If you’ve launched a new business, putting your business on the map may be the key to attracting customers and generating revenue, especially if you have a brick-and-mortar store.
84% of consumers say they search for local businesses, and almost a third of mobile searches are related to location. Meanwhile, not only does Google have 95 percent of the mobile search market share, but Google Maps has 95 million users. If you want to put your local business on the map, you’ll need to make sure your Google Maps search results are strong. Columnist Wesley Young shares tips on how to put your business on the map.
Claim third-party listings.
Third-party data can affect your search results, so make sure that information listed on third-party sites is both accurate and complete. This can include Yelp or TripAdvisor profiles as well as individual reviews. If information about your business is inconsistent across these channels, your Google listing can suffer.
Post on Facebook frequently and consistently.
Posting fresh, interesting content regularly might help out your search results. If you’re only posting once or twice a week, you may want to increase your volume.
Make your content location-specific.
This is especially important for businesses with more than one location, like a restaurant chain. In terms of local search, building your general brand reputation might not be enough. One good way to increase location-specific content is getting local media to write and publish content about your location. Contact outlets with content, ideas, quotes, and pictures to simplify the process.
Actively build your online presence.
Seize any opportunity to be mentioned online, including chambers of commerce, community organizations, blogs, and coupon sites.
