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Winning the Google Game: Why the Media Section is the Secret to Online Domination
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All right. So we all want more people to know about our businesses, right?
Speaker 2:Definitely.
Speaker 1:More people walking through the door or, you know, calling in to book our services, especially now with everyone online.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:I mean, you really got to get noticed if you're a local business.
Speaker 2:It's so true.
Speaker 1:Whether you're a shop or you know you do home repairs.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's all about Google these days. It is. You need a Google business profile. Absolutely Every business needs one, but you know, just having one isn't enough these days, is it?
Speaker 2:No, no, it's really not.
Speaker 1:I feel like so many businesses are missing a trick.
Speaker 2:They really are.
Speaker 1:They've got the profile, they've got their information on there, they're getting reviews Right, but then they just kind of forget about it.
Speaker 2:It's true.
Speaker 1:And they're missing out on this whole other side of it.
Speaker 2:And it's a big one.
Speaker 1:It is, and that's what we're diving into today.
Speaker 2:Okay, let's do it.
Speaker 1:The media section of your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:So interesting because everyone knows about reviews and getting your info right, but I feel like everyone forgets about the pictures and videos. It's true, like completely forget.
Speaker 1:But think about it yeah. When you're searching for a business yourself. Let's say you need a plumber or you're looking for a new restaurant.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Yeah, aren't you way more likely to click on the ones with pictures?
Speaker 2:Oh, definitely.
Speaker 1:You know what I mean.
Speaker 2:Yeah, those ones where you can actually see what they're about.
Speaker 1:Exactly, it's like a first impression. It totally is, and like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. But here's the thing.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's not just about attracting customers.
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:It's about Google too.
Speaker 2:Oh interesting, Tell me more.
Speaker 1:Having a good media section actually tells Google that you're like a real business.
Speaker 2:Okay, so Google's looking at that.
Speaker 1:They are.
Speaker 2:Interesting.
Speaker 1:You know, their algorithms are always changing.
Speaker 2:Yeah, they are so complicated.
Speaker 1:But one thing stays the same what's that? They want to show businesses that are like alive and well.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Not just businesses that set up a profile and forgot about it Makes sense. So if you're posting pictures and videos regularly, especially good quality ones, it shows them that you're active and you care.
Speaker 2:Like you're a real business out there in the world.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Wow. So it's like we're impressing our customers and Google at the same time.
Speaker 1:That's the idea. I love it. Two birds, one stone. Totally More customers coming in and higher up in the search results.
Speaker 2:Leading to more, at least more business. Exactly, I like it.
Speaker 1:But there's another side to this too.
Speaker 2:Okay, tell me.
Speaker 1:Think about it from your customer's point of view. They've got a problem. Okay, they need something fixed.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Or they're looking for a specific product.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:What's going to make them trust you? Good question If they see your work if they can see your team, oh yeah.
Speaker 2:Your shop, they get to know you before they even walk in the door.
Speaker 1:Exactly, it's smart. So it's about building that trust it is and showing them you're the real deal.
Speaker 2:Like giving them a sneak peek.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:So they feel confident choosing you.
Speaker 1:Yes, and not going to your competitor, who maybe just has their name and address on their profile.
Speaker 2:Right, no pictures, nothing.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so they don't really get a feel for who they are.
Speaker 2:That makes so much sense.
Speaker 1:So we know the media section is important.
Speaker 2:Super important.
Speaker 1:But how do we actually make the most of?
Speaker 2:it Right? How do we do it right?
Speaker 1:What are the actual steps to make it work for us?
Speaker 2:Okay, so first things, first consistency.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's like anything. You have to keep at it Right. Think of it like a garden. Okay, you can't just plant a few seeds and then forget about it.
Speaker 1:You got to water it.
Speaker 2:You do.
Speaker 1:Give it sunlight Totally.
Speaker 2:And weed it All of that.
Speaker 1:Otherwise it's just going to die.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's not going to grow.
Speaker 1:Same with your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:You can't just post one photo and call it a day.
Speaker 2:Right Got to keep it fresh.
Speaker 1:Exactly. Yeah, you got to keep adding to it.
Speaker 2:How often are we talking?
Speaker 1:At least a couple of times a week.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Even if it's just like a behind the scenes shot.
Speaker 2:Just something to show you're there.
Speaker 1:Keep it active. Show Google you're a real business.
Speaker 2:And show customers too. Right yeah, Keep them engaged.
