Online business profiles—particularly on Google and Yelp—can have a profound impact on your ability to pull in customers from your geographic area. That’s because buyers tend to search the web first when they need to find a new company or vendor, especially if they’re using their phone while on the go.
However, while understanding the importance of local business profiles is a good first step, that’s not enough to actually make the most of them. If you want to see a consistent flow of customers going from your business descriptions on the internet into your company’s accounts, here are a few things you have to do…
Fill in Descriptions and Categories Completely
It doesn’t take a lot of time to fill in your online business profiles, but it definitely needs to be done. Otherwise, you could have entries that are incomplete, inaccurate—or perhaps worst of all—filled in by someone who doesn’t actually know what your company does.
Double Check Your Contact Information
Your contact information must absolutely be accurate and consistent across all of your online business listings or profiles. That includes your mailing address, phone number, website domain, and even social media handles. If any inaccuracies, customers may look at that information and think your business has multiple locations, call multiple numbers, etc. The worst thing you could do is make a customer drive to multiple locations or call the wrong number. By the time the customer has to call the third number, you’ve already lost them in the sales funnel process.
The obvious reason for accuracy is because it makes it easier for customers to find your company. Consistency is key here, so Google and other sites can help match buyers to the vendors they’re looking for.
Use Photos That Tell the Right Story
Photos are an enormous part of your business profiles. Crisp, colorful, high-quality images make you and your team seem friendly, your business more professional, and your products more valuable. Conversely, low-quality pictures undercut your credibility.
If you don’t already have good visuals to work with, it’s well worth hiring a professional. A great photographer can photograph your team, your location, your products, and make your business stand out. Then you can attach these hi-resolution images to your profiles and see what kind of impact they make on sales.
Get Great Reviews from Your Best Customers
Perhaps the most important part of an online business profile is the composite star rating that shows up next to it. With lots of positive customer feedback, you’ll have an easy time convincing the public they should give you a try. But, if you have a one or two-star rating, many buyers won’t even bother to see what you’re all about.
Knowing that it’s a good idea to encourage your best customers to leave positive reviews for your business, particularly when you’re just setting up your profile. Then, using the same packages that keep your contact information up-to-date, you can monitor your review status over time. You might be amazed at the effect it will have on local sales.