According to Loomly, a calendar-based content creation platform, when a customer in your area is looking for your studio, Google uses a specific set of local ranking signals, including:
The location that the person is searching from
Presence of Google Business Profile listing
Keywords used in Google My Business profile
Sentiment of online reviews
Keywords used in online reviews
Number of “check-ins” at that location
Shares on social media
Google Maps star rating for that business
Optimize your Google Business Profile listing
Google Business Profile is Google’s free local business directory, formerly known as Google My Business. If you want to appear in the search results on Google as a local business, then you’ll need to get a Business Profile. A business may still appear on Google if the company has its details and you’ll be able to “claim this business” to take over the profile.
The key to creating and optimizing your GMB profile is consistency. Google feeds the GMB profile data to search results, so everything you enter into your profile must match the details on your website, plus your NAP citations around the web.
Gather Google reviews and testimonials
Reviews are another important ranking factor, so it’s important to get as many positive reviews as possible. Google prompts visitors to leave a review on a business when they show up on a results page. The platform displays a selection of reviews prominently on each profile, providing a quick snapshot of what’s good and not so good.
But whether it’s a positive or negative review, you should reply to all of them to show that you care. Plus, you can always turn a negative into a positive.
Positive reviews can help in 3 ways:
* Reviews are a ranking factor in local search results.
* Great reviews on your Business Profile will lead to a higher click-through rate.
* Positive reviews create social proof and build trust in your business.
According to BrightLocal, 88% of consumers say they’re more likely to do business if the owner responds to reviews, regardless of whether they’re positive or negative.
Expand your citations
Citations play a significant role in local search results. A citation, also known as a NAP (Name/Address/Phone), refers to any mention - with or without a link - of your business online.
The more citations you have, the better, as it makes your business more credible to Google. (Ensure your NAP is correct and consistent on every citation.)
Try to find local directories and websites where you can list your business. For example, you could search for “business directory + town/city” or your local .gov and .edu sites like “www.[town].gov”. You can also check to see where your competitors are listed.
There are also global sites that serve as business directories in addition to Google like FB, YouTube, Apple Maps, Bing, Yelp, and Tripadvisor.
Optimize your website
A local business website needs to load quickly and be mobile-friendly. Consumers are impatient, and whether they’re searching on desktop or mobile, they’ll want to see results quickly and clearly. Plus, Google’s primary search index is mobile-first, so mobile optimization is a must.
As a local business, you’ll want to include relevant information on your website, including:
-Business name, address, phone number (NAP)
-Opening hours
-Services or products you offer
-Reviews and testimonials
-Areas you cover
-An embedded map
-Parking info
What do you need to do to update your website and online presence? Don't do it alone! Let me help. Member or not, I'm here for you.
Email me, Hillary@TheCreativeRetailer.com and let's get the locals - and the passerby's - into your studio!
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