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The Local Biz Show
Dominate Digital: Master Google's Latest Algorithm and Boost Your Online Presence!
Unlock the secrets to thriving in a digital-first world as we dissect Google's December 2024 algorithm update. Discover how an active and engaging Google Business Profile can become your strongest ally. This episode breaks down the trifecta of success: consistent activity, keyword-rich reviews, and strategic offerings or events. Learn how regular updates, fresh photos, and customer interactions can skyrocket your visibility, positioning your business at the forefront of potential customers’ searches. Plus, grasp the power of detailed reviews packed with keywords, harnessing Google’s AI to match your services with what customers are actively seeking.
But we’re not stopping at Google. Explore the vast potential of expanding your online presence across multiple platforms. We guide you through the strategic use of social media, online directories, and local forums, showing you how to tailor your digital storefronts to attract diverse customer types. This episode is packed with insights on storytelling, showcasing expertise, and building lasting connections in a constantly evolving digital landscape. Stay informed, stay curious, and keep your business competitive by embracing the ever-shifting digital age with open arms.
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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Imagine you know you're a local business owner, Right, Right, Maybe you run a bakery or a repair shop, or you know you offer home services and you're getting back into the swing of things after the holidays.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:So you go to, you know, check your online presence.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And it's like bam, you've fallen off the face of the Internet. Oh no, that's what it feels like for some businesses after this. Google December 2024 algorithm update.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's true, this core update has been a big one.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And I can see why. You know some local businesses and home service people especially might feel like their online presence has taken a hit.
Speaker 1:So should we all be panicking? Is this the end of the world for local businesses?
Speaker 2:No, not at all. Ranking shifts are totally normal after any major update, and this one is actually good news in the long run. Remember, google's main goal is to give the most relevant and highest quality results to their users, and this update is really all about refining that process.
Speaker 1:So how does this impact local businesses then?
Speaker 2:Well, think about it. When someone searches for a plumber or a bakery near them, what's the first thing they see?
Speaker 1:It's usually that list of businesses.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Usually, it's that list of local businesses on Google Maps. Yep, this update puts even more emphasis on your Google business profile, your GBP, as the key to connecting with those potential customers. Right, it's really like your digital storefront now, okay, and it's more important than ever All right, I'm starting to see why this is a big deal. Yeah.
Speaker 1:So, if our GBP is so important, what are the key changes we need to be aware of?
Speaker 2:Well, google is really highlighting three areas that we could call the pillars of a strong GBP activity. Keyword rich reviews and offers and events.
Speaker 1:Okay, let's start with activity.
Speaker 2:Okay, sounds good.
Speaker 1:So it's not enough to just, you know, set up a profile and just call it a day.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Think of it like your actual storefront.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:If you never turned on the lights or updated your window display when people even know you're open for business. Your GBP is the same way. There's need to show Google and potential customers that you're active and engaged.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. What kind of activity are we talking about here?
Speaker 2:Well, think about it this way what do you do when you're looking for a local business online?
Speaker 1:I check for recent posts.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Maybe look at some photos to get a feel for the place. Obviously, I look at the reviews and I check if they have any special offers or events going on. Bingo Okay.
Speaker 2:You just outlined the key activity areas for a strong GBP. Regularly posting updates, answering questions, refreshing your photos and highlighting any special offers or events All those signals show Google that you are an active and relevant business.
Speaker 1:But isn't that a lot to keep up with, especially for, you know, busy business owners who are already juggling so many things?
Speaker 2:Yeah, I hear you. Yeah, it definitely takes some effort, but even small actions can make a difference.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:For example, just responding to customer reviews? Oh okay, even a simple thank you shows that you're paying attention and value their feedback. Right, google sees that.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:And so do potential customers.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've covered activity.
Speaker 2:Yep.
Speaker 1:What about those keyword-rich reviews?
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:I know reviews are important, but how are they different now?
Speaker 2:So reviews have always been powerful, right, but Google's AI is now analyzing the content of your reviews. Oh wow, it's looking for keywords that match what people are actually searching for.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:It's not just about the star rating anymore.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:The actual words in your reviews can impact your ranking.
