Archive for the ‘Local Mobile Search’ Category

52. Use of Panoramio for small business

Friday, September 28th, 2012

Panoramio is a tool owned by Google which affords the user help in including images as part of this approach but what makes this tool unlike other image sharing tools?

Various studies have proved that using images online can have the effect of engaging the user and holding their attention quicker than just using plain text. With this in mind, it would be prudent for any business in ensure that images are incorporated as part of their websites, blogs and any other online marketing and company branding strategies.

With Panoramio there is the facility to exhibit a symbol on a map, which will correspond to the place that the image in question was taken. This is fantastic for any business when a potential client asks questions about your business, for example; “Can you make available details of where your current customers are serviced or situated?” Rather than just offer a directory of areas or addresses, they can be accompanied by images which will help them connect more easily with the text.

Other capabilities of Panoramio are that you can effortlessly share your images on social networking sites such as Google Buzz and Twitter which will help increase awareness of your brand, products and services. GEO modifiers can be attached to an image which will help direct more traffic to your online marketing tools where people are specifically looking for your location.

There are also photographic communities within Panoramio. These groups are a place where like minded people can share images and have discussions about topics that they are enthusiastic about. These groups will help ensure that your business is connecting with and maintaining relationships with people that will want to be informed and kept up to date with what products and services you can provide.

Panoramio is free and easy to use and they provide a comprehensive resource section which will ensure that any user of Panoramio can reap the benefits to the fullest extent.

If you would like more information of local search services or how Panoramio can help with local SEO and marketing, please contact us.

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38. Local Search – make the most of citations

Thursday, June 7th, 2012

As I have mentioned in previous posts, Google is trying harder than ever to ensure a good user experience.  This means an increased focus on returning local search results that are relevent.

This has meant that Google Places has gone through yet another update and now you will see an increased number of ‘blended’ search results.  This is where both normal organic and Google Places search results are displayed on the first page of Google.

local search results

This means that it is even more important to make sure that small businesses are set-up in a way to maximise the benefits of this service.

Action Plan

1. Claim your Places page

If you have not already, make sure that you claim (or add) your business page.

2. Complete the set-up

Make sure that you correctly complete all of the information, being mindful to take advantage of the different fields available to help people find you.  You must ensure the entry is 100% complete.

If you find any errors in the existing data and / or duplicate Places page, make sure you correct / get the duplicate page(s) deleted.

3. Reviews / Reputation Management

Check to see if you have any reviews.  If you do, and you find bad reviews, take action to contact the person who left the poor review and try to resolve their concern.  Likewise, examine your business and make sure that any deficiencies in your service that may have caused the bad review are addressed.

Get into the habit of asking your customers to add reviews.  If you don’t ask you don’t get!

4. Citations

Work on your digital footprint – mentions of your business across the internet (known as citations).  The more sources Google finds of your business name, address and (telephone) number (NAP), the more credible.

Downside is for Google to see a match, the NAP must exactly match your Places page.  So take care when adding your details to directories, websites, etc.  It is also worth searching and cleaning up old entries to gain more benefit.

Summary

Local Search is important.  Make sure you take the time to make the most of the trend.

If you would like a free local search analysis report for your business, send a mail to local@digitalark.co.uk with your website a 3 search phrases you are trying to rank your website for.

We are offering a number of cost effective local search packs to help get small businesses take advantage of local search.

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33. Why a small business needs to make the most of client reviews

Thursday, March 8th, 2012

When looking to purchase a product or use a specific service, many of us like to know that that the company and the product or service on offer is going to benefit us by way of things like quality, customer service and in some circumstances, after care such as warranties and maintenance. In order to gain knowledge in these areas we like to refer those who have already had experience with what we are looking to purchase.

 

Many companies will publish testimonials from the clients but how often do you see a negative review on a company’s website or within their other marketing materials? No-one likes to broadcast when a customer has had a bad experience or that their product is not all it’s cracked up to be.

 

With the introduction of the World Wide Web came a whole new way for companies for market their products. We no longer need to wait for a local directory or newspaper to be published or for an advert to appear between television programs. We now have instant access to millions of companies, products and services worldwide.