Speaker 1:Now as for what to post.
Speaker 2:Right, that's the big question.
Speaker 1:It really depends on your business.
Speaker 2:I was going to say that's different for everyone, right?
Speaker 1:Is.
Speaker 2:Like a retail store is going to post different things than a plumber. Yeah, exactly what would a retailer post.
Speaker 1:Oh, they can show new products.
Speaker 2:Okay yeah, new arrivals.
Speaker 1:Or you know like how they've decorated their shop for the holidays.
Speaker 2:That is nice.
Speaker 1:Or even customer testimonials.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's smart.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like pictures of happy customers.
Speaker 2:Showing off those good reviews.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Love it. What about a plumber?
Speaker 1:For a plumber, I'd say before and after shots oh yeah, that's a good one you know. Show the problem and then show how they fixed it so satisfying.
Speaker 2:It is pictures of their team out on a job. Yeah, so people can see who they're dealing with Exactly. Humanizes it.
Speaker 1:Or even like a short video explaining a common plumbing problem.
Speaker 2:Like how to fix a leaky faucet.
Speaker 1:Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2:So they're giving value even before you hire them.
Speaker 1:Exactly. I like it, so it's about tailoring it to your audience.
Speaker 2:Right, making it relevant.
Speaker 1:And don't be afraid to just show your everyday life.
Speaker 2:Okay, what do you mean?
Speaker 1:Like a picture of your team getting ready for the day Okay. Or a shot of your shop window yeah. Or even, you know, a quick video from the owner saying hello oh that's nice, just little things to make you seem more human. I like that and build that connection with people.
Speaker 2:Makes you relatable.
Speaker 1:Right, because, at the end of the day, people buy from people.
Speaker 2:That's so true.
Speaker 1:Now speaking of connection.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Have you ever heard of geotagging? I have, but I don't really know what it means. So basically, it's adding location data to your photos and videos. Okay, and this is huge for local businesses.
Speaker 2:Is it.
Speaker 1:It is because when someone searches for, say, plumber near me, Okay, yeah. Google wants to show them plumbers who are actually nearby.
Speaker 2:Right makes sense.
Speaker 1:And geotagging helps them do that.
Speaker 2:So how does it work?
Speaker 1:By tagging your photos with your location, you're telling Google exactly where you are.
Speaker 2:Like, if I'm a plumber in Chicago, I would tag my photos with Chicago.
Speaker 1:Exactly or even more specific.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Like the neighborhood you're in.
Speaker 2:So people in my area will see me.
Speaker 1:Yes, that makes so much sense.
Speaker 2:So it's all about making it easy for Google to find you.
Speaker 1:And connect you with the right customers.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Google loves it. When you make their job easier, they do so. Geotagging is key.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Awesome, okay, what else?
Speaker 2:Now, this is something so many people forget.
Speaker 1:Okay, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 2:Keywords Keywords in what? In your file names and the descriptions of your photos and videos.
Speaker 1:Really.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I know it sounds small, but trust me, it's important. Most people just upload a photo with whatever random name their phone gives it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I'm guilty of that.
Speaker 2:Yeah, me too.
Speaker 1:Like IMG 1234 or something.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and then they don't add a description. Okay, so what should we be doing? Rename your files with relevant keywords.
Speaker 1:Okay, like what?
Speaker 2:So let's say you're that plumber again.
Speaker 1:And you're uploading a photo of a faucet repair instead of IMG 1234.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:You can name it faucet repair Chicago.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:Or leaky faucet repair, and then in the description you can add even more details.
Speaker 2:Okay, like what?
Speaker 1:Something like expert faucet repair services in Chicago.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:So Google knows exactly what the photo is about Makes sense. It's like those little whispers we were talking about.
Speaker 2:Signals to Google.
Speaker 1:Yes, and the more signals you give them, the better your chances of ranking higher.
Speaker 2:Because Google knows exactly what you do.
Speaker 1:And who your customers are.
Speaker 2:It's so smart.
Speaker 1:It's all about strategy.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:Now let's talk about videos.
Speaker 2:Videos Okay.
Speaker 1:I feel like this is where people get scared.
Speaker 2:Yeah, videos can be intimidating.
Speaker 1:But they're also so powerful they are.
Speaker 2:I mean when I'm scrolling through Google.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:I always stop if there's a video.
Speaker 1:Me too.
Speaker 2:It's way more engaging.
