5 Ways Local, Small Town Business Can Boost Their Website Traffic in the Fall

5 Ways Local, Small Town Business Can Boost Their Website Traffic in the Fall

Fellow small town business owners, entrepreneurs and local nonprofit organizations everywhere continue to benefit once they accept the inevitable, technology is here. If you’re not using it to market, grow and expand your business, then you are really missing out on a huge opportunity. 

As a small town business owner myself, I understand the daily challenges you face. The rapid advancements in technology and the ever-evolving digital landscape can often feel overwhelming and sound like a foreign language. In small communities across America, where tradition and familiar faces are prized, embracing technology and launching a new website can seem like the last thing anyone wants to do. But here's the thing – in this digital age, it's not just a "nice-to-have" but a "must-have." Your website is your modern-day storefront, your connection to the wider world, and your key to thriving in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Let me introduce myself. I'm Patrick Cox, The Cre8tive Consultant. As a digital marketing specialist, I'm here to help small town business owners like yourself navigate the future. I specialize in website design, crafting compelling email campaigns, managing social media strategies, and optimizing your online presence with LOCAL SEO. 

My mission is to bridge the gap between tradition and technology, ensuring that local businesses not only survive but thrive in the digital age. In this blog post, we'll explore five essential ways you can boost your website traffic this fall season and make technology work for your small town charm. Let's dive in!

Fall into the Charm of Seasonal Content

Fall is a season of change, and in small towns, that's something you can relate to. The leaves turn, the air gets crisp, and pumpkin spice finds its way into everything. But have you ever thought about how these changes can breathe fresh life into your business?

Incorporating Fall-Themed Content

Small town charm thrives on the traditions and experiences unique to each community. So why not embrace the season's theme and integrate it into your website and marketing campaigns? By incorporating fall-themed content, you can resonate with local customers on a personal level.

Consider this: a local bakery that adds a section to their website featuring seasonal recipes and mouth watering images of freshly baked apple pies and spiced pumpkin lattes. Or a hardware store that highlights fall home improvement projects. These are ways to engage your audience, show that you're in tune with their needs, and encourage them to explore your website.

The Significance of Seasonal Alignment

But it's not just about content; it's also about the visual appeal. Your website's design, colors, and content should be aligned with the season, just as your storefront might feature fall decorations. It creates a sense of connection and continuity, making your website feel fresh and inviting.

Imagine your website welcoming visitors with warm, earthy tones, and images of the local fall foliage. This kind of design instantly evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Moreover, aligning your content with the season adds a touch of relevance. You show your customers that you're aware of the world around them, and that your business is in sync with their needs and desires.

So, when you're considering how to boost your website traffic this fall, remember that embracing the seasons can be a powerful tool. It's not just about technology; it's about connecting with your local community on a deeper level. In the next section, we'll delve into the world of Local SEO, where your website can truly shine, so keep reading to discover more ways to grow your small town business online.

Local SEO Strategies

Unlocking the Power of Local SEO

Local SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is like a magic wand for local, small town businesses and organizations. It's what makes sure your business pops up when someone nearby searches for products or services you offer. So, let's dive into how local SEO can help you boost website traffic and connect with your community.

Local Keywords: The Keys to Search Visibility

One of the first steps in improving your local SEO is using the right keywords. Local keywords are search terms that include specific location identifiers, like "small town coffee shop" or "boutique store in [Your Town]." By incorporating these keywords into your website content, you increase your chances of showing up in local search results. Here are some tips to help you get started with local keyword research and integration:

• Understand Your Audience: Think about the words and phrases your potential customers might use when searching for your products or services. What are the common terms used in your small town?

• Use Keyword Research Tools: Tools like Google's Keyword Planner can help you find the most relevant local keywords for your business. Look for keywords with a balance between search volume and competitiveness.

• Integrate Keywords Naturally: Incorporate local keywords into your website's content, including titles, headings, product descriptions, and blog posts. It should sound natural, not forced.

• Location Pages: If your business serves multiple small towns or neighborhoods, consider creating location-specific pages. This allows you to target a wider range of local keywords.