Speaker 1:So if I'm a plumber and someone leaves a review that says they were great, yeah, that's not as helpful as a review that says, like, they fixed my leaky faucet quickly and we're very professional.
Speaker 2:The second review tells Google specifically what services you provide and helps match you with potential customers searching for leaky faucet repair.
Speaker 1:Gotcha.
Speaker 2:It's like each review is a mini advertisement for your business.
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:So it sounds like we need to encourage our customers to leave these detailed keyword rich reviews. Any tips on how to do that?
Speaker 2:Absolutely. Sometimes a little nudge is all it takes.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:You can simply add a line to your invoices or receipts.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:Asking customers to mention the specific services or products they enjoyed in their review. Oh, I like that. Yeah, it's not pushy.
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that. Yeah, it's not putchy, but it plants the seed.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've covered activity and reviews. Yeah, what about that third pillar, offers and events? Okay, I feel like a lot of local businesses, especially smaller ones, won't not think that applies to them.
Speaker 2:That's a misconception.
Speaker 1:Really.
Speaker 2:Yeah, offers and events are a fantastic way for any local business to stand out.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Whether you're a cozy cafe or a home services provider, I would not. Think about it when you're scrolling through Google Maps.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:What catches your eye.
Speaker 1:Honestly, if I see a business with a special offer or an upcoming event, I'm way more likely to click on it.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:It's like, oh hey, there's something going on here.
Speaker 2:I want to check it out Right, and for local businesses that visibility can be huge. Yeah, it's a way to attract new customers and keep your existing ones engaged.
Speaker 1:So what kind of offers and events are we talking about? Give us some examples.
Speaker 2:It really depends on your business.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:But get creative.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:A cafe could offer a Bugo deal on a slow Tuesday, oh yeah. A hair salon could promote a discount on a new hair treatment Right. A home services provider could offer a free consultation or a seasonal special.
Speaker 1:I see, so it's about finding ways to provide value, yeah, and give people a reason to come visit your business.
Speaker 2:Exactly what about events?
Speaker 1:Events are a great way to showcase your expertise and build community.
Speaker 2:Okay, Workshops, demos open houses, even partnering with other local businesses for a joint event Right. The possibilities are endless.
Speaker 1:And it doesn't have to be anything fancy, right? Nope, it could be as simple as like a meet the owner event.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Or a behind the scenes tour.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's all about creating a buzz and giving people a reason to connect with your business on a deeper level.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And here's a bonus tip.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Make sure you're connecting your social media accounts to your GBP.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:That way, google can see even more of your content and get a better understanding of what you offer.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's like building a bridge between your different online platforms.
Speaker 1:Okay, so we've covered activity reviews and offers and events.
Speaker 2:They have.
Speaker 1:Is there anything else we need to know about optimizing our GBPs?
Speaker 2:There is one often overlooked area that has a surprisingly big impact on your search ranking.
Speaker 1:What's that?
Speaker 2:The products and services section.
Speaker 1:Oh, okay.
Speaker 2:A lot of businesses don't realize just how powerful that section can be.
Speaker 1:I have to admit, I usually just glance at the business name in the reviews.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:When I'm searching on Google Maps, I don't always dive into the products and services.
Speaker 2:And that's where you might be missing out.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Think of it this way yeah. The more detailed and comprehensive your product or service list is.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:The better Google understands what your business is all about.
Speaker 1:Gotcha.
Speaker 2:It's like giving Google a blueprint of your expertise.
Speaker 1:So instead of just saying plumbing services, I should list out every type of repair I offer, Like drain cleaning, leak repair, toilet installation and so on.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Don't be afraid to get super specific. Instead of just haircuts, men's haircuts, women's haircuts, kids' cuts, coloring styling, you name it.
Speaker 1:So it's all about using the right keywords.
Speaker 2:Absolutely Just like with your reviews. Using the language that potential customers use when they search is crucial.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Think about the specific terms people are typing into Google. What are they looking for?
Speaker 1:Gotcha.
Speaker 2:Make sure those keywords are reflected in your product and service descriptions.
Speaker 1:Okay, so specificity is key. Are there any other tips for optimizing the products and services section?
Speaker 2:There is. Our research shows that businesses listing at least 30 services.
