The Local Biz Show

Maximize Holiday Success: Master Google Reviews and Business Profile Optimization!

• Local Biz Domination • Season 1 • Episode 14

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Unlock the secrets to enhancing your local business's online presence this holiday season by mastering the art of Google reviews. Discover innovative strategies to boost your Google Maps rankings and set your business up for long-term success. We promise you'll learn how to leverage QR codes, social media, and automation tools like Zapier to seamlessly encourage customer reviews, ensuring your approach is both effective and genuine. Join us as we explore the fine balance between automation and maintaining a personal touch, guaranteeing those all-important positive customer connections that lead to glowing reviews.

We also shine a light on the power of optimizing your Google Business Profile to leave a lasting impression. As the holidays approach, keeping your profile updated with accurate information and captivating photos is crucial. Find out how to tailor your approach to suit different business environments, whether it's using QR codes in restaurants or harnessing a robust social media presence. We'll introduce you to Rank Genius, a platform that could become your holiday lifesaver, efficiently managing your business profile during this hectic time. By the end of this episode, you'll understand why Google reviews are not just seasonal boosts, but essential tools for building enduring customer trust and credibility.

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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Speaker 1:

Hey everyone, if you're anything like me and you're running a business, especially a local business, or maybe you've got a shop or you're doing something you know home services you're probably thinking about the holidays.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely.

Speaker 1:

Right, it's a big deal, yeah, but it's not just about those sales you make right now.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

It's about setting yourself up for success next year and even beyond that. We're going to be looking at this guide called how to use the holidays to rank higher on Google Maps.

Speaker 2:

OK.

Speaker 1:

And we're going to figure out just how to make the most of all that holiday cheer to get more customers, not just through the holidays.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But all year round.

Speaker 2:

Now this guide dives right into something super important Google reviews. Think about it If you're trying to find a good restaurant or you need a plumber, like what's one of the first things you check Reviews, reviews, oh yeah, I do that all the time.

Speaker 1:

It's like I need to see what other people are saying before I spend my money or my time.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and Google knows that. Like those star ratings, those comments, they're not just for us as customers. They're telling Google something too Like how much can people trust this business? How good are they really? So the more good reviews you have, the higher up you're going to show up in Google Maps, and that's especially important when people are searching for something you know near them.

Speaker 1:

OK, so it's not just, like you know, warm fuzzy feelings from those reviews. Right, it really impacts how many people even see your business in the first place.

Speaker 2:

It totally does, and the holiday season is like the perfect time to really rake in those reviews. Why is that? People are just in a better mood. They're more willing to try new places.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

They're out and about more and you know, if they have a good time they're more likely to leave a nice review likely to leave a nice review. I guess that makes sense.

Speaker 1:

People are just, you know, happier around the holidays, but how do we, as business owners, actually get people to leave those reviews Right Without, you know, being too pushy?

Speaker 2:

Exactly so. This guide gives us three main strategies QR codes, social media and automation. Let's start with QR codes those seem to be making a comeback.

Speaker 1:

Yeah.

Speaker 2:

They're so simple and they just work. So let's say you've got a coffee shop it's the holidays you've got those peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes and all that good stuff. A customer comes in, grabs their drink, loves it. Right there on their receipt, or maybe on a little table tent, is a qr code. They scan it, bam, takes them straight to your google review page yeah, you don't have to type anything in or search for it. Exactly Super easy for them, which means they're way more likely to actually do it.

Speaker 1:

I like that. What about social media? Everyone's on their phones this time of year anyway.

Speaker 2:

You're telling me, Use that to your advantage. A fun post, you know, maybe some holiday pictures a little message like had a great time spread the cheer and leave a review.

Speaker 1:

Just make it catchy, don't forget to include the link straight to your Google page. Smart Catch people while they're scrolling and already you know in that holiday mood. Okay so QR codes, social media, and you also mentioned automation. Now, honestly, between the holiday rush and managing everything else, I can barely remember to eat lunch, let alone ask every single customer for a review.

