If you’re reading this article, you’ve likely stumbled down the rabbit hole trying to figure out where to start when it comes to marketing your local business on Google. As you’ve likely discovered, search marketing can take you down many different paths and it’s not always obvious which one is worth your time. So, let’s boil it down to the basics.
Whether you run a luxury boutique hotel, lead a high-powered real estate team, have a mom-and-pop shop, or high-end local business, here are the initial, most effective strategies we recommend at Anvil Marketing Co to help get your business to the top of search.
Lay the Groundwork with a Well-Optimized Website & Business Listing
Your business’s online journey starts with a strong foundation: a well-optimized website and Google Business Listing. Your website should be a user-friendly, responsive, and visually appealing centerpiece that accurately showcases your products, services and brand voice. Take a look at our article, Top 5 Website Must-Haves in 2023, for a detailed refresher on the core elements required of a high-ranking website!
Your Google Business Listing is your storefront in the world of Google Maps. It’s important for all businesses but vitally so for those with brick-and-mortar locations where customers, clients or patients visit. Ensure that your business information, such as your name, address, phone number, business category, website and operating hours, are all accurate and up to date. Aside from your website, your Google Business listing is the second highest priority for getting found on both Google Search and Google Maps.
Hit the Ground Running with Google Ads
Unfortunately, however you slice it, search engine optimization (SEO) is worth the wait, but it takes time. Whether you or your Greenville marketing agency are laying the groundwork, if you want to supercharge your local business’s visibility on Google, we often recommend running Google Ads. These pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements can catapult your business to the top of search results for relevant keywords. By strategically targeting potential customers in your area, you can increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website or Google Maps Listing.
Google Ads allow precise targeting, budget control, and tracking, ensuring that your marketing dollars are put to good use. Our team at Anvil Marketing Co can help you create and manage compelling ad campaigns that blend keyphrases, ad copy and ad creative that resonate with your local audience and bring immediate, tangible results.
5 Star Service: Acquire Reviews on Google & Yelp
While it may seem like a vanity metric at first glance, online reviews are the modern-day word of mouth. From a potential customer, or clients perspective, positive reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp and others can significantly influence a potential customer’s decision to choose your business. On the SEO side of things, Google has placed more and more emphasis on the importance of Google reviews over the years and having plentiful positive Google reviews is now one of the top ranking factors on Google.
We assist our clients, with encouraging satisfied customers, to leave reviews, and recommend they are proactive in addressing negative feedback to maintain their reputation. However, always be careful to follow each review website’s guidelines and never pay for or leave fraudulent reviews! Yelp is especially strict in this regard. You’ve been warned!
Establish Yourself with Local Organizations
Being part of local organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the Chamber of Commerce, or industry-specific associations can boost your credibility and online visibility. These organizations often have online directories that include links to member businesses’ websites. Ensure your business is listed, and take advantage of these valuable backlinks to improve your website’s SEO.
Anvil Marketing Co can help you identify relevant local organizations to ensure your business is correctly listed, while strengthening your local ties and online presence simultaneously.
Feed the Algorithm: Blogging & Vlogging
Content is still king in 2023, and there’s few things Google values more than consistent fresh content to feed their algorithm. Creating high-quality, informative content is an excellent way to engage your audience and improve your search engine rankings. Starting a blog or vlog on your website allows you to showcase your expertise, share industry insights, and connect with your local community. Additionally, integrating YouTube-optimized embedded videos can help expand your reach even further.
Anvil Marketing Co can help you develop a content strategy that aligns with your business goals and resonates with your target audience. Consistent, valuable content can establish you as a local authority in your industry and drive organic traffic to your website.
Hopefully this helped you crawl out of the rabbit hole and find your way back to the surface! By laying the groundwork with a well-optimized website, leveraging Google Ads, acquiring reviews, affiliating with local organizations, and creating engaging content, you can take your local business to new heights on the search engine stage.
If you’re looking for some expert guidance to hammer out the details and put these plans into action, contact Anvil Marketing Co today at (864) 987-8877!
