Boost Your Ranking By Optimizing Your Business for Google Local Search
How many of you know that it is fairly easy to optimize the site for Google local search? Maybe you are neglecting it till date but what if we tell you that it will give you more exposure in comparison to other normal rankings. Yes, it is true, and moreover, it is completely free. Google is giving small businesses a chance to get more highlight. All you need to do is claim your listing and rest of thing will do by Google itself.
When someone enters some local search related queried into Google (search queries pointing towards the city or town zip code or state), Google algorithm force to show Google Map listings on its first page of SERP and no doubt it covers almost 30% of the screen, enough to lure someone to click the link. This will push down other results whether it’s a video. This is enough reason to optimize your site for local search.
Here is a list of basic information you already know as a local business owner that by correctly submitting will increase your chances of high rankings:
Business Name – an official, registered business name, plus mailing address, phone number and website URL
Business Category – you can choose up to 5 categories to describe your business niches
Hours of Operation - the time when your business is live or available.
Payment Options - your clients have when they buy from you
Photos – already on your web page, on your camera or on your walls to be simply uploaded
Videos – already on your web page or on your YouTube account, or your video recorder
But the above is only the tip of the iceberg. This next set of information will be like feeding steroids to your business listing. It all revolves around a very simple yet often overlooked principle: Your business’s unique selling proposition (USP), i.e. the things that set your business apart from your competition in very unique ways that will make a customer choose you over them.
Submit your USP details in the area called ‘Additional Details.' Go through this list and the examples provided to jog your creativity:
Pricing – Moderate, $15 buffet. $30/month
Facilities and amenities – kid-friendly, free parking, valet service
Handicap accessibility – handicap accessible
Areas of specialty – plastic surgery, pet grooming
Delivery – free delivery, delivery in Bay Area only
Locations served – serving downtown LA only
Currency – USD, Cash only, Cash and Credit
Significant achievements – Voted Best Bank in Norfolk County
Type of clients – 3-5 yrs, over 18
Products or services offered – commercial painting, foreclosure assistance
Nearby landmarks or attractions of interest – 1 mile from New York Museum
Well known clients – State Legislature, Governor’s Mansion, Bruce Willis
Endorsements, TV Features – As seen on NBC, featured on Oprah Winfrey Show
Policies / Values / Ethics – equal opportunity employer
As you can see, Google Places optimization is something you can do very easily as a local business owner, if you creatively describe the special attributes of your business and provide as much complete information as possible.
So what are you waiting for? Claim your listing and begin your Google Places optimization! Then get listed, get found, get more customers!
