In today’s digital world, visibility is king. Even the most fantastic businesses can struggle to attract customers if hidden online. So, to ensure a strong start to the new quarter, let’s tackle a quick but impactful task that is mandatory for all businesses to do if they want to attract new customers and clientele.
I need every one of you to take an hour out of your day to set up all 3 things.
1) Google Business Profile, 2) Bing Places, 3) Apple Business Connect
No matter if your business operates online or has a storefront, claiming your profiles on Google Business Profile, Apple Business Connect (formerly Apple Business Kit), and Bing Places for Business is crucial. These free listings put your business on the map (literally!), ensuring potential customers can find you easily through search engines and popular map apps.
These 3 services are the gateway for your business to be found on the search engines and the popular map platforms.
In today’s digital age, these platforms are often the first point of contact for consumers, so having accurate and updated information readily available is key to driving traffic and sales.
Here are 5 Reasons Why It’s Mandatory To List on all 3
1. Increased Visibility: Being listed on Google Business, Apple Business, and Bing Places Profile significantly boosts your business’s online presence, making it easier for potential customers to find you when they search online.
2. Enhanced Local SEO: These platforms help improve your local search engine optimization (SEO), ensuring your business appears higher in search results when people look for relevant services or products in your area.
3. Access to Valuable Insights: They offer valuable insights and analytics about how customers find and interact with your listing, allowing you to tailor your marketing strategies more effectively.
4. Customer Trust and Credibility: Listings on reputable platforms lend credibility to your business. Reviews and ratings on these sites further enhance trust among potential customers, influencing their decision-making process. Did you know that having your customers leave reviews on these platforms helps with Search Engine ranking?
5. Free Marketing: Setting up profiles on these platforms is essentially a form of free advertising, offering you a platform to showcase your products or services, share updates, and connect with customers without a significant investment. In addition to listing your products and services, you can post content (images, videos, Links to content…think blogs, YouTube vids, podcasts) and much more.
What Type of Data Do These Platforms Give You?
- Customer Reviews and Ratings: These platforms provide businesses with feedback from customers, including reviews and ratings, which can be used to improve services or products.
- Search Queries: Information on the keywords or phrases that potential customers use to find your business listing, helping you understand what your audience is looking for.
- Visitor Insights: Data on how many people viewed your business listing, including trends over time, which can help gauge interest levels and the effectiveness of your listing.
- Engagement Metrics: Details on how users interact with your listing, such as clicking on the contact information, directions, or website link, offering insights into customer behavior.
- Demographic Information: Information on the demographics of your audience, including age, gender, and location, allowing for more targeted marketing strategies.
- Conversion Tracking: Understand how many website visits or phone calls originated from your listing, allowing you to quantify the impact of your local presence.
Should I be posting content on Google Business, Apple Business and Bing Places?
Posting content, updates, and events on platforms like Google Business, Apple Business, and Bing Places Profile offers numerous benefits for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence and customer engagement:
- Keeps Your Audience Informed: Regularly updating your business listing with fresh content and news keeps your audience informed about what’s new, special offers, and any upcoming events. This constant flow of information ensures that your customers have a reason to keep checking your listing.
- Boosts Engagement: By posting compelling content and updates, you can increase engagement with your business. Engaged customers are more likely to visit your business, use your services, or buy your products.
- Enhances Visibility: Regular updates signal to the platforms that your business is active, which can help improve your visibility in search results. Active listings are often perceived as more relevant to user queries, potentially leading to higher rankings.
- Strengthens Your Brand: Sharing updates and content helps in building your brand’s voice and personality online. It gives your business a human touch and makes your brand more relatable and appealing to your target audience.
- Drives Traffic and Conversions: By posting about special offers, events, or new products/services, you can drive more traffic to your website or physical location. This increase in traffic can lead to higher conversion rates, whether it’s sales, bookings, or inquiries.
- Facilitates Customer Feedback and Interaction: Posting content encourages customer feedback and interaction. Reviews and comments can provide valuable insights into customer preferences and areas for improvement. It also offers an opportunity for businesses to respond, fostering a sense of community and customer care.
- Cost-effective Marketing: Utilizing these platforms for posting updates and content is a cost-effective way to market your business. Compared to traditional advertising methods, it offers a free or low-cost alternative that can reach a broad audience.
In essence, regularly updating your business profiles with engaging content and timely information can significantly enhance your online presence, improve customer engagement, and contribute to your business’s overall growth and success in the digital arena.
Let’s make this a Q2 to remember! Don’t wait any longer to claim your free listings on Google Business, Apple Business Connect, and Bing Places. By investing a small amount of time now, you’ll unlock a ton of benefits: increased visibility, improved customer engagement, and valuable data to inform your marketing strategies. Take control of your online presence today and watch your business thrive in the new quarter. Head over to the respective platforms now and get started, don’t say I didn’t warn you lol.
Ready to book a 1on1 Digital Strategy Call so we can sit down and look at your business digital presence? Hit the link —> Digital Strategy Session.