Google My Business (GMB): Your Local Beacon

An up-to-date Google My Business profile is essential for boosting your local SEO. When your GMB profile is accurate and optimized, it ensures your business appears prominently in Google search results and on Google Maps.

Here's how you can optimize your GMB listing for the fall season:

• Fall Promotions: Update your GMB listing with information about your fall promotions, discounts, or special events. Mention any seasonal products or services you offer.

• Festive Photos: Add high-quality, seasonally themed photos of your business. These images can evoke a sense of warmth and welcome, encouraging customers to choose your business.

• Accurate Information: Ensure that your business's name, address, phone number, website, email, and other contact details are accurate and consistent across all online listings. This consistency is crucial for local SEO.

By optimizing your GMB profile and local SEO, you make it easier for potential customers in your area to find and choose your business, boosting your website traffic and increasing foot traffic to your physical location.

In the next section, we'll explore how active community engagement and participation in local events can further enhance your online presence. Stay with us to discover more strategies for growing your small town business this fall.

Engage with the Community

Fall Events: More than Just Fun

Participating in or promoting local fall events, particularly nonprofit and charity events, can be a significant boost to your small town business. Beyond contributing to a good cause, these activities can enhance your online presence and foster a sense of community.

Benefits of Involvement

• Enhanced Local Visibility: Supporting local events and charities often leads to positive press and community recognition. It's an opportunity to showcase your business's commitment to the town.

• Positive Brand Image: Involvement in charitable events demonstrates your business's dedication to social responsibility and community well-being. It can create a favorable brand image.

• Network Opportunities: Local events provide a platform for networking with other businesses and potential customers. It's a chance to build relationships and partnerships within your small town.

Using Your Website and Social Media

Engaging with the community through your website and social media can be a powerful tool for boosting website traffic and creating goodwill. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Event Promotion on Your Website: Create a dedicated page on your website for local events, including information on upcoming nonprofit events, charity drives, and fall festivals. Provide event details, schedules, and how your business is involved.

• Blog Posts: Write blog posts that highlight your participation in these events and share the impact they have on the community. Don't forget to include high-quality photos and stories of your involvement.

• Social Media Coverage: Use your social media platforms to post regular updates about the events you're supporting. Share photos, videos, and live updates during the events to keep your followers engaged and informed.

• Community Collaboration: Collaborate with other local businesses participating in the same events. Share each other's content and promote one another to maximize visibility.

• Email Campaigns: Use your email campaigns to inform your subscribers about upcoming events and your business's involvement. Share the event details and how they can participate.

Remember, community engagement isn't just about self-promotion; it's about fostering genuine connections and making a positive impact. By actively participating in or promoting local events, you can not only boost your website traffic but also create a strong bond with your community. In the next section, we'll explore the power of email campaigns, one of the most effective ways to keep your community informed and engaged. Stay with us to learn more about how to leverage this tool effectively.

Email Campaigns

The Power of Email: Boosting Website Traffic

Email campaigns are like digital invitations to your website. When done right, they can be a key driver of success for your small town business. By sending out engaging and relevant emails, you can effectively direct traffic to your website and promote your fall-themed offerings.

Why Email Campaigns Matter

• Direct Communication: Email is a direct line of communication with your audience. It's a personal and effective way to engage your customers.

• Targeted Messaging: You can tailor your email content to different segments of your audience. This means you can send relevant content to the right people.

• Conversion Opportunities: Every email is an opportunity to convert readers into website visitors and, ultimately, customers.

Fall-Themed Email Content Ideas

• Fall Promotions: Create email campaigns to announce fall promotions and discounts. Offer exclusive deals to your email subscribers as a reward for their loyalty.

• Seasonal Events: If you're hosting or participating in fall events, send out email invitations or reminders. Share the details and encourage recipients to visit your website for more information.

• Fall Product Showcases: Feature your fall-themed products or services in email newsletters. Use engaging images and persuasive copy to entice your subscribers.

• Customer Stories: Share stories of satisfied customers who have benefited from your fall offerings. Personal testimonials can be a powerful motivator for others to visit your website.

