses on their own time! Especially after a positive interaction!