 

Further to this, social media websites like Facebook have not only changed the way we communicate with other socially but have also allowed us to express our opinions by way of forums and reviews on pretty much anything and everything and this includes the products and services we buy and use every day.

 

Many of us now refer to the masses rather than the few by way of these social media websites in order to build up a view on and ascertain if we would like to purchase a product or service. Client reviews are a powerful marketing tool; they give you independent opinions from other clients that have already used what you have an interest in and not just the company marketing it.

 

A lot of companies like Amazon that sell products from multiple manufacturers and businesses have taken on board just how important a tool crowd sourcing is and have adapted their websites so that both positive and negative responses can be left.

 

All companies small and large should embrace this approach as even if the response from a client is negative, honest feedback will help them review on a regular basis the products and services they have to offer, how their personnel are interacting with their clients but most importantly they will be able to implement changes in order to improve their products and services.

A very good service for local mobile search is Google Places please read our blog post 28. How Google Places can help a small business.

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29. Local search tips for your business online

Sunday, February 19th, 2012

In post number 28, I talked about how Google Places could help your business in respect of local search.  There are a number of other very useful resources that should also be considered to support a small businesses website and online marketing campaign.

Four Square

If you run a location based business such as a bar, coffee shop, hairdressers, beauty salon, restaurant, etc, you definitely should consider registering with Four Square.

Four Square allows you to register your business / premises on their social network.  This is done by registering an account and claiming your business.  You then will need to wait for a confirmation code to be mailed to you through the post (to make sure you actual are registered at the address).  This code is then entered and your business is live on the network.

Four Square business verification card

Card that you should receive to verify your business / organisation on Four Square

 

You can then set up details about your business, products, opening times and even special offers.  This information is then available within the Four Square social network.

Like other social networks it allows people to add reviews.  This is very powerful as there is an increasing trend for people to use ‘crowd sourcing’ (seeking the opinions of others) before visiting or buying.

Mobile Search 

The real power in Four Square is mobile search.  You can download a free app to your smartphone (i.e. iPhone).  This then allows users to search for venues that are near to their location.

So imagine you are in a new town, you want somewhere to eat but have no recommendations.  Launch Four Square, it will use the location services in your phone to advise you of the locations nearby, with reviews and if the owners have any offers for users of Four Square.

Checking-in and Offers

An important feature that sets Four Square apart from other social networks is the ability to check-in to a location.  This is achieved by clicking the check-in button when you are in or near to a location on your smart phone.

Points and badges are awarded for every check-in and you can compete on leader boards with your friends.

However, some clever businesses have also been smart and made use of the offers feature.  This allows a business to set up offers that are available to Four Square users who check in i.e. 10% off the price of a meal.

Become the Mayor

Another interesting feature is that you can become a mayor of a location.  This is achieved by having the highest number of check-ins over a period of time.  If you continue to visit and check-in you remain as the mayor.  If someone else achieves more check-ins, you get ‘ousted’.

Now being the mayor of a location can be rewarding.  For example, a number of Dominoes Pizza offer a free small margarita pizza to the current mayor of the location on a Wednesday.  There are many others who have offers, you just need to find them.

So as a small business, why not offer a special offer for the mayor.   This will encourage people to come and check-in, hopefully bringing more trade.

Let People Know

Four Square is becoming widely known so let people know you can be found on Four Square.  Add it to your promotional details, website, display on menus, etc.

When you register you may even receive a window sticker to use at your location like the one below.

 

Four Square window sticker

Four Square window sticker

Conclusion

Used correctly Google Places and Four Square can help expand the reach of your online marketing.

Remember, Digital Ark will set up Google Places free of charge for all clients who have our pay monthly website service.

If you would like more information or would like to discus the options for your business or organisation, please contact me simon@digitalark.co.uk.

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28. How Google Places Can Help a Small Business or Organisation

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

Before the inception of the internet, consumers relied heavily on phone books, newspapers and magazines in order to search out businesses. However; these means can be time consuming and unreliable. For example; those directories which are published yearly list many companies under the same heading, it may take time looking through the listings and a few phone calls to establish those closest to you.