• Seasonal News and Updates: Keep your subscribers informed about any changes, seasonal hours, or new arrivals during the fall season.

• Fall-Themed Resources: Offer resources or guides related to fall activities, events, or lifestyle. For example, if you run a bookstore, create a list of must-read books for fall.

• Contests and Giveaways: Host fall-themed contests or giveaways in your emails, encouraging recipients to visit your website to participate.

Remember to make your emails visually appealing, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Use compelling subject lines that entice recipients to open the email and explore your website further.

By leveraging email campaigns, you can not only keep your audience informed but also drive traffic to your website during the fall season. In the next section, we'll focus on the importance of maintaining an accurate and updated online presence, starting with Google My Business, and how it can further boost your small town business. Stay tuned for more insights.

Overcoming Resistance

Acknowledging Tech Hesitation in Small Towns

We understand that embracing technology and the digital world in small towns can be met with hesitation. Change often brings about uncertainty, and many in your community may be reluctant to adapt. This resistance is not unique to your town; it's a challenge faced by small communities across the nation.

The Value of Local Expertise

When navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology and marketing, especially in small towns, it's invaluable to work with someone who understands the unique dynamics of your community. Local expertise can bridge the gap between tradition and technology, helping your small town business not only survive but thrive.

Here's where someone like me, Patrick Cox, The Cre8tive Consultant, specializing in local marketing for small towns, can make a significant difference. My experience lies in understanding the nuances and values of small communities, and I have a track record of helping businesses like yours overcome the resistance to change.

By partnering with a local marketing specialist, you gain access to the following benefits:

• Community Insights: I understand the pulse of your town, its preferences, and what resonates with your community. This knowledge allows me to tailor marketing strategies specifically for your audience.

• Local Connections: Over the years, I've built connections within the community that can be leveraged to create partnerships and collaborative opportunities.

• Customized Strategies: My expertise in website development, email campaigns, social media management, and LOCAL SEO ensures that your marketing strategies are customized for the unique needs of your small town business.

• Success Stories: I can share success stories of businesses in your town or similar communities that have embraced technology and reaped the benefits.

Small town charm is something to be cherished, and we want to help you preserve it while simultaneously advancing your business. So, if you're hesitant about making the leap into the digital age, remember that working with a local marketing specialist like me is the bridge that can help you overcome resistance and embrace the opportunities of the future. Your small town business deserves to flourish in the digital era, and together, we can make it happen.

In the concluding section, we'll recap the five ways your small town business can boost website traffic this fall and how you can take the first step in this exciting journey. Keep reading to embark on this digital adventure.

Five Ways to Boost Website Traffic in Fall

In the charming world of small town businesses, the fall season holds vast potential for growth and connection. We've explored five essential ways your local business can boost its website traffic this autumn.

• Embrace the Seasons: By incorporating fall-themed content into your website and marketing, you can resonate with local customers and align your website's design, colors, and content with the season.

• Local SEO Strategies: Harness the power of local keywords to improve search engine visibility and ensure your Google My Business profile is up-to-date with consistent business information.

• Engage with the Community: Participate in or promote local fall events, especially nonprofit and charity events, to enhance your online presence. Utilize your website and social media to keep the community informed and engaged.

• Email Campaigns: Leverage email campaigns to drive website traffic by sharing fall-themed content such as promotions, events, and seasonal offers.

• Overcoming Resistance: Acknowledge the tech hesitation in small towns and recognize the importance of working with an experienced local marketing specialist to bridge the gap between tradition and technology.

As we navigate these challenging but exciting times, remember that adapting to change doesn't mean losing the local charm that makes your town unique. It's about finding the balance between the traditions that define your community and the technology that can help your small town business thrive.

Contact Us for Personalized Assistance:

Here at Peacock's Website & Design Services, we are here to assist as you venture into a different way of promoting your products and services. As a local marketing specialist, Patrick Cox, The Cre8tive Consultant, has the knowledge and experience needed to guide your small town business towards success in the digital age.

If you're ready to take the first step towards boosting your website traffic, I invite you to reach out to us for a consultation or more information about our services. We'll work together to tailor a strategy that's perfectly suited to your small town business's needs.

