Google was created by the idea to be helpful, to provide answers and solutions to problems. Also, Your Business was created for the same reason. But also you want to make money.
People are looking for a product or service that can either make their lives easier, bring entertainment, or solve a problem.
Your business makes Google “look good.” Google understands the importance your business plays in their “helpfulness” so it gives Google so much joy to refer people to your business. So Google rewards you by showing your business to more customers.
Here are 7 tips on how to find more customers with Google’s help.
1. Set Up A Google My Business Listing
This step is for business owners who have a brick-and-mortar storefront.
Google My business is a free business listing where you input your business information. (Name of business, address, etc). Most people search for businesses based off of the product or service, specialty, and location.
So Google loves when you provide this information so that they can pass it along to the searcher. This listing is fairly simple to complete. After you provide your business information, you have to verify your listing either via a text, phone call, or postcard. (you get a verification code).
The verification step validates that the business is real and operating. Depending on what type of business you operate, potential customers are able to make appointments and set reservations.
2. Use The Review Sites
Google loves when others know your business and can have vouched for it. If people took their time out to publicly share their positive experience with your business, Google wants other potential customers to experience the same thing.
So be sure to set your business on some review sites. Although Google has it’s own review section on the business listing, the most popular review site is Yelp.
Yelp has grown to be the go-to place for business insights and one of the most trusted platforms for customer feedback. Honest opinions are important to Google and if your business has a good number of genuinely positive reviews, Google will gladly refer customers to your business.
3. Use Social Media
Converse with your customers by getting on social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest etc. Social media gives businesses the opportunity to truly connect with customers. On top of that, it allows you to show how awesome your business is and you can be as creative as you want to be with communicating your brand.
You can answer questions, get customer feedback, involve them on what’s new and let them know of any sales you have going on. Google loves when you show the “human side” and personality to your business. Remember, we build relationships with the people behind the business.
Social media sites are usually one of the top sites that shows up in search results when someone looks up a business. Google doesn’t like the anti-social.
4. Online Business Directories
Online business directories are like digital phonebooks. The cool thing about a lot of these directories is they are free and most are respected by Google. So make sure to add your business to a good number of online directories. This looks good for your business because you have legit sites linking back to your business.
Google loves when they can find you on other business sites. This gives Google more confidence in your business to refer customers.
5. Create Videos
Videos help visually show off your product/service and give potential customers a look into that to the experience. Studies show videos captivate attention more than pictures and text.
Video gets more engagement, most social media platforms show them higher in news feeds and Google understands this. The video is so important to Google that YouTube was acquired by them.
It’s very effective for your business to create and upload an informative video on YouTube.
6. Create A Mobile-Friendly Website
Having a website allows you to have helpful content that Google can refer potential customers to. Helpful content can include an FAQ page, testimonials, menus, list of services, etc.
Your website should be the main hub of information and truly help customers get their problem solved. One of the basic things to remember is to make sure your business is accessible.
There is nothing worse than a customer not able to get in touch with you. So just like the Google My Business listing and online directories, you want to make sure your basic information is consistent and prominent. Google loves when your website is easy to navigate and shows how your business can be contacted.
Make sure your website is mobile-friendly. People usually use their phones to look up directions, contact info and search the internet for helpful information.
7. Create A Blog
Having a website blog helps your website have fresh content and new keywords (searched words/phrases) linked to your website, providing it more online traffic.
Google loves when you keep your website updated with keyword-rich and quality content. It gives Google the assurance that when they point a potential customer to your site, your content will help them.
Google wants to send you customers because your business provides a true solution, give value and help. Google wants to provide people with the best fit for their needs.
By following these tips, your business will increase traffic, and sales. Google just needs to have a certain level of trust first, before sending customers to your business.