Speaker 2:

I feel you. That's where automation comes in. Pools like Zapier can be a lifesaver. You can set it up so that every time someone makes a purchase they get a little thank you message, maybe even with a holiday theme.

Speaker 1:

Okay.

Speaker 2:

And a gentle reminder to leave a review if they enjoyed their experience.

Speaker 1:

Okay, that does sound pretty handy, but I worry about you know, sounding too robotic or impersonal with that.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, I get that you want to keep it personal, for sure. Short and sweet, like a genuine thank you, not a sales pitch.

Speaker 1:

Right, like you actually care.

Speaker 2:

Exactly.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so we've talked easy ways to get those holiday reviews coming in QR codes, social media, even using automation, right? But why are these reviews so important in the big picture? I mean, I get that they help you show up higher on Google Maps.

Speaker 2:

Yeah.

Speaker 1:

But what's the real impact on a business, especially for those of us, you know, with an actual location?

Speaker 2:

That's a great question. It all comes down to trust and credibility. Think about it. You're walking down the street, see two shops. One's got a ton of five-star reviews, the other's got like none, or even a couple bad ones. Right, which one are you going to try?

Speaker 1:

Probably the one with the good reviews.

Speaker 2:

Exactly those reviews. They're like a seal of approval telling everyone hey, this place is good, you should check it out. Yeah, good, you should check it out.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, especially for people who are new to the area or haven't heard of your business before it's like word of mouth, but online you know, and during the holidays people are trying new things, going to different places. So those reviews matter even more Okay. So it's not just about getting customers during the holidays, it's about building a reputation that lasts.

Speaker 2:

Exactly those good reviews you get now. They'll keep working for you even after the holidays are. Now, the guide also mentions this tool called Rank Genius.

Speaker 1:

Oh yeah, I saw that.

Speaker 2:

It seems like it ties into everything we've been talking about.

Speaker 1:

Can you tell us a bit more about it?

Speaker 2:

Well, from what I understand, it's a platform that helps businesses manage their Google business profile, like all that stuff we just talked about, but it kind of does it for you.

Speaker 1:

So, like for someone like me running a small business, already feeling the holiday pressure, this could save some time.

Speaker 2:

That's the idea yeah, a small business already feeling the holiday pressure this could save some time. That's the idea. Yeah, imagine you're a baker, right up to your elbows in flour and sugar.

Speaker 1:

I can picture it.

Speaker 2:

You know you need those Google reviews, but you barely have time to breathe Right Rank Genius can handle. It Sets up automatic review requests, sends them out to your customers. No work on your end.

Speaker 1:

So, instead of me chasing down every customer for a review while I'm trying to run my business, rank Genius takes care of that.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and it's not just sending out messages, it personalizes them, tracks your progress, even manages negative reviews.

Speaker 1:

Wow, that sounds pretty comprehensive.

Speaker 2:

It is Takes a lot off your plate, especially during a busy time. But let's get back to those three strategies. We talked about QR codes, social media and automation. Which one?

Speaker 1:

do you think is the most effective? That's a tough one.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, it really depends on the business, right Like QR codes are perfect for places where people are already using their phones.

Speaker 1:

Restaurant salons.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, it's right there. Easy for them to scan.

Speaker 1:

No extra effort.

Speaker 2:

Now, if you've got a strong social media presence already maybe you're a clothing boutique or something Okay, Social media is your best bet. People are already following you and engaging with you.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it makes sense to ask for reviews there too.

Speaker 2:

Especially during the holidays, when everyone's feeling social.

Speaker 1:

So what about automation? Is that good for everyone?

Speaker 2:

It can be really helpful, but it's not magic. You know, you still need to provide great service and give people a reason to leave those good reviews oh, so it all works together exactly. You can use automation to send the requests, but you got to make sure those positive experiences are happening in the first place gotcha.

Speaker 1:

So it sounds like the key is to know your business and your customers, pick the strategies that fit and then make them part of how you do things already.

Speaker 2:

You got it Little tweaks can make a big difference.

Speaker 1:

Now this guide has really got me thinking about my own Google business profile.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah.

Speaker 1:

I've been meaning to update my photos forever, but it never seems to get done.

