Last week we had the privilege of listening in on a Google Partners Connect presentation with featured speakers that talked about topics along the lines of helping small businesses succeed on the web, maximizing your business online, and how small businesses should approach working with an agency. The topic I thought was most interesting and that I’d like to share with you is the topic of maximizing your business online.
Google Adwords Evangelist, Fred Vallaeys, gave this part of the presentation. The main part of his speech was about how to put your business online and to be found. Because I’m a nice guy, I will briefly summarize to you some of his expertise and tips on this topic.
Optimize Your Site
1. Focus on your keywords
a. What is the user searching for? BE SPECIFIC! For example: Are your customers searching for “Recreational Insurance”?…No they are searching more specific such as “Motorcycle Insurance” or “RV Insurance”.
b. What is trending in your particular industry? You can use Google trends or Google Alerts to get updates on what keywords are being searched on the internet in your industry.
c. Focus on Keywords that the consumer would respond to. This will help you engage with the audience. See what social media posts are getting the most likes, clicks, shares…are they on a specific topic?
2. Get listed in web directories to get reviews
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get people to your site. A simple and free way of driving more traffic to your site is through directories. Search certain keywords about the business you’re in to see what kind of directory sites show up. Once you have found certain directories, contact these sites about getting listed.
3. Get listed on G+ for business
Once you’re listed on G+, follow these helpful tips.
a. Keep a consistent name/address
b. Use a local phone number
c. Ask for reviews
d. Engage frequently from customers
e. DO NOT copy reviews from G+ onto your website. Google does not like this and will delete your reviews if you do so.
Search Engine Optimization
Quick Fact: Google indexes over 60 trillion pages and uses over 200 factors to rank pages. So how do you build your page rank?
Follow these tips:
Keep content fresh & engaging and claim authorshipà Keep copyright updated. If not and your info is from 2008….who is going to think your website is credible?
Use Google Webmaster Tools. These tools are free and they help you find out what keywords people are searching.
Take advantage of all the new features on Search Results (SERPS) SERP change such as Local Carousel. A Local Carousel is a row of images across a Google SERP.
G+ page for business, # of +1’s, and reviews can help you get on this carousel!
Have a Mobile Friendly Site
Quick Fact: 3 out of 4 smartphone users have contacted a business they have found on their phone.
Here are some Mobile tips you can use:
Keep menus short and sweet
Let users purchase as guests
Design efficient forms that are easy to navigate through
Let users contact you
ADWORDS
Quick Fact: 97% of consumers research products online before buying locally
Tips on Adwords:
Don’t always need to spend the most to get the #1 ranking spot
Adwords will generate interest to your company. Put your message out there where you want it
It is easy to do and can reach users on all their favorite devices.
Retarget to your consumers
There you go, short and sweet. I hope some of these tips were helpful for you. I look forward to hearing some of your feedback. Intern, out!