• Website: www.thecre8iveconsultant.com

• Contact Page: Contact The Cre8tive Consultant

Embrace the fall season and the digital age with confidence. Your small town business has a bright future ahead, and we're here to help you make the most of it. Get in touch with us today, and let's start the journey towards a thriving online presence.

Local Restaurants Need Your Help!

This year has been challenging for everyone, but no business owner has suffered more than your community's local restaurants. Between shutdowns, limited seating allowance and customers feeling uneasy about dining inside, restaurants everywhere are closing their doors for good.

Still, many owners won't give up so easily. If you've ever worked in a restaurant, you know how perseverant restaurant owners can be. They love their communities and care for their staff, so they will do all they can to stay open. They've initiated new programs like home delivery, take-out with curbside pickup and catering. Some have even added outdoor seating, which is fine when the weather is good, but as we enter into the coldest time of the year, those outdoor seats aren't much fun. Owners who can afford them are purchasing outdoor heat lamps, fire pits and other ways to warm their guests; however, this is an expensive gamble. Unless people hear about these upgrades, they won't come in. 

We need our local restaurants to stay open. They are essential to a healthy local economy. They employ us. They feed us. They give us a place to socialize and meet new people. Local bars and restaurants are responsible for more love stories than any other business in the world. We need them, and they need you. It's on all of us to help them get the word out and let others know how they can accommodate our hunger for good food. 

Here's how you can help:

Spread the Word

If you use social media, you can make a difference.

• Share about a recent experience or meal you had. Post a picture on your page and give them a shout out. Use descriptive and fun words to describe your meal or experience. Tag their Facebook page and let them know how much you enjoyed the food and service they provide. (TIP: To tag another business page, start by typing the @ symbol and the business page's name. Scroll through the options Facebook gives you and select the correct page. Tagging also helps others see the post, as well.)

• Go to their business page and post a review or recommendation. Let people know how they accommodate people during the pandemic and ensure readers the establishment took the proper precautions to ensure your safety.

• Share about them in community groups. We all belong to at least one or two local groups. Start a conversation about your favorite local restaurant and tag them in the post. Let people know about any unique offerings they provide and encourage people to give them a try.

• Post a Review on Google, Yelp and Amazon. Besides Facebook, Google, Yelp and Amazon have the greatest reach online. Your reviews will be seen by thousands and show up on the restaurant's Google My Business Page. Amazon reviews are even shared on Alexa, so when someone asks Alexa about local restaurants, it may offer to share your review.

Buy Gift Cards

For the most part, sales of gift cards go straight to a business' bottom line, which is invaluable during challenging times. They are like microloans and repaid over time. They make fun and exciting gifts for anyone you receives one. 

• Buy a few and give them as stocking stuffers to your older kids.

• Local Realtors can use gift cards to strengthen client relationships, serve their communities and improve their personal brand. If you're a local realtor, buy a bunch and give them to clients, vendors and your network. You'll be helping the restaurant and let your sphere of influence know you appreciate them. They also make a great addition to your new home buyer gift bags. Gift cards are like mini advertisements with a cash incentive to visit local establishments.

• Local business owners of all kinds would do well by giving gift cards from local restaurants as gifts. Get creative and put together an assortment of cards from local shops and restaurants and promote your whole community. Snap a picture and share it on Instagram and Facebook; don't forget to tag the businesses in the post.

Give to NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund

Another way to support local restaurants and their employees is to donate to The NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund.

North Carolina restaurants and hotels provide jobs for more than 550,000 of our state's citizens, comprising 13% of our state's workforce. With the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in the shutdown of in-house dining, travel, and lodging stays, most hospitality workers have lost their jobs, income, and entire livelihood through no fault of their own. According to their website:

• The NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund has been established and will be managed through the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that has provided financial assistance to hospitality employees and students for more than a decade.

• The goal of the NC Restaurant Workers Relief fund is to provide immediate financial assistance to the tens of thousands of cooks, servers, dishwashers, housekeepers, and others who live paycheck-to-paycheck and suddenly find themselves in distress.

