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Don’t Lose Your Google Maps Business Listing!

Jan 29th, 2009
by Marie.
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I was reading an article today about the problem of Google map business listing hi-jacking.  And, even I was shocked by how easy it was to do.

Apparently the Google maps business listings has a community edit feature.  Each business has the opportunity to claim their listing – in much the same way a new business might submit their business into Google maps.  Many of these businesses are simply listed as a service, but it is up to the business themselves to claim their listings.

But, how many small business owners are even aware that they need to do this?  And, why should they even be concerned?  After all – they have a nice listing that displays prominently at the top of the search results page.

Well, if your business listing isn’t claimed, it is open to be edited by anyone in the community – which means you stand to lose your listing when your competition edits the information to point to their own business site.

It is such a simple thing to do to claim your listing, but unfortunately many small businesses just don’t think that the internet plays a big role in their marketing, so they aren’t keeping up with what is changing and going on.

This can be a big mistake.

If someone edits the information to a business, and directs it to their own, your business stands to lose many potential customers.  Not only that, but it doesn’t show much professionalism when a simple business listing is not correct – but the competition is showing up with their listing and their own website.

Even if small businesses do not think that the internet plays a big role – they need to do their due diligence to be sure they are keeping up with trends to be sure they are not left behind.  The internet is here to stay – and there will be much more emphasis on marketing online in the next few years.  Those that get in first will be established and have their foothold on the market.

So – if you are a small business who has been content to know that you have a listing with Google maps, make sure you go and claim your listing!  Or, if you don’t have a listing yet, go ahead and create yours.  Then the information is correct – and you don’t need to worry about anyone making changes but you.  All it takes is answering a few questions about your business, then verifying with either a phone call or a postcard in the mail.

But, it can make a huge difference to your bottom line.

Go now to the Google Local Business Center.

Posted in: Online Advertising.

Results of Case Study

Jan 26th, 2009
by Marie.
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A few days ago, I posted an example of getting a website listed near the top of Google’s rankings.  In this example, I was targeting Brandon Manitoba chiropractor as a search term.

It has only been a couple of days, and I haven’t made any other posts – but when you see the screenshot below, you will see that it has already climbed to the second page of results.  (You will need to click on the picture to get a larger view).

Brandon Manitoba chiropractor search results

Brandon Manitoba chiropractor search results

This is just an example of what can be done when proper SEO is used.  After this post, it is very likely that it will move straight into the first page of results.

So – keep in mind that there is more to marketing your business online than building a pretty website.  There are so many other factors that need to be considered as well – such as Search Engine Optimization and effective Internet Marketing techniques.

PS:  If you are a Brandon Manitoba chiropractor and would like me to help you get on to the first page of results – give me a call!

Posted in: Case Studies.

Looking For A Chiropractor in Brandon Manitoba?

Jan 16th, 2009
by Marie.
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I said that I would do a small case study demonstrating the possibility of getting on to the first page of Google.  So, I will focus on the Brandon Manitoba chiropractor market since that is my local area.  Here is just a small sample write up to demonstrate a web page:

Brandon Manitoba Chiropractors:

Are you new to Brandon?  Or, are you just in need of a treatment and are not sure where to go?  There are many options to choose from, and doing your research is always a great way to find a chiropractor that will work for you.

In Brandon Manitoba, chiropractors are easily found, but how can you be sure you are using the best one for your situation?

As with any medical professional, you need to find one that you can easily talk to and who you feel you can trust.  You also need to be sure that they offer the best treatment for your problem.

And — the web page could go on from here.

Basically, you need to be sure that you are targeting a term that will get you to the first page of Google.  And, hopefully, this page will get its place there soon – and hold it for at least a while.

Getting to the first page of Google isn’t as impossible as many believe – you just need to use proper SEO strategies to make it work.

Posted in: Case Studies.

Get On The First Page Of Google

Jan 16th, 2009
by Marie.
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I realize that many small businesses rely on their local traffic and word of mouth.  For now, that still works really well.  But, there are still customers out there who are being missed – and every customer counts.

The truth is that today, many people might start their search for a service or business online.  If they don’t, the chances are still very high that they will end up looking into potential businesses on the internet eventually to be sure they make the right decision.

In my next post, I will show an example of a web page that has the potential to get your business on the first page of results.  And, if you are the only business with a website out of all the other classified site listings – I can guarantee you that your business will be the one that the person will look at.  People want to have the chance to read through everything about your business they can – maybe see some testimonials – so they can feel confident in their decision.

Not only that, but you have the potential to sign them up into a mailing database once they are on your site.  Offer them something – a discount or whatever works – to get them to enter their contact information.  You then have the ability to follow up with them and build a relationship with them.

The possibilities are endless – but you need to get the traffic to your site first.  And, being on the first page of Google is one of the most important things you can do for your business.

Posted in: Uncategorized.

Make It Easy For Possible Customers To Contact You!

Jan 13th, 2009
by Marie.
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During the course of my research that I have been doing for an upcoming seminar I am thinking of putting together, it has actually surprised me how many businesses are not easy to contact!

For whatever reason, many businesses don’t feel that they need a website yet.  But, as the internet continues to grow – and there is not denying that it is still growing – it is going to be the business who gets online and well established first that will thrive.  There is just no way around that.

But, unfortunately, many businesses still don’t think they should at least have an alternative way to contact them – such as an email contact.  No matter how much a business doesn’t believe that they need the internet, there is just no way to get around the fact that many people feel more comfortable using a means like email to contact a business that we may like to use.

An email makes it less “stressful” for many people who may be afraid to call if they just have a question or two.  They may be afraid that they will be “sold” to – and pressured into going with that business.  An email takes that fear away.

Having that extra method of contact is just an added bonus for your business.  Yes, most people still prefer to call and speak to a real person – but that might not always be the case.  A business needs to cover all their bases.

Don’t take for granted that all your potential customers will want to call – or even that they are in your local area.  For some, an email might make the sale for you.

Posted in: Basic Marketing.