Let’s start with the basics, what is Google Local? Google Local is a free service provided by Google, allowing businesses to better engage with potential customers in their local area. It also allows local residents to discover local businesses, as well as review and rate their services. An example search could be for ‘Italian restaurant in Richmond’. You’ll see in the screen shot below that three local Italian Restaurants have been displayed. These listing follow a set format with reviews clearly visible. If you were to click on one of the restaurants it would then display additional information about that business.
Google Local is not just beneficial to small local businesses where a lot of its business will come from the surrounding area. Global Corporations such as McDonalds, will benefit from having their nearest outlet presented. The benefits of having your business listed on Google Local include:
The sum of all these benefits is increased exposure and traffic to your site.
Google Local by nature is inherently linked to your web site and the information Google has gathered from it. Google puts substantial importance on your web sites ability to render correctly on mobile devices. Since April 2015 if your web site is not mobile friendly (responsive) it will likely appear less often on all search results, including Google Local. Internet Dreams Studio can help ensure you have a mobile compatible web site.
Once people arrive on your web site it’s important that their expectations are met as this could be their first impression of your business. A well designed, structured and intuitive web site with relevant and engaging content will help convert those visitors into potential clients.
The above information is a guide helping you achieve success with Google Local. There are numerous other factors to take into consideration in addition to those above. ID Studio Web Agency has a lot of experience and success in all aspects of digital strategy and marketing. If you would like additional information on any of the above please contact us to arrange an informal meeting or phone call.
For more information please see https://www.google.com/business/.