• Needs-based requests will be submitted through an online application, which will then be reviewed, scored and determined for funding. NC Restaurant Workers Relief Fund will strive to review applications as quickly as possible to provide immediate financial assistance.

• This effort is limited to those who currently reside in North Carolina. Out-of-state applicants will be informed (at the time of application) of this requirement.

Other charitable organizations dedicated to helping restaurant owners, their employee's and their families include: 

• Restaurant Opportunities Center is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve wages and working conditions for the nation's restaurant workforce.

• Core grants support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances.

• Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve wages and working conditions for the nation's restaurant workforce.

While many of us struggle through these dark times, we will get through them. As a part of the community, you can make a big difference by helping local business. Shop local, eat local and use local services.

If you find this article useful, share it on your Facebook or LinkedIn page. Hopefully, we can inspire enough people to make a positive difference.

Local SEO Tips to Help Local Small Town Business Owners Improve Your Visibility Online (Part 1)

Forward: This article is the first in a series of blog entries dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, local small business owners and nonprofit organizations negatively affected by a slow economy, shutdowns and layoffs, and other issues due to COVID-19. My hope is to help you improve your online visibility by focusing on local SEO and adjusting your local marketing efforts. Your website and social media presence are essential to the success of your business, now more than ever. We are witnessing one of the toughest years this country has ever experienced.  I'm no doctor or scientist, so I can’t solve to COVID issue, but I am a digital marketing specialist. I can use the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to help people like you by improving your reach online, so you can sell more products and services and get the positive attention you deserve. This week's post is a prelude to a series of upcoming articles dedicated to specific niches and industries, so if you haven't subscribed to my blog yet, do it today (you won't regret it). 

COVID-19 is Attacking Local Small Businesses

Recently, Yelp shared a report on the effect COVID-19 is having on small businesses all over the country. The Yelp Economic Impact report tracks business closures through Yelp customer review listings. They found that an estimated 163,735 businesses have closed in the U.S. as of August and they don't expect it to get better anytime soon. 

According to another survey by Main Street America, "...millions of small businesses will be at great risk of closing permanently if the crisis continues for several more months. Of the nations approximately 30 million small businesses, nearly 7.5 million small businesses may be at risk of closing permanently over the coming five months, and 3.5 million are at risk of closure in the next two months."

Here at home, local small businesses have it even worse. College towns like Raleigh and Chapel Hill are getting hit even harder. They depend on the Fall income boost from kids going back-to-school. This year, that boost never came. Retailers, bars, theatres, and restaurants are all getting their asses kicked, as well as the vendors and service providers that serve them. 

While much of this news is bleak, there is hope.

When any industry struggles, we all feel it. It’s our duty to do all we can to stay in business, while supporting other local businesses to help them stay open. Still, many folks have already closed up shop or lost a job due to their company closing. Crisis breeds creativity, so instead of burying our heads in the sand and waiting for relief, many people are coming up with their own innovative ideas to stay afloat. These include:

• Starting new online ventures like e-commerce businesses, affiliate marketing or consulting services;

• Rebuilding their business to offer services online;

• Learning new skills or honing old skills to use in creative ways; or

• Taking the experience and skills they gained working in one profession and using them to help in another, such as flight attendants helping at hospitals and nursing homes.

Whether or not you decide to take a shot at doing something new online or you continue working hard to stay open, one thing is for sure: 

You must have a strong digital presence to succeed. 

The problem is, marketing your business isn’t easy. One common issue I see here in the RTP (especially the small towns that surround the big three) is their disregard for the opportunities the internet offers. When I moved here from Northern Virginia, it was like stepping back in time. It was cute and kind of cool, but these days it is imperative you're business is online. 

That means you need to have two things:

1. A fast, easy to navigate, mobile-responsive, and search engine optimized website with a clear call-to-action, a blog to provide fresh content on a frequent basis, backlinks, and an email sign-up form to help build an email list of potential customers.

2. Social media pages on Facebook, LinkedIn, and a third platform depending on your industry. (Instagram is great for fashion, design, health, and beauty, lifestyle, photography, etc. etc., Pinterest is great for anyone especially in retail, Snapchat and TikTok great for personal brands, realtors, entertainers, etc.) 

