Are you more likely to eat at a restaurant you have never visited before or a restaurant recommended by a friend? Most people will choose the restaurant their friend gave a rave review to. This is the concept Google+ Local is trying to capture.
Google+ Local is a new feature that has been added to Google+, which allows users to find and share local information on the internet.
The feature incorporates search, maps and a scoring system to show you the best businesses in any local area and the places recommended by your friends.
This is a great opportunity for your business to attract new customers and increase your online visibility.
Here are a few tips on how Google+ Local works and why your business should be using it.
Google+ Local has a scoring system: Google+ Local is now using the Zagat scoring system where customers can score a business out of four points.
3 = excellent
2 = very good
1 = good
0 = poor to fair
These scores are then averaged and multiplied by ten to generate an average score out of 30 points. Businesses will then have an overall score displayed on their Google+ Local page.
Customers can also rate some businesses based on different aspects. For example, with a restaurant, customers can give individual scores for the food, decor and service. If they liked the food but hated the decor then this would be displayed with a score of 26 for the food and 8 for the decor.
This scoring system allows customers to make informed decisions when deciding to use the services of a particular business. If your business has a high Zagat score then customers are more likely to choose your business over one with a lower score.
How to claim your Google+ Local page: It’s likely your business is already showing up on Google maps. You should check if this is true by searching for your business on Google maps. The Google+ Local tab can also be found on the right hand column of your Google+ page.
If your business has a map listing customers can click on ‘more info’ and be taken to your Google+ Local page. This opportunity is already available to your business so why not make the most of it and control the information that appears on your page? You can claim your Google+ Local page by clicking on the button ‘manage this page’ and following the instructions.
Fill out your Google+ Local page: Take advantage of the great opportunity to advertise your business on Google+ Local pages and Google maps by filling out your profile page. You can add photos, videos, your logo, testimonials and a description of your business. This will help potential customers to understand your business and what it offers and hopefully increase your sales by attracting new customers.
Increase your Google+ Local search engine ranking: When someone writes a review for your business on Google+ Local, your business will then appear higher on their followers Local search results. This means you want lots of people to write positive reviews for your business to gain access to a wider range of potential customers. This will increase your online visibility by getting your business to appear higher on Google+ Local searches.
Great customer service: Customer service for any business is now more important than ever because customers are very likely to write a review about your business on social media. This means you need to be prepared to offer great customer service in all aspects of your business to gain positive reviews on your Google+ Local page.
A Google+ Local page is a great way of advertising your business, increasing your online visibility and attracting new customers. Why not take advantage of this great online opportunity?
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Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more great tips visit our website www.cpcommunications.com.au.