Speaker 1:And it lets you see the business in action.
Speaker 2:Totally.
Speaker 1:But here's the good news.
Speaker 2:What's that?
Speaker 1:You don't need to be Spielberg to make a good video for your Google business profile.
Speaker 2:Okay, good, because I'm no Spielberg.
Speaker 1:Me neither.
Speaker 2:So what are we aiming for?
Speaker 1:You say short.
Speaker 2:Okay short, Like how short.
Speaker 1:Like 30 to 60 seconds.
Speaker 2:Okay, that's doable.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and just focus on one thing.
Speaker 2:Okay, give me an example.
Speaker 1:If you're a plumber, you could do a quick video showing a recent repair.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Highlighting how careful and skilled your team is.
Speaker 2:Yeah, showing off your expertise Exactly.
Speaker 1:Or you could do a quick tutorial Right, like how to prevent your pipes from freezing in winter.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that.
Speaker 1:It is, and it shows potential customers that you know what you're doing.
Speaker 2:Right, you're the expert.
Speaker 1:You're giving them value even before they hire you.
Speaker 2:That's so smart.
Speaker 1:It's all about building that trust. It is and remember it doesn't have to be perfect. Okay, just be yourself. Be genuine.
Speaker 2:Keep it real.
Speaker 1:And let your passion for your business shine through. I like that. Okay, so we've covered the what. The what you know consistent uploads, geotagging, keywords, videos.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:But now let's talk about the why.
Speaker 2:The why.
Speaker 1:What's the psychology behind all of this?
Speaker 2:Interesting.
Speaker 1:Both for Google and for your customers.
Speaker 2:Okay, I'm listening.
Speaker 1:So for Google, it's about showing them that you're an active and thriving business. Remember, we talked about how they want to show businesses that are alive and well, mm-hmm. Well, consistent updates are a big part of that.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:And it makes sense from their point of view, right.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:They want to give their users the best and most up-to-date results.
Speaker 2:Yeah, of course.
Speaker 1:So if your business is constantly updating their profile, it's a good sign that you're a relevant and reliable business.
Speaker 2:So Google's happy.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:What about the customers?
Speaker 1:For customers. It's all about trust.
Speaker 2:Trust.
Speaker 1:Transparency and building an emotional connection.
Speaker 2:So it's more than just checking boxes for Google. It's about telling your story Exactly and showing people who you are. Yes, so they connect with you on a deeper level.
Speaker 1:It's about making your business more than just a name and address on a screen Right. It's about showcasing your personality, your values, your commitment to your community.
Speaker 2:That's how you stand out. It is In a world full of businesses all vying for attention.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and that's what we're all about, right.
Speaker 2:Absolutely.
Speaker 1:Helping you stand out and succeed.
Speaker 2:I love it, and you know what else plays into that.
Speaker 1:What's that?
Speaker 2:Reviews.
Speaker 1:Ah, yes, reviews.
Speaker 2:They're so important.
Speaker 1:You really are like digital word of mouth. Totally Everyone checks reviews these days.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, Before I go anywhere or buy anything.
Speaker 1:I always check the reviews, actually for local businesses.
Speaker 2:It's like you're getting advice from people who've actually been there.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:But you know, getting people to leave reviews, it can be tough.
Speaker 1:It can feel like pulling teeth sometimes.
Speaker 2:It really can.
Speaker 1:So how do we do it?
Speaker 2:How do we get those reviews? Well, I think it helps to understand why people leave reviews in the first place. Why do they? It's not just about complaining or praising you know, no, it's deeper than that. Okay, I'm listening. It's about being part of a community. Oh, interesting. Sharing their experience, yeah, and helping other people make good decisions.
Speaker 1:So it's like they're contributing to this collective knowledge.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and it makes them feel good.
Speaker 1:Okay, that makes sense.
Speaker 2:So if we can tap into that.
Speaker 1:Tap into that desire to help. Exactly, then maybe we get more reviews, exactly, so how do we do that?
Speaker 2:Well, first make it easy for them.
Speaker 1:Easy how.
Speaker 2:Give them clear instructions on how to leave a review. Okay, like literally tell them step by step.
Speaker 1:So no one gets lost along the way.
Speaker 2:Right and make sure there are links everywhere.
Speaker 1:Links to where.
Speaker 2:To your Google business profile review section.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Put it on your website in your email signature, even on your receipts.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's smart.