There is much more to it, but without a website and social media presence, your business is invisible.

In the past, small town businesses did quite well with word-of-mouth advertising. Business owners were involved in the community, we networked in person and attended Chamber of Commerce events. We met for coffee before work to catch up and met for drinks after, to unwind. Social interaction was a key factor in how well your local business did.

Today, it’s much more difficult to meet for coffee or let loose after work. Networking and vendor events are virtual now, so those personal one-on-ones with referral partners just aren’t occurring. COVID-19 is keeping people indoors, so people aren’t socializing the way we did. If you want to succeed, you need a digital storefront people can easily find, learn about your products and services and easily move forward either making a purchase or set up an appointment. Therefore, slapping together a half-assed website or using your Facebook page as your website just isn't going to cut it, anymore. You are competing with the rest of the world, so it's time to kick it up 10 notches and get serious about your online presence. 

Local SEO: Don't fear it, embrace it!

One essential aspect of digital marketing is Search Engine Optimization or SEO. SEO is the process of maximizing the number of visitors to a website by ensuring it appears high on the list of search engine results. Local SEO is one of the hottest trends in marketing because it evens the playing field between large and small businesses. It’s also just one of many examples of how your business could benefit from a good SEO strategy. It seems simple enough; however, when most small business owners start digging into the many aspects of SEO, they get overwhelmed.

• They feel they are to far behind the competition, so they don’t consider it in their marketing strategy. The truth is, Local SEO is different and offers small business owners are real opportunity to compete with anyone.

• SEO services are costly, but with a little coaching and by taking action on the things I mention below, you can get accomplish great things.

• SEO is always changing, how can someone keep up while still managing their own business. It’s possible, read on…

• They don’t know where to begin. Terms like “Crawling”, “Cloaking”, and “Bot” sound more like something one would read in a Sci-Fi novel than in a marketing strategy. For now, don’t worry about those scary words. Just take it one step at a time.

The truth is, SEO IS A COMPLEX PROCESS! it involves many different tactics and best practices that can change at any moment. However, as a small business serving your local market, a few simple adjustments will make a huge difference on how SEO can help your business get the attention it deserves. Ready? 

Before we move forward, I challenge you to take a few hours over the next week to do 1 thing to improve your brand's visibility online. Schedule 5-7 hours over next week, right now. If you need to work a few extra hours, it will be worth it. I promise!

Go on…I’ll wait…

OK, are you ready?

Improve Your Local SEO by Filling Out Your Local Directory Listings and Citations

Step One: If you haven’t done it yet, NOW is the time. Set up your Google My Business page.

If you refuse to take any other advice I offer, at least do this. Your Google My Business (GMB) page is more than just a local listing, your free Business Profile lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. The benefits are priceless:

• It provides potential customers a place to learn more about you with links to your website, store hours, phone number, email and more.

• Instant messenger offers you a way to speak with customers while they are searching for companies like yours. You can engage in a one-on-one conversation with them online before they even arrive.

• Weekly posts allow you to share team pics, fun or informative info about your industry, or promotions with links to call or email you, visit your website or send visitors directly to a landing page where they can learn more.

• You can showcase products and services right on your listing!

• Add support links to your profile, so customers can purchase gift cards and make a donation.

• Post photos to your profile to show off what makes your business unique, highlight your company culture, and give customers good reason to choose you, every time.

• Check your monthly insights to see how many people called your company, visited your website or searched for you on Google maps.

• All your reviews are there too, so you can gain the trust of potential customers.

• Based on your business, people can place orders right on your page. The easier you make it for them the easier it is for them to choose you.

• You can share an offer directly to your followers to show how much you appreciate their loyalty and keep them coming back.

• To help customers stay informed about your business, create custom posters, social posts, and more from reviews and updates on your Business Profile on Google. All for free.

• You can even build a free website on your Google My Business profile.

Google My Business is like a mini website on Google.

Setting up a GMB page is free and will enable you to appear in local search results for queries specific to your products or services. If you have a office or shop, you will also show up on Google Maps.