The internet has fast become the most popular way in which to locate businesses as customers can find several companies in their area, relating to their requirements in just a few seconds. Google is one of the most used internet search engines and can offer a business an optimised business place page (Google Places) which can help them benefit from consumers using Google to locate their trade.

Google Places is a Free Service

Google Places is a free listing that not only helps businesses get found but allows them to offer potential customers so much more than just their company name, address, telephone number etc… Those using Google Places can upload photographs, videos, vouchers, customer reviews and so much more in order to inform customers of as much as possible, therefore standing a better chance of generating new and maintaining existing clientele.

Google Places Benefits from Optimisation

When creating a Google Places page optimisation is vital, search results displayed to a customer rely heavily on keywords and you should list as much information as possible. The best way to achieve this is not only with the use of photos and offers etc… but to ensure all keywords relating to what you can offer are specified.

Google Places Helps with Mobile Search

Using Google Places can also benefit businesses in respect of other technology. “Smart Phones” are fast becoming the latest trend in mobile phone technology and research has shown that ninety percent of owners have used their phone to conduct a search for a local business through Google. There are also numerous applications available with this technology that offer customers enticements such as vouchers and special offers for dealing with local businesses.

Keeping track of how the listing for your business is performing on Google is valuable information. When using Google Places, you will have a personalised dashboard that will show you information such as how often you were located on Google and from what areas customers are from. These and the other features of Google Places will help a business make more informed choices about how they interact with their customers and how they can get found on Google.

If you would like more information, please check our free resources for local mobile search.

Remember, if you have chosen our pay monthly website service, we will set up Google Places for free as part of the set-up of your website.

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8. Does your business web site have a purpose?

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Have you ever stopped to ask the question “what am I / my business trying to achieve from our web site?”.

Don’t be surprised if you can’t answer this question straight away!

In the late 90′s, through the 00′s and even today, many businesses and organisations were told they needed a web site but never really stopped to think why (and more importantly what it could do for their business).

This has led to million of web sites being published with no clear message and no clear objective.

I also think that this problem has been perpetuated as many web sites are designed by graphic designers or more technical focused people who are very must focused on making the design look good and / or the technical infrastructure that makes the site work!

Both are very important but it does not help meet the objectives of your business.

So it is important when building a new web site (or reviewing and existing web site) that you ensure that suitable time is committed to defining the objectives of the web site (what will you as a business consider as success).

I would recommend keep it simple and less is more.  You should be able to clearly articulate the objectives.  It is a good idea to right them down.

Examples of real objectives for your web site will normally fall into 3 general catergories:

Provide information

Allow potential clients to understand what your business does, location, opening hours, etc.

Engagement

Provide information to potential clients to prompt them to engage with your business i.e. place a call, book a meeting, request more information, join mailing list, etc.

Sale

Provide information to potential clients to allow them to make a buying decision and place a transaction through your web site.

Obviously this is only covers the objectives in a very high level and over the coming months I want to unpack some of these topics in more detail.

So lets take one example.  You may own a kitchen fitting company.  Therefore, the objectives of your web site could be:

  • Provide examples of your work (credibility)
  • Prompt potential clients to contact you for an estimate

A kitchen sale is a big transaction so it is very unlikely a client will place an order through a web site without meeting you face to face.  Therefore, it is sensible that your objectives are to make you stand out from the other kitchen designers causing the required action of the potential client to phone or e-mail you to book a free estimate.

With this objective clear in your mind, you then can maximise the design of your web site to achieve the required objectives.  This means that your business web site has a clear purpose and you should gain an increase in business.

Over the coming months I will develop these themes further.  In the meantime you may be interested in the free resources on my web site for planning and designing your web site.  Simply join our web site by following this link and completing the simple form Free Web Site Design Guide.

Digital Ark is very focused on helping businesses and organisations to use their web site and online marketing to achieve real business objectives.  If you would like to know more, please drop me a line simon@digitalark.co.uk.

Kind regards

Simon

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3. Local mobile search in action

Wednesday, March 9th, 2011

Perhaps you are still unsure on the practical uses of Local Mobile Search?

