Often times our clients will ask: How do we optimize our local Google Places profiles to help appear in local search listings?
We are able to give them loads of advice to make sure their local profile page is optimized, completely filled out, AND the information is consistent with all of their other digital touchpoints (ie. Internet directories, social profiles, website contact us page, etc…)
Then comes one of the toughest parts of improving a local profile…getting reviews.
Google is continually adapting its search algorithm to make social influence a bigger factor in rankings. Google’s Search, plus Your World is another evident sign of this.
Though gaining positive reviews through sites like Yelp, Trip Advisor, and Urbanspoon are also important for building your company’s reputation, you need to think about sending some of your positive reviewers to your Google Places Page to gain better local search rankings.
Here are 5 steps to get more reviews for your Google Places Page:
- Shorten and track your local profile URL: Run your Google Places URL through a URL shortener like bit.ly, goo.gl, or ow.ly.
- Now you have a shortened URL that is easy to track. You can even run this same URL several times through the shortener if you want to track this URL across different outlets (twitter, facebook, blog post, press release, etc) and see which outlet is gaining the most traction.
- Reviews through Social Media: Place your shortened Google Places URL on your company’s Facebook profile, Google+ page, Twitter Profile and blog, and encourage positive customers to review your service.
- Reviews after Service Completion: Place your shortened Google Places URL on the invoice or Thank You letter after completion of service, and ask satisfied customers for a review.
- Reviews from Customer History: If you have access to your previous customer’s history, contact the customers and see if they would be willing to give you a review.
- Reviews from other review sites: Look at other review sites like Yelp. Often times if you login, you’ll be able to see information from reviewers of your business. Privately reach out to people that have already given you a positive review, and ask if they would be willing to write one up on your Google Places page.
Some industries are harder and more competitive than others to move up in rankings, however, by increasing your amount of positive reviews to your Google Places page, you will have a much higher chance of gaining a substantial amount of local search traffic.
What are some easy ways you’ve used to increase local traffic to your Google Places Profile?