Speaker 2:Yeah, so it's always right there in front of them.
Speaker 1:So no excuses.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:Now should we actually ask for reviews.
Speaker 2:I think it's okay to ask.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:But be strategic about it.
Speaker 1:Okay, what do you mean?
Speaker 2:Don't just say can you leave us a review?
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's kind of generic.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:What should we say instead?
Speaker 2:Make it personal and specific to their experience.
Speaker 1:Give me an example.
Speaker 2:So let's say you're a plumber and you just fixed someone's leaky faucet. You could say something like this Was it Mr Smith?
Speaker 1:Yeah, Mr Smith, Okay so you'd say, Mr Smith.
Speaker 2:Okay, so you'd say, mr Smith, I'm so glad we were able to fix that leak for you today. Okay, if you were happy with the service, we'd really appreciate it if you could share your experience on our Google Business profile.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It helps other homeowners in the area find reliable plumbers like us. Oh, I like that, so you're personalizing it. You're highlighting the value you provided. Yeah, and you it. You're highlighting the value you provided and you're explaining why the review is important.
Speaker 1:And it's not pushy.
Speaker 2:Right. It's just a friendly suggestion. I like it, but remember the best way to get good reviews is to actually provide amazing service.
Speaker 1:Oh, absolutely.
Speaker 2:You can have the best marketing in the world, but if your work isn't good, people are going to talk.
Speaker 1:And those reviews are going to reflect that.
Speaker 2:They will.
Speaker 1:So it all starts with doing great work. It does, and making your customers happy, exactly. But you know what else is important, what's?
Speaker 2:that Responding to reviews, oh yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 1:Both the good and the bad.
Speaker 2:Even the bad ones.
Speaker 1:Especially the bad ones.
Speaker 2:Okay, why?
Speaker 1:Because it shows you care.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:It shows you're engaged and you're willing to address any issues. It shows you're listening Shows you're engaged and you're willing to address any issues.
Speaker 2:It shows you're listening Exactly. So how do we respond to the good reviews?
Speaker 1:Keep it simple, genuine and personal, Okay, Like. Thank you, Sarah, for the kind words.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:We're so glad you enjoyed your experience and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
Speaker 2:Perfect.
Speaker 1:Now what about the negative reviews?
Speaker 2:Okay, those are trickier.
Speaker 1:They can be, but it's all about how you handle them.
Speaker 2:Okay, how do we handle?
Speaker 1:them, don't get defensive.
Speaker 2:Okay, no defensiveness.
Speaker 1:Even if you feel like the review is unfair.
Speaker 2:Right. Take a deep breath.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay, and then what?
Speaker 1:Acknowledge their feedback, apologize for any inconvenience Mm-hmm. Any inconvenience and offer a solution.
Speaker 2:Like how.
Speaker 1:You could say something like we're so sorry to hear about your recent experience, mr Jones. Oh okay, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and we'd like to understand what happened so we can improve.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:Please feel free to reach out to us directly so we can address your concerns.
Speaker 2:So you're giving them a way to connect.
Speaker 1:Yes.
Speaker 2:And hopefully resolve the issue.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and even if they don't take you up on the offer.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Other potential customers will see that you're taking it seriously.
Speaker 2:Right, you're not just ignoring the bad reviews.
Speaker 1:Exactly, it's about turning a negative into a positive.
Speaker 2:I like that.
Speaker 1:Both for the customer and for your online reputation.
Speaker 2:Because everyone's watching those reviews. They are, so we got to handle them right. We do.
Speaker 1:But you know what, what? Sometimes those negative reviews can actually be helpful.
Speaker 2:How so.
Speaker 1:They can show you where you need to improve.
Speaker 2:Oh, I see like areas where you're falling short.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:So we can learn from them.
Speaker 1:You can. It's all about using feedback to grow.
Speaker 2:I like that mindset.
Speaker 1:Both the good and the bad.
Speaker 2:Makes you better.
Speaker 1:It does.
Speaker 2:Now speaking of growth, yeah, let's talk about community engagement.
Speaker 1:Ooh, yes, this is a big one.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:We hear a lot about it these days.
Speaker 2:We do. It's like a buzzword.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:But what does it actually mean?
Speaker 1:Yeah, what does it look like in real life?
Speaker 2:Especially for local businesses.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:How do Core? It's about building relationships.
Speaker 1:Okay, relationships with who.
