Frequently Asked Questions on Local Online Marketing
How do I get my business to show up in local search results and appear on maps with my phone number?
Answer: Chances are basic information with your business location on a map will appear for business name searches (e.g., "Joe's Pie Shop"). On Google, this appears as a Google + listing in the top right corner of the search results page. But to gain full control of your listing, you will need to create local business accounts and claim your business in the major search engines (Google is a good place to start). These listings act as mini-websites that give your location, hours, services and more. Enhancing your listing with photos and videos helps your business stand out and improve your chances of appearing in more search results. Reviews of your business from Google+ users will also show up on your business.
Here are links to get started:
Google My Business (formerly Google+ Places for Business)
Bing Places for Business
It is important that your business name, address and phone number (known as NAP) appear the same way across these search engines and other online business directories. Variations in business name, and old addresses are not only confusing for potential clients, but it also harms your chances of ranking in top positions of search results. Other major business directories include:
Superpages.com
YP.com
Neustar Localese
Citysearch
Foursquare
HotFrog
Manta.com
Best of the Web
Be sure to check out your business' citations on these directories to make sure they are up to date and all information is consistent. See examples by viewing "Anatomy of a Local Search Results Page."
What local searches will my business most likely show up on?
Answer: Your business stands the best chance of showing up for local searches that have a combination of your business category and your business location--for example, "nail salons in 10013," or "tribeca dry cleaners." The limiting factor is your competition and how well they have optimized their listings. To show up for broader geo-targeted searches like "best dry cleaner in nyc" you will need a well established online presence as measured by number of reviews, an SEO-optimized website, and mentions of your business (with links) in authoritative online publications like The New York Times. It's never too late!
Do I need to create a website for my business?
Answer: For the long-term, yes, we recommend having a website for expanding your online presence. Without a website, your business is dependent upon business directories, search engines and review sites like Yelp for showing up on search results. The website gives you more control over telling your story and attracting new customers. It's also a requirement if you want to do paid advertising on Google and Bing.
How do I get started with building a website?
Answer: You'll first need a domain name that provides your business address--www.yourbusiness.com. Try to create a domain name that contains at least one word that's relevant to your business. For example, if you're a barber, it's best to include barber in your domain name--www.brooklynbarbers.com. That way, you're more likely to show up in search results. LocalBizNYC.com partners with Google's Get Your Business Online program that makes the entire domain registration and website development process easy and economical.
I see reviews for my business on Yelp. How can I respond to them?
Answer: As with the search engines, you will need to go through the same process of creating a free Yelp business account and claiming your business if you haven't already done so. The Yelp business account will email you when someone writes a review, so you can respond accordingly if problems are highlighted.
Do I need to create a Facebook page?
Answer: Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google + are becoming an increasingly important factor in helping your business rank high on local search results. It is also is an efficient channel to communicate news about your business to loyal customers who will like you business on Face book. At some point, therefore, it should be put on your to-do list.
What local searches will my business most likely show up on?
Answer: Your business stands the best chance of showing up for local searches that have a combination of your business category and your business location--for example, "nail salons in 10013," or "tribeca dry cleaners." The limiting factor is your competition and how well they have optimized their listings. To show up for broader geo-targeted searches like "best dry cleaner in nyc" you will need a well established online presence as measured by number of reviews, an SEO-optimized website, and mentions of your business (with links) in authoritative online publications like The New York Times. It's never too late!
Answer: Chances are basic information with your business location on a map will appear for business name searches (e.g., "Joe's Pie Shop"). On Google, this appears as a Google + listing in the top right corner of the search results page. But to gain full control of your listing, you will need to create local business accounts and claim your business in the major search engines (Google is a good place to start). These listings act as mini-websites that give your location, hours, services and more. Enhancing your listing with photos and videos helps your business stand out and improve your chances of appearing in more search results. Reviews of your business from Google+ users will also show up on your business.
Here are links to get started:
Google My Business (formerly Google+ Places for Business)
Bing Places for Business
It is important that your business name, address and phone number (known as NAP) appear the same way across these search engines and other online business directories. Variations in business name, and old addresses are not only confusing for potential clients, but it also harms your chances of ranking in top positions of search results. Other major business directories include:
Superpages.com
YP.com
Neustar Localese
Citysearch
Foursquare
HotFrog
Manta.com
Best of the Web
Be sure to check out your business' citations on these directories to make sure they are up to date and all information is consistent. See examples by viewing "Anatomy of a Local Search Results Page."
What local searches will my business most likely show up on?
Answer: Your business stands the best chance of showing up for local searches that have a combination of your business category and your business location--for example, "nail salons in 10013," or "tribeca dry cleaners." The limiting factor is your competition and how well they have optimized their listings. To show up for broader geo-targeted searches like "best dry cleaner in nyc" you will need a well established online presence as measured by number of reviews, an SEO-optimized website, and mentions of your business (with links) in authoritative online publications like The New York Times. It's never too late!
Do I need to create a website for my business?
Answer: For the long-term, yes, we recommend having a website for expanding your online presence. Without a website, your business is dependent upon business directories, search engines and review sites like Yelp for showing up on search results. The website gives you more control over telling your story and attracting new customers. It's also a requirement if you want to do paid advertising on Google and Bing.
How do I get started with building a website?
Answer: You'll first need a domain name that provides your business address--www.yourbusiness.com. Try to create a domain name that contains at least one word that's relevant to your business. For example, if you're a barber, it's best to include barber in your domain name--www.brooklynbarbers.com. That way, you're more likely to show up in search results. LocalBizNYC.com partners with Google's Get Your Business Online program that makes the entire domain registration and website development process easy and economical.
I see reviews for my business on Yelp. How can I respond to them?
Answer: As with the search engines, you will need to go through the same process of creating a free Yelp business account and claiming your business if you haven't already done so. The Yelp business account will email you when someone writes a review, so you can respond accordingly if problems are highlighted.
Do I need to create a Facebook page?
Answer: Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Google + are becoming an increasingly important factor in helping your business rank high on local search results. It is also is an efficient channel to communicate news about your business to loyal customers who will like you business on Face book. At some point, therefore, it should be put on your to-do list.
What local searches will my business most likely show up on?
Answer: Your business stands the best chance of showing up for local searches that have a combination of your business category and your business location--for example, "nail salons in 10013," or "tribeca dry cleaners." The limiting factor is your competition and how well they have optimized their listings. To show up for broader geo-targeted searches like "best dry cleaner in nyc" you will need a well established online presence as measured by number of reviews, an SEO-optimized website, and mentions of your business (with links) in authoritative online publications like The New York Times. It's never too late!
