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The Local Biz Show
Drive Traffic and Boost Sales: Master Google's Products Nearby for Your Local Business!
Unlock the potential of your local business with Google's groundbreaking tool, Products Nearby. Imagine transforming online searches into foot traffic at your brick-and-mortar store, bridging the gap between digital convenience and real-world accessibility. We explore how you can snatch customers away from the online giants by enhancing your Google Business Profile to serve as a dynamic virtual storefront. This isn't just about being seen; it's about showcasing what sets you apart and driving customers directly to your door.
Join us as we unpack the essential strategies for leveraging Products Nearby, even if you're not a tech whiz. Discover how to keep your listings accurate and compelling, ensuring prospective customers find exactly what they need. We highlight the importance of trust and authenticity in building long-lasting relationships with your community. Whether you're a gift shop with handmade coasters or a hardware store with the perfect tool in stock, we've got the insights to help you shine in a digital-first world.
Discover how Local Biz Domination can revolutionize your business operations. Our AI-driven CRM is designed to crush inefficiencies, automate tasks, and empower entrepreneurs to focus on growth and innovation. Visit https://LocalBizDominance.com to learn more and unlock the full potential of your business today.
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Okay, so we all know running a local business is tough these days. Oh yeah, you know, especially with every customer out there glued to their phone shopping online, it's hard to compete, right? I mean, you've got incredible things to offer, but how do you stand out? How?
Speaker 2:do you cut through the noise when everyone's just a click away from those online giants?
Speaker 1:Right, and that is the million-dollar question, isn't?
Speaker 2:it, it really is.
Speaker 1:But I think we may actually have some good news. Google has just launched something brand new.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:A feature that could be a total game changer for local businesses.
Speaker 2:It's called Products Nearby, and I really think this could be the answer local businesses have been looking for.
Speaker 1:OK, hold on. So we're saying we can actually grab those customers who are shopping online.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Bring them back to Main Street, like back to actual brick-and-mortar stores.
Speaker 2:Exactly, that's the goal here.
Speaker 1:That's incredible. I'm intrigued. Tell me more.
Speaker 2:Well, think of it this way Products Nearby is all about connecting local businesses with customers, like at the very moment they're looking for something specific.
Speaker 1:Right in their neighborhood.
Speaker 2:Right in their neighborhood.
Speaker 1:So okay, let me see if I've got this right. Someone's on their phone they're looking for, let's say, let's say they're looking for a new set of handmade coasters they saw on Instagram. And then all of a sudden, boom, your local gift shop pops up.
Speaker 2:Exactly Showing them that you have those exact coasters in stock.
Speaker 1:Oh, I see, okay, exactly Showing them that you have those exact coasters in stock. Oh, I see, okay, so it's about bringing those online shoppers right to your doorstep.
Speaker 2:Exactly Like. Think about a contractor who needs a specific tool right away, Instead of having to wade through pages of online retailers. Products Nearby would show them which local hardware stores have exactly what they need.
Speaker 1:Right there in their neighborhood.
Speaker 2:Ready to pick up right now?
Speaker 1:Oh, wow, Okay. So this products nearby thing sounds like a real game changer.
Speaker 2:It really is.
Speaker 1:But how does it work?
Speaker 2:Well, the magic happens. In your Google business profile, the GBP.
Speaker 1:Ah, okay, so you're saying that the GBP is really important now.
Speaker 2:It's more crucial than ever. It's not just something you set and forget anymore.
Speaker 1:Okay, I see.
Speaker 2:And here's where it gets really interesting Products nearby isn't just about visibility, right, it's about actually showcasing what you have to offer, yeah, and how you can directly impact your sales.
Speaker 1:Okay, so it's not just about having a basic business listing on Google anymore.
Speaker 2:Right, you need to think of your Google business profile almost like a virtual storefront.
Speaker 1:A virtual storefront, I like that.
Speaker 2:So when someone searches for a product or service you offer. That product section on your GBP acts as a preview.
Speaker 1:Oh, I see.
Speaker 2:It gives them a reason to choose you over the big guys.
Speaker 1:So if you don't have a great product section on your GBP, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Okay, I am starting to see just how big this could be.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But I'm thinking about all those local businesses out there. Maybe they're not quite as tech savvy, yeah, so what are those key things?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Those steps they need to take to make products nearby work for them.