Speaker 1:Wow, 30. Yeah, okay.
Speaker 2:Tend to rank higher.
Speaker 1:Interesting.
Speaker 2:It seems like a lot.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But it really encourages you to think about all the different ways you can serve your customers.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Don't underestimate the power of a comprehensive list.
Speaker 1:But what if you go through all this work?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You've. Oh, no, it's like putting all your effort into this amazing storefront.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And then you can't even get inside. It's like putting all this effort into building this amazing storefront and then suddenly you can't even get inside.
Speaker 2:That's a great point, and it happens more often than you'd think. That's why GBP security is so crucial. We're talking about your business's lifeline here.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So you've got to protect it.
Speaker 1:Okay, ok, so let's talk security. What's the first thing businesses should check?
Speaker 2:Ownership. Make absolutely sure the primary owner of the GBP is the actual business owner.
Speaker 1:OK.
Speaker 2:Not a past employee who set it up or a marketing agency. You need to have full control. Yeah, because if that person leaves or you part ways with that agency, things could get messy fast. Exactly, and here's another layer of protection. Designate a backup manager, someone you trust, who can help manage the profile if needed.
Speaker 1:Sort of like a digital power of attorney.
Speaker 2:I like that, and of course this should go without saying. But strong passwords are a must.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Unique, complex passwords for every account Right and enable that two-factor authentication. Double lock must yeah Unique complex passwords for every account. Right and enable that two-factor authentication.
Speaker 1:Double lock it.
Speaker 2:Right and make it a habit to check your GBP weekly. Okay, just to make sure there aren't any unauthorized changes or weird errors that have crept in, so it's like checking your storefront every day and making sure everything's in order. You got it A little. Vigilance goes a long way. Okay, you got a little vigilance goes a long way.
Speaker 1:Ok, so we've covered a lot of ground here. We have, From those three pillars of activity keyword rich reviews and offers and events to really maximizing that often overlooked products and services section.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:And making sure your GBP is secure.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It seems like Google is really raising the bar for local businesses.
Speaker 2:They are, but it's not about making things harder. It's about rewarding businesses that are truly engaged with their customers and provide a great experience.
Speaker 1:So it's not about trying to trick the algorithm Right. It's about building a genuine online presence Exactly Reflects the quality of your business.
Speaker 2:Precisely, and that's a win for everyone for Google, for local businesses and, most importantly, for customers.
Speaker 1:So what's the key takeaway for our listeners? What should they do today to make sure their business is set up for success in this new Google landscape?
Speaker 2:Action is key. Don't wait for the next algorithm update to hit yeah. Take the time now to implement these strategies. Make your GB key the best it can be, and you'll be in a much stronger position to adapt to any future changes.
Speaker 1:It's like having a solid foundation. Once you have that, you can build anything on top of it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And remember a well-optimized GBP isn't just about rankings. It's about attracting customers, building trust and showcasing the best of what your business has to offer.
Speaker 1:And ultimately, that's what leads to long-term success.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Well, we've covered a ton of valuable information today, but leads to long-term success. Well, we've covered a ton of valuable information today, but before we wrap up, I have one final question. We've been laser-focused on Google, but it's not the only game in town, right, right. What about other platforms? Are there other tools out there that local businesses and home service professionals should be exploring?
Speaker 2:That's a great question to leave our listeners with. It's true, the digital world is vast and savvy businesses are leveraging a variety of platforms to reach their target audience. Think about social media, online directories, local community forums. There are so many opportunities to connect with potential customers.
Speaker 1:It's not just about optimizing for Google. It's about building a comprehensive online presence that extends across multiple channels.
Speaker 2:Exactly. The key is to find the platforms that align with your business goals and target audience, and then use them strategically to tell your story, showcase your expertise and build lasting connections.
Speaker 1:It's like having multiple storefronts, each tailored to attract a specific type of customer.
Speaker 2:That's a great analogy. The bottom line is this the digital landscape is constantly evolving, so stay curious, stay informed and never stop exploring new ways to connect with your audience.
Speaker 1:Great advice, and that's all the time we have for this episode. Thanks for joining us and we'll catch you next time.