Speaker 2:

I hear you Running a business is busy, but those details, they really do matter. Up-to-date pictures, correct business info, a good description, all those things. Tell Google your business is active and relevant.

Speaker 1:

Plus, it's about giving potential customers a good first impression, right.

Speaker 2:

Absolutely that Google profile. It's often the first thing people see when they search for you.

Speaker 1:

Makes sense.

Speaker 2:

You want to make sure it shows how much you care about your business.

Speaker 1:

Like your online storefront.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, you wouldn't let your actual storefront get run down, right.

Speaker 1:

Good point.

Speaker 2:

Same goes for your online presence.

Speaker 1:

This has been super helpful. I'm already thinking about some changes I need to make Before we finish up. What's the biggest mistake you see businesses making with their Google profile, especially during the holidays?

Speaker 2:

Ooh, good question. I'd say the most common one is inconsistency.

Speaker 1:

What do you mean?

Speaker 2:

Like, they get so caught up in the holiday rush they forget to keep their online stuff up to date.

Speaker 1:

Oh, I see.

Speaker 2:

They might post some holiday stuff on social media.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, but then their Google profile still has last year's hours, or something.

Speaker 2:

Or pictures of their patio when it's snowing outside.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, it's about making sure everything matches up. You know, online and offline.

Speaker 2:

So be proactive, keep things updated, make sure your online presence shows what's really going on.

Speaker 1:

Exactly, and don't be afraid to have some fun with it. It's the holidays after all.

Speaker 2:

I love that. All right, we're going to take a quick break and then come back with some final thoughts on how to make the most of this holiday season to boost your Google presence. Stay tuned.

Speaker 1:

We're back All right. So we've covered a lot about reviews and keeping your Google business profile. You know looking good, especially for the holidays.

Speaker 2:

Yeah, we have.

Speaker 1:

But before we go, let's kind of recap everything for our listeners. Make sure they're taking away the most important stuff.

Speaker 2:

Sounds good to me.

Speaker 1:

So what do you think is the biggest takeaway here for all the brick and mortar businesses, the shops, the local service providers out there?

Speaker 2:

Honestly, I think it's this the holiday season is like a golden opportunity, you know, to really make a difference in how you show up online.

Speaker 1:

Yeah, it's not just about making sales right now, right, it's about bit thing, something that lasts.

Speaker 2:

Exactly, and those Google reviews they're a huge part of that.

Speaker 1:

Those little stars can really pack a punch.

Speaker 2:

They can Think about it. Google's trying to point people to the best businesses.

Speaker 1:

Right.

Speaker 2:

Those reviews are like little votes of confidence telling Google hey, this business is great, Recommend them.

Speaker 1:

So even when you're crazy busy with you know holiday orders and decorations and everything, it's worth it to spend a little time on those reviews.

Speaker 2:

It really is, and we talked about some easy ways to do that right QR codes around your store, social media posts and even using automation tools.

Speaker 1:

You got to find what works best for you and your customers.

Speaker 2:

Exactly. Maybe you use all three, maybe you focus on one. It's all about being proactive and making it super simple for those happy customers to share their experience.

Speaker 1:

And don't forget, even one extra review can make a difference.

Speaker 2:

Oh yeah, it could be the reason someone chooses you over another business, you know every little bit counts. It does.

Speaker 1:

So, as we head into the holidays, I want to leave you with one last thought. Think about the last time you had an amazing experience at a local business.

Speaker 2:

OK.

Speaker 1:

What made it so special? Was it the friendly staff, the amazing food, the service, whatever it was?

Speaker 2:

Those are the kind of experiences that lead to those great reviews.

Speaker 1:

Exactly so. This holiday season, focus on creating those moments for your customers.

Speaker 2:

Happy customers. They're the best kind of marketing.

Speaker 1:

I love that. Well, that wraps up our little deep dive into Google business profile optimization. Yeah, we hope this was helpful and got you thinking about your own business.

Speaker 2:

Definitely, and we wish you all a successful and review-filled holiday season.

Speaker 1:

Yes, a little effort now can really pay off later. Thanks for joining us.