Speaker 2:Well, I would say, the first thing is. I would say, the first thing is making. Oh yeah, and accurate.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Because nothing is going to send those potential customers running faster.
Speaker 1:Than showing up and that item's not actually in stock.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's the worst. Like that bait and switch feeling.
Speaker 2:It is. You don't want to do that.
Speaker 1:No, not at all. Yeah, especially for local businesses.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You're trying to build that relationship with your customers.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's all about trust.
Speaker 1:So true, okay, so beyond just keeping those listings current, how do we make those product descriptions stand out?
Speaker 2:Well, think about it this way Okay. You don't just want to list the basic name of the product?
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:You've got to use those keywords, keywords.
Speaker 1:Got it. So instead of just saying hammer, I might say Exactly.
Speaker 2:You want to say something like heavy duty, claw hammer.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Perfect for demolition projects. Oh something that really speaks to Google, but also to your ideal customer.
Speaker 1:I like that Speaking their language.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So we've got our descriptions, we've got the keywords, but we live in a visual world, right, right? How do we make sure those product photos are eye-catching?
Speaker 2:Especially if you don't have the budget for a professional photographer.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly, a lot of small businesses don't.
Speaker 2:Well, here's where Google's own tools can come in handy.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:They have a really cool AI-powered image enhancement feature.
Speaker 1:Really.
Speaker 2:Built right into the Google business profile.
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:And it can really do wonders for making your product photos look amazing.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's great. So even if I'm taking a picture of my phone, Even with your phone. It can help me make it look professional.
Speaker 2:Yep, it can clean up the background. Oh wow, make the colors pop.
Speaker 1:Wow, so I don't need to hire a fancy photographer?
Speaker 2:No, you do not, that's incredible, but here's a pro tip though.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay, I'm ready.
Speaker 2:When you're taking those photos, pay attention to the lighting.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, good lighting is everything right.
Speaker 2:It can make a huge difference.
Speaker 1:That's a really good point. Okay, so we've got products nearby, we've got our product section optimized, we've got our great photos, but so I'm guessing that's not the whole story, right? Right, there's more to attracting those customers.
Speaker 2:There is Products Nearby is a fantastic tool, but it works best as part of a bigger strategy.
Speaker 1:Okay. So for all the local businesses out there, what else should they be doing to make sure their GBP is really working for them?
Speaker 2:Well, first of all, don't forget about reviews.
Speaker 1:Reviews yeah.
Speaker 2:Those positive reviews are like gold.
Speaker 1:They really are.
Speaker 2:They build trust with customers and they show Google that you're the real deal.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, Google loves those reviews. Okay, so what about responding to the reviews?
Speaker 2:Oh, that's huge too.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:You want to take the time to respond to every single one.
Speaker 1:Oh wow, Every single one.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Whether they're positive or negative.
Speaker 2:Oh so, it's about more than just getting those five-star reviews. It's showing your customers you actually care.
Speaker 1:Exactly, it shows you're listening. Oh, that's such a good point. Okay, so reviews are in. Yeah, what else?
Speaker 2:And we can't forget about photos. I know we talked about product photos, but you want to go beyond that.
Speaker 1:Okay, yeah.
Speaker 2:Think about what would give a potential customer a real feel for your business.
Speaker 1:Like what it's like to actually walk in the door.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's nice.
Speaker 2:Pictures of your storefront. Your team maybe.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, put some faces to the names.
Speaker 2:Yeah, if you're a service business, maybe some before and after photos.
Speaker 1:Before and afters are great yeah.
Speaker 2:Just something to create that personal connection.
Speaker 1:So it's about giving them that sneak peek behind the scenes. Show them who you are.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay, and I'm thinking keeping that GBP updated is probably important too.
Speaker 2:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 1:Like regularly updating.
Speaker 2:Google loves to see that.
Speaker 1:They do yeah.
Speaker 2:Think of it this way Adding new photos, keeping your products updated, answering questions in the Q&A Right. It's all about showing Google that you are relevant, that you are reliable.
Speaker 1:Okay, and that you are there and ready to serve your customers.
Speaker 2:So the more active you are in your GBP-.
Speaker 1:The better you are going to do, the higher you'll rank, yeah.
Speaker 2:Okay, I am getting that message loud and clear.
Speaker 1:Good.