I would like to share a recent, personal experience that may help……

My family and I have just been on a family holiday to Bognor Regis (based on the south coast of England for our international readers).  Now you can’t go to the seaside without having fish and chips at least once.  So while my wife got our son to sleep, I was tasked with going and getting the fish and chips for supper.

Now I could have just strolled into Bognor Regis town center and walk around until I found a fish and chip shop and then hoped it served good, clean food.

Because I know the power of Local Mobile Search, I got out my iPhone, opened the Google Places application, typed in “fish and chips” and hit search.  Hey presto I had 6 nearby locations.  I looked at the nearest one and it had 4.5 stars as a Google review, I then looked at the next one (called Lindens), it had 5 stars.  So I used the Google map to guide me.

I ordered cod and chips twice, the staff were friendly and the fish and chips were superb (as stated in the reviews).

After finishing my fish and chip supper, I used my iPhone to post another 5 star review for Lindens – success leads to more success (or business in this case)!

It did make me think how many fish and chip shops lost out on the chance to get my business as they are not set up for Local Mobile Search and did not appear when I entered my search into my iPhone.

So what can we earn from this real world experience.

  1. Being set up for Local Mobile Search is critical, without it you will not even be in the race.
  2. Having (good) reviews gives you a better chance than other listed businesses.

If you would like more information  that can help your business take a look at our free resources http://www.digitalark.co.uk/localmobile.html

All in all I was very happy as it helped add to the enjoyment of a great family holiday.

 

 

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2. 5 Reasons Local Mobile Search is important

Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011

Did you know that the web is going local?

Did you know this is great news for local business?

I would like to share 5 reasons why you should be excited about the opportunity this presents.

Reason 1 – your customers are local

It is estimated that around 80% of people make purchasers within a 5 mile radius of home or where they work.  This means that there are already customers within your area using their computer or mobile phone to find you!

Reason 2 – old style advertising does not work

In the 1990’s and early ‘naughties’, reaching local customers meant phoning Yellow Pages, sitting down with the sales rep, agreeing size of advert and how many categories you wanted to be listed in and then paying quite a lot of money (I know I used to spend a couple of thousand pounds with a business I used to own).

That has all changed.  People use the web and mobile phone to find what they are after.  How many times has someone said ’just Google it”?  How many of you even look at the Yellow Pages when it arrives on your doorstep?

Old styles of advertising no longer works like it did in the past!

Reason 3 – Google knows search is local

Search has gone local.  Google, Yahoo, Bing, Facebook and many others have realised this and are investing to make sure that the end user is presented with the information they are looking for.  This includes recognising when a user is searching for something local.

Just type “plumbers in <your town>” and see what results Google returns.  As well as all the paid for adverts and organic results, the middle section will include results for local search and a map will appear to the right indicating the locations of each of the businesses.

This is great for small business as it gives you a real opportunity to get ahead of big business with their large advertising budgets.

Reason 4 – paid online advertising is expensive

Paid online advertising is becoming very expensive.

The cost of ‘pay per click’ advertising to appear on the first page of Google, Bing, etc can be very expensive for certain key search words i.e. mortgage.  Many small businesses can not afford to run a meaningful campaign to have their ads consistently appear on the front page.

Reason 5 – people search on the move

The advances in mobile smart phones such as the iphone, mean that many people are searching as they go about their daily routines.  This means that businesses who have set themselves up for mobile search are in pole position to make a connection with potential customers when they are ready to buy.

One of the things I love about my iphone is that you can open the Google Maps app, type in pizza and straight away it shows all the pizza takeaways close by.  Then by clicking on one of the locations shown on the map it gives you the details (and any special offers for smart local enabled businesses).  The number is also shown, you tap on it and you are placing your order.

This is very powerful and allows a better chance of converting someone into a customer.

In summary

  • Your customers are searching for local businesses like you.
  • Customers want to be able to find local businesses online and while they are on the move.
  • Local search allows local businesses to compete with big business.
  • It does not have to be expensive. 
  • Small businesses that do not set themselves up for local mobile search are missing out on business. 

If you would like more information, please take a look at my free video clip and resource pack available on my web site at Local Mobile Search.

Kind regards

Simon

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