Get started here:

• Set up your GMB page. You can begin by searching to see if you (or someone else) may have done this already by doing a search in Google Maps.

• If you have no page, then sign in with your Google Account and simply create one using the easy instructions provided. It’s best to sign up with your business email since this account will be for all your locations. (If you don’t have a custom email address for your business, you can get one here through G-Suites.)

• You will need to get your profile up to as near completed status as possible, then verify it through a phone call or postcard code. Until you have verified your listing, you will not be able to hit 100%. A couple things:

  • Enter complete data: Name, address, phone number, email, category and attributes (such as “Minority Owned Business” or Veteran Owned Business”) are all critical to a strong listing.

  • Verify your location.

  • Provide accurate open/closed hours and keep them that way (people really rely on them, especially out in the country because we may have to drive an additional 15 minutes to get to your shop and it’s super frustrating to get somewhere to find out they’ve changed their hours due to COVID).

  • Manage and respond to your reviews

  • Add photos

For more help setting up your GMB page, here are instructions.

Once your Google My Business page is set up, it’s time to move to the next step.

Step Two: Claim the rest of your local business listings.

Remember the Yellowpages? In 1886, a gentleman by the name of Reuben H. Donnelley established the first classified telephone directory, The Yellow Pages. No one knows for sure why they switched to yellow paper. They didn't start that way. Legend has it the printer ran out of white paper in 1883 and instead of waiting weeks for a new shipment, Donnelley used yellow.

Today, Yellowpages.com is just one of 100’s of online directories in which you can register (or cite) your business. Most of these listings are free and they offer a place where you can share your contact information, details about your products and services, and much more. They are called listings or citations and they are a very important aspect of your local marketing.

Consider this:

Say it was the 1985. You just opened a new company and you need to get the word out. TV, radio, newspapers/magazines and direct mail were your main channels for advertising, but they were all quite expensive. The Yellowpages offered a cost-affordable option to deliver your contact information to everyone in your area. Would you list your business or nonprofit in your local Yellowpages? Sure you would, everyone did. Now imagine the Yellowpages was just one of 50 local free directories. Wouldn't you want to be in all of them?

Same theory here.

When someone needs a product or service, they begin by searching online using search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. Everyone who has a website and sells the products or services you do, can be found on search engines. Wouldn’t it make sense to have your business or nonprofit organization listed in as many places as possible. The more sites your business is listed on, the greater their chances are of finding you, right?

According to Mariam Ellis, MOZ Local SEO Specialist, "Every location-based business needs to own as much of its branded and core keyword SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) as possible. Taking maximum control of both structured and unstructured citations is one of the most obvious and sensible ways to achieve a high degree of ownership. Whether it’s structured, like a traditional TripAdvisor listing, or unstructured, like a mention of your business in local online news ranking in the first 3-5 pages of Google, these are identifiable business assets." 

Listing your business on local directories will improve your local businesses' visibility and rank online. 

There are two ways to do this:

• Use a service like Yext, where you rent your listing and as long as you pay for their service, they continue to show up. However, once you decide you don't want to pay for their service anymore, ALL your listings go away. ; or

• You manually enter your listings on 20-70 local structured directories like Apple Maps and Better Business Bureau, industry-structured sites like Houze or TripAdvisor, and unstructured sites like local blogs like Triangle Food Blog or Triangle Business Journal. This does take some time and must be consistent, using the same info on every listing, but you own them, forever! 

To help, I have created a spreadsheet with some of the most influential and relevant sites and provided you with all the info you should have ready to ensure all your listings are consistent. I suggest using it or something like it so you can track your listings.

Now, I understand this is time-consuming, but it truly does matter and it will help you get ahead of your competition. Now, I know many of us don’t have 5-7 hours to do this, but it's so important. Therefore, I am now offering it as a service starting today. Learn more...

Just think of these listings as another link to your website. You can do 20 and have 20 new links to your website, or you can do 70 and have 70 new links to your website. It’s pretty simple, just time consuming.

Next week, I will share your next step to improve your local SEO. Be sure to subscribe and enjoy the rest of your week! 🎃👻👽🤡🎃