Speaker 2:Keeping that GBP fresh is a must.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But I can already hear some of our listeners saying this all sounds great, but I'm already so busy running my business. How am I supposed to keep up with all of this?
Speaker 1:It's a valid concern.
Speaker 2:It is yeah.
Speaker 1:And that's where a tool like Rank Genius can be so helpful.
Speaker 2:Rank Genius? Okay, tell me about that.
Speaker 1:So Rank Genius is designed to make your life easier. Oh, okay, it helps automate a lot of those Google business profile tasks.
Speaker 2:So I can focus on the actual running of my business.
Speaker 1:Exactly. That's amazing.
Speaker 2:So, whether you run a retail store, whether you're a plumber, an electrician, yeah. Rank Genius can take some of that work off your plate.
Speaker 1:Oh, so it's like having a virtual assistant.
Speaker 2:Almost like a virtual assistant for your Google business profile.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I love that idea.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it can help keep your products updated.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It can help manage reviews. It can even help you stay active on your GBP with regular posts.
Speaker 1:So it just does everything for me, it helps. It helps yeah.
Speaker 2:So you can get back to focusing on what you do best.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:It's all about empowering local businesses.
Speaker 1:Empowering them, yeah.
Speaker 2:To thrive in the digital world.
Speaker 1:That's what we want.
Speaker 2:It's about giving them the tools to compete and really connect with those customers in their communities.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and I think products nearby is a huge step in the right direction. I think so too. It shows that Google is actually recognizing that local businesses matter. They're important to our communities.
Speaker 2:They are the heart of our communities.
Speaker 1:Exactly so, to all of our listeners out there, those amazing entrepreneurs.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The backbone of our communities.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:What is the one thing they can do today?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:To start taking advantage of all this.
Speaker 2:To level up their GBP game.
Speaker 1:To level up, I think the biggest thing is just to take action. Yeah, don't wait, dive into your Google business profile, explore those tools we talked about.
Speaker 2:Like Rank.
Speaker 1:Genius Like Rank Genius. Get ready to connect with those customers.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Because they're out there searching for you.
Speaker 2:They are, they're ready to buy. Yeah, it's time for local businesses to really take back their spot.
Speaker 1:Take back their spot, yeah, make themselves known, okay. So for our listeners out there who are working on their GBP yeah. What's one question they should be asking themselves.
Speaker 2:Ooh, that's a good one, I would say ask yourself what is the one thing that makes your business special.
Speaker 1:What makes you different?
Speaker 2:What makes you different? Yeah?
Speaker 1:Why should a customer choose you?
Speaker 2:Exactly what's that product or service that you offer that nobody else does?
Speaker 1:That makes you stand out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah. What's going to make them say I have to go there?
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that. I have to check that out. It's all about showcasing your specialty.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:The thing that you're known for.
Speaker 2:The thing that sets you apart from everyone else.
Speaker 1:Because, at the end of the day, it's that passion that really resonates with people.
Speaker 2:It really does. It's that commitment to quality yeah.
Speaker 1:To customer service.
Speaker 2:It's about reminding people.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:That behind every business is a person. A real person With a passion.
Speaker 1:With a story, with a story and they're invested in their community. They're creating jobs. Exactly a story With a story and they're invested in their community. They're creating jobs.
Speaker 2:Exactly, they're making a difference. And when those businesses do well, yeah, communities do well.
Speaker 1:That's what it's all about.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:So to everyone listening out there yeah, whether you're just starting out or you've been doing this for years, Remember, you have the power you do To shape your online presence. Attract those customers, yeah, who are looking for exactly what you offer.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It's all about embracing the tools.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Putting in the work.
Speaker 2:The effort.
Speaker 1:The effort and never giving up on that dream.
Speaker 2:Never give up.
Speaker 1:Of building something truly special.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Well, this has been a great conversation.
Speaker 2:It has.
Speaker 1:I'm so glad we got to dive into this.
Speaker 2:Me too.
Speaker 1:Products Nearby and Google Business Profile.
Speaker 2:It's such a fascinating topic.
Speaker 1:It really is. Hopefully everyone listening got some great ticks and tricks today.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Most importantly, the motivation to get out there and make your business shine online.
Speaker 2:That's what we want.
Speaker 1:That's what it's all about. Thanks for joining us and best of luck on your journey to success.
Speaker 2:Thanks for having me. It was a pleasure.