Let’s look at a couple of specifics when it comes to consumer search engine usage:
- Surveys show that 85% of Internet users find websites through search engines.
- 98% of people searching for something online never go past the first page of search results.
These powerful statistics show how crucial search engine visibility is when it comes to connecting with your local customers.
Most people today go straight to the search engines to find local businesses. So naturally, this should be a major focus when it comes to marketing.
Google.com, Yahoo.com, and Bing.com are the three largest search engines in the world - Google being the largest.
In fact, there are approximately 250 million searches for products and services performed per day on Google alone.
You probably understand how the search engines work if you use a computer. But just in case you don’t, here’s a brief description of how Internet search engines work.
- People go to their search engine of choice and enter a few words to describe what they’re looking for in the search box. These are called "keywords".
- The search engine returns results based on those keywords.
- The person doing the search scans the list of results to complete their search.
Obviously, the higher ranking websites receive the most attention, so this is where you want to be.
There are several different types of results that come up in the Google search engine:
- Sponsored/Pay-Per-Click Ads - ads that you pay for
- Google Places - free local business directory
- Organic Results - websites that rank naturally (also free)
Your goal as a business owner should be to own a high-ranking spot in all of them. Organic (natural) search result listings receive 85% of all clicks, as opposed to only 15% for Pay Per Click (PPC), so shoot for organic rankings even if you decide not to do PPC.
The higher the better... Since 98% of consumers don’t go past page one when doing searches, you at least want to be on page one.
So, how do you boost your search engine rankings to attract new customers?
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Google Places
Google Places
Another excellent way to get great search engine visibility is by listing, claiming, and verifying your business in Google Places. Google Places is a local business directory that allows you to profile your business and share information such as videos, photos, and hours of operation.
Google automatically lists most businesses in Google Places with very generic information - some of which is inaccurate. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to claim and verify your listing. This process will allow you to correct any inaccurate information as well as share additional information about your business.
In order to claim and verify your listing, you simply fill out your profile and then submit it to Google. They will contact you via phone or postcard with a verification PIN number to activate your listing. You will enter this PIN into your Google Places account to complete the process.
Google Places works 24/7 for your business when it comes to connecting with local consumers. This powerful platform gives your business "credibility" in the eyes of local consumers. Complete Google Places profiles simply receive more attention than those that are not.
Google Places is also extremely mobile friendly. Mobile users are constantly searching for products and services in their local area while on the go. Google Places allows your business to come up right on their mobile devices.
Your customers can even reviews of your business on your Google Places page. Even better, you can actually respond to those reviews and build a strong relationship with your customers. This will look good to people who find your page before calling you up to do business. We will discuss reviews in more detail later in this report.
Google Places business listings come up in search engine results when someone searches for your type of product or service online. In fact, Google Places usually gets more attention than organic listings when it comes to local products and services.
Usually, the top 3 results gets the most attention so you should strive to rank your website as high as you can. Of course, the number one spot is the ultimate goal.
If you decide to setup your own Google Places account, here are a few tips just to recap:
- Be sure to fill out the complete Google Places page including pictures, videos, coupons, and any other information you can.
- Include relevant and accurate information about your business on your listing. Select the right categories when completing your listing for maximum effectiveness.
- Try to get as many customer reviews as possible.
- Offer something to your customers in exchange for them posting a review on your Google Places page.
Google places vill make Your SEO even better!