Speaker 2:With the people and organizations in your local area.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It's about becoming a part of the community.
Speaker 1:Not just a business trying to sell something.
Speaker 2:Right, it's about being a good neighbor.
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:And those connections can happen online and offline.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Give me some examples. So online you can use social media to connect with local residents.
Speaker 1:How so.
Speaker 2:Share updates about your business, okay. To connect with local residents. How so? Share updates about your business, okay, but also highlight local events.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's nice.
Speaker 2:Support other businesses.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Participate in conversations that are relevant to your community.
Speaker 1:So it's not all about you.
Speaker 2:It's not.
Speaker 1:It's about being part of the bigger picture.
Speaker 2:Exactly you want to be a resource.
Speaker 1:Not just a billboard.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:What you want to be a resource, not just a billboard Right?
Speaker 2:What about offline? Offline? You can sponsor local sports teams, okay, participate in charity events or even just host a neighborhood open house.
Speaker 1:Get people in the door.
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's about getting out there and meeting people.
Speaker 1:Shaking hands, making connections, you're so powerful. It is.
Speaker 2:Because people remember those face-to-face interactions.
Speaker 1:They do. It builds trust.
Speaker 2:And loyalty Exactly.
Speaker 1:And then they tell their friends Word of mouth is the best marketing. It really is so get out there and be a part of your community. I love it, but I know it can feel overwhelming.
Speaker 2:It can.
Speaker 1:Especially when you're first starting out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, where do we even begin? Start small, okay.
Speaker 1:And focus on what you're passionate about. Oh, I like it. What are the causes or organizations that you?
Speaker 2:really care about. Find those authentic connections Exactly, and don't be afraid to experiment. Try different things, see what works.
Speaker 1:There's no right or wrong answer.
Speaker 2:It's a journey.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:And the more you engage the more, you'll discover those unique opportunities to connect.
Speaker 1:And contribute.
Speaker 2:And ultimately, grow your business.
Speaker 1:In a way that feels good.
Speaker 2:In a way that feels right.
Speaker 1:I love it. So we've talked about all the things you can do on your Google business profile itself.
Speaker 2:Yeah, photos, videos, reviews, right Getting out there in the community.
Speaker 1:All that good stuff.
Speaker 2:There's a lot to keep track of.
Speaker 1:It is, but you know all of that is even more effective.
Speaker 2:It is.
Speaker 1:If you have a strong foundation.
Speaker 2:Oh, ok, what do you mean by foundation?
Speaker 1:I'm talking about local SEO.
Speaker 2:Ah local SEO.
Speaker 1:That's how you make sure people can actually find you online.
Speaker 2:Right. So when they're searching for a business like yours, they actually see you in the results.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and we've touched on some basics already, like what Geotagging, for example, right Making sure your location is clear, but there's a whole lot more to it.
Speaker 2:There is Okay. So tell me, what else do we need to know?
Speaker 1:Okay, have you ever heard of citations?
Speaker 2:Citations I think so.
Speaker 1:Basically, they're online mentions of your business on other websites.
Speaker 2:Okay, so like what kind of websites?
Speaker 1:Directories for one.
Speaker 2:Okay, like Yelp TripAdvisor.
Speaker 1:Exactly yeah, but also industry-specific platforms.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay.
Speaker 1:Like, if you're a plumber, there might be websites specifically for plumbers.
Speaker 2:Right, that makes sense.
Speaker 1:And even local news sites or blogs.
Speaker 2:Okay.
Speaker 1:So it's about getting your name, address and phone number out there N-A-P.
Speaker 2:Yes, exactly N-A-P. Okay, got it. And consistency is key.
Speaker 1:Consistency how Make sure your business information is exactly the same on every website?
Speaker 2:Okay, so my name, address, phone number, all spelled the same way.
Speaker 1:Yes, no abbreviations or variations.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:Because Google is looking for those signals.
Speaker 2:They're checking up on us. They are To make sure we're legit.
Speaker 1:Exactly. The more consistent those citations are, the more confident Google feels about your business.
Speaker 2:And that means higher rankings. Okay, what else Backlinks? Backlinks, those are links from other websites. Back to our website, right?
Speaker 1:Yes, and they're super important for local SEO.
Speaker 2:Okay, why is that?
Speaker 1:Because Google sees them as votes of confidence.
Speaker 2:Votes of confidence.
Speaker 1:Yeah, like other websites are saying, hey, this business is trustworthy and relevant.
