Online business listing is the process of creating and managing your company’s contact information on search engines, directories, and social media platforms.
Having accurate, consistent data in these listings is essential to your business’s reach and visibility. A listing management service can take care of claiming your profile and updating it regularly.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a subset of internet or web marketing, and involves the process of optimizing a website to increase its likelihood of being shown within organic search results pages (SERPs). This typically includes making improvements to a website’s technical configuration, content relevance, and link popularity.
To optimize for SEO, it is important to understand how search engines work, and what your target audience searches for online. Begin by creating a seed list of keywords that your ideal customers are likely to type into Google when searching for your product or service. This will help you identify which terms are more popular and what your competition is like for those keywords.
Then, choose a few keywords that you can focus on and use them throughout your online business listing. This will help you rank higher on SERPs and attract more organic search traffic. Also, remember to be consistent in your approach and stick with it over time.
Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
PPC is one of the fastest ways to generate traffic and leads for your business. It can be a great supplemental revenue source and is highly measurable and trackable, making it easy to see the return on your investment.
The most common form of PPC is search ads, which appear at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs) when users search for a particular query. Advertisers bid on keywords that match their product or service offerings and are charged each time someone clicks on their ad.
PPC campaigns are typically broken up into multiple ad groups, each containing related keywords and ad copy that aligns with the user’s search intent. This allows advertisers to control their visibility and optimize their ad spend over time, based on data insights. Other PPC ad formats include shopping ads (which serve products directly on the SERP) and display remarketing (to encourage basket abandoners to complete their purchases). Ultimately, the type of ad you choose depends on your business goals and how you want to reach your audience.
Reputation Management
It’s no secret that online reviews can make or break a business. In fact, according to Brightlocal, 77% of consumers read online reviews when making a local purchasing decision. Managing your reputation is essential to a successful marketing strategy.
Reputation Management involves monitoring perceptions and conversations, addressing them in a timely fashion, and leveraging owned media channels to influence the way consumers perceive your brand. It’s a process that takes time, but it can be worth the effort when done right.
Adding your business listings to online directories like Angi and Thumbtack can help potential customers find you on their favorite search platforms. You can also use tools such as Brightlocal’s citation tracker and Sprout Social’s all-in-one social inbox to manage your online review strategy. The key is to be consistent and listen, not react, to customer feedback. Addressing concerns swiftly and transparently cultivates a positive relationship with your audience and can nip negative interactions in the bud.