If you’re confused about all the changes that Google has rolled out in the past year (from the infamous Panda and Penguin updates that threw search engine optimization (SEO) experts into a world of confusion to the recent acquisition of Wildfire, which likely signals the search engine giant’s desire to dominate social media), don’t feel too bad. Everyone is confused, even the so-called experts. SEO has become very complicated in the past few years, especially with the rise of social media and the clear desire of the larger social networks to encroach on the very lucrative field of search.
Still, there are some things that you as a small business owner can do to reap the benefits of Google’s many updates, not the least of which is to create, update and/or enhance your presence on the search giant’s vast network of web properties. Specifically, consider focusing some of your efforts on Google+ Local.
Sample Google+ Local Page
- First, if you haven’t already, create a Google+ profile. While this relatively new social network is still very small relative to Facebook’s enormous global audience (400 million as of last week vs. Facebook’s nearly 1 billion), it’s growing at a fast clip, and with Google’s own search muscle behind the network, there’s no question that it’s presence will loom large across the web. Creating a Google+ page is as simple as creating a Google account.
- Next, point your browser to Google+ Local. In the search box, type in the name of your business, e.g., Acme Heavy Industries.
- Chances are, you already have a Google+ Local listing if your business can be found on Google Maps. If so, click on the listing. (If you don’t see your business, you will need to create a Google+ Page, which is similar to a Facebook Page and which you can manage from your Google+ profile.)
- Underneath the Google Map and Business Details section of your business, click on Manage Your Page.
- You will be asked to provide more information about your business, including operating hours, contact information, other locations, description, categories, and even a place to add up to 10 photos. Most of this information is optional, but the more information you provide, the better your Local listing will look to users and the more likely that your business will show up in search engines. Make sure that you use a consistent business name, address and telephone number. Since the Google+ Local listings are indexed by Google (unlike the old Google Places feature), the search engine will use this information to determine your rankings for the keywords you are targeting. So, for example, if you do HVAC repair in your town, make sure that you include those keywords in your listing.
- Verify your listing. Once you complete the information in your listing, you will be required to verify that information, either by phone or via a postcard sent to your address. Either way, you will be provided with a PIN that you will need to input in your Google+ Local dashboard to complete verification of your listing. Don’t skip this step! Without it, your listing will not be verified.
That’s it! Once you’ve verified your listing, you should see your Google+ Local page with all of your updates and photos very soon although according to Google, it could take up to a week to complete the update. However, verification puts your Google+ Local account in Active status immediately, which means you can do everything from push updates to your Google+ Local page (just as you can on your Facebook Page and personal Google+ profile) to respond to user reviews. You can also explore other features offered by Google, including Offers, which allows you to promote and special offers exclusively to Google+ users. It’s currently available at no charge for a limited time to Google+ Local business owners.
What do you think of the new Google+ Local pages? Have you begun using it for your own business?
Business Direct Marketing Blog 