Speaker 2:Oh, interesting.
Speaker 1:So the more backlinks you have from high quality websites yeah, the higher you'll rank.
Speaker 2:So how do we get those backlinks?
Speaker 1:That's not about spamming everyone with a link request.
Speaker 2:No.
Speaker 1:It's about building relationships Okay and providing value.
Speaker 2:So, like, what kind of things can we do?
Speaker 1:You could partner with complimentary businesses, okay, and do cross promotions.
Speaker 2:Oh, that's smart.
Speaker 1:You could sponsor local events, get involved with local charities, oh, even write guest blog posts for industry websites.
Speaker 2:So it's about being active and engaged.
Speaker 1:Exactly Just like with community engagement it all ties together.
Speaker 2:I'm seeing the connections now.
Speaker 1:And when you're putting yourself out there, those backlink opportunities will come naturally.
Speaker 2:It's like you attract them, you do, okay. So citations, backlinks, what else?
Speaker 1:Now we got to talk about mobile optimization.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah, that's huge these days.
Speaker 1:It is Everyone's on their phones Constantly, and if your website isn't mobile friendly, yeah, you're going to lose customers.
Speaker 2:Because they'll just click away.
Speaker 1:They will.
Speaker 2:Frustrated.
Speaker 1:Yeah, think about it. You're searching for something on your phone. You click on a link.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And the website is all jumbled up.
Speaker 2:Tiny text buttons everywhere.
Speaker 1:You can't find what you're looking for.
Speaker 2:It's a nightmare.
Speaker 1:It is. Are you going to?
Speaker 2:stick around. No, I'm out of there.
Speaker 1:Exactly, and that's what your customers will do too.
Speaker 2:So what do we do?
Speaker 1:Make sure your website is responsive.
Speaker 2:Responsive. What does that mean?
Speaker 1:It means it adapts to different screen sizes.
Speaker 2:Oh, okay.
Speaker 1:So it looks good on a phone, a tablet and a laptop.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that makes sense.
Speaker 1:Make sure the buttons are big enough to tap Right tablet and a laptop. Yeah, that makes sense. Make sure the buttons are big enough to tap Right the text is easy to read and the navigation is simple and intuitive.
Speaker 2:So it's a good experience.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay, mobile optimization Check what else.
Speaker 1:And while we're on the topic of mobile, yeah, we got to talk about voice search.
Speaker 2:Oh, voice search that's getting bigger and bigger.
Speaker 1:It is. Everyone's talking to their devices now.
Speaker 2:I do it all the time.
Speaker 1:Me too. Hey Siri find me a coffee shop Exactly.
Speaker 2:Okay, so how do we optimize for that? It's all about natural language.
Speaker 1:Natural language Okay, people speak differently than they type, right? They use longer, more conversational phrases.
Speaker 2:Okay, so give me an example.
Speaker 1:Instead of typing plumber Chicago.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:They might say hey, google, find me a plumber near me who specializes in drain cleaning.
Speaker 2:I see.
Speaker 1:So you need to think about those conversational phrases.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:And use them in your website content.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:Your Google business profile description, your social media posts. It's about anticipating how people are actually speaking.
Speaker 2:Makes sense.
Speaker 1:And making sure your content aligns with those search patterns.
Speaker 2:So we're speaking Google's language and our customers' language.
Speaker 1:You got it.
Speaker 2:This is amazing. I'm learning so much.
Speaker 1:Me too. It's a lot to take in, but it's all so important If you want to succeed as a local business these days.
Speaker 2:You really got to have all your bases covered you do From your online presence to your community engagement.
Speaker 1:It's a holistic approach.
Speaker 2:And it's so worth it.
Speaker 1:It is Because, when you do it right, yeah. You're not just attracting customers, no, you're building a thriving, sustainable business.
Speaker 2:That's the dream.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:Well, this has been incredible. Thank you so much for sharing all this knowledge.
Speaker 1:Of course it's my pleasure.
Speaker 2:I feel like I have a much better understanding of what it takes to succeed.
Speaker 1:That's what we're here for.
Speaker 2:I'm ready to take my business to the next level.
Speaker 1:I love to hear that.
Speaker 2:Seriously thank you.
Speaker 1:And thank you to everyone listening.
Speaker 2:Yes, thank you for joining us.
Speaker 1:We hope you found this deep dive insightful and helpful.
Speaker 2:We'll.