by Chris Barnard | May 26, 2015 | Reviews and Citations
Writing Reviews Is a Pain, Ask Customers to Tell You How They Really Feel
For a lot of Carlsbad business owners, generating customer reviews at a consistent clip can be somewhat of a challenge.
But it doesn’t have to be, and it certainly doesn’t have to be an expensive proposition – whether you’re a doctor or dentist using reviews & retention software or a local eatery offering a more grass-roots approach.
Google tends to get most of the reviews attention, but best practice is to offer your customers options.
Maybe some prefer Facebook, or Yelp (eeeek!), or even Angieslist.
Instead of asking your customers to write a review on Google, ask them to talk into the microphone and give you a voice review. (more…)
by Chris Barnard | Jul 15, 2014 | Local Search
Local SEO For Your Carlsbad Business May Start With Google…But It Doesn’t End There
It’s 2014; any local business that has not yet taken control of their Google+ Local presence by verifying their listing is out of touch at best, and soon to be not doing any business at worse.
Local search optimization (Local SEO) is not expensive, and if done right it can continue to pay significant dividends in the form of new customers, more reviews, and boosted search engine rankings.
The tasks begin with verifying & optimizing local search engine listings on Google, Yahoo, & Bing. A relatively straight-forward process that should be as important to a local business owner as improving cash flow and paying the electric bill.
This claims process soon progresses to sniffing out any inconsistent or incorrect business name, address, or phone number information across numerous local search sites, internet yellow pages sites, and specialty niche (healthcare or travel review, attorney search, industry associations…etc.) sites.
Local seo for your Carlsbad business may start with Google but it sure as shinola doesn’t stop there.
3 Reasons Why Your Carlsbad Business Needs Local SEO
Local business owners can boost their ranking factors in those foundational search engine environs through leveraging their name, address, and phone data by disseminating it through various local search directories, IYP sites (internet yellow pages), and niche dental health portals.
And what is the end result of improved rankings on the search engine results pages? (more…)
by Chris Barnard | Apr 23, 2014 | Reviews and Citations
If your business uses a tablet or computer setup onsite for customers to post online reviews, you are playing with fire.
All business owners have been fervently pursuing the seemingly ubiquitous online review since this whole social media, local search, and mobile connectivity train took off several years ago. It seems like everywhere we search online, reviews are front and center, whether we’re searching for a pair of new running shoes or a Proctologist.
No On-site Review Generation
To be certain, online reviews are a major selling point to prospective consumers…regardless of the product or service we are researching.
But does it make sense for your local Carlsbad business to have an on-site review kiosk, tablet, or in-office station setup to capture the oh so precious online review?
NOT EVEN CLOSE, BUD!
Here are 2 reasons why… (more…)
by Chris Barnard | Apr 7, 2014 | Local Search
UPDATED: JUNE 7, 2021
3 Ways Local SEO Gets You New Customers
By verifying & optimizing your businesses’ local search engine profiles or Places pages.
By expanding their digital footprint & boosting ranking signals of those search engine environments through claiming their business profiles in the most popular local search portals, internet yellow pages sites, and specialty portals.
By using some type of review generation system – however generous, overt, well-timed, annoying, distasteful, or laser-targeted, you choose to make it.
Now for the background and supporting info on HOW to get there… (more…)
by Chris Barnard | Nov 7, 2013 | Reviews and Citations
Does Your Business Really Need Reviews?
In today’s digital world business owners must incorporate some type of online review strategy in order to effectively communicate and amplify the all-important digital word of mouth communication that drives their new customer acquisition efforts.
Doesn’t matter if you’re a mobile dog walking business, local Mom & Pop retailer, or a multi-national franchise, your business NEEDS a constant stream of authentic customer reviews, particularly on Google.
Why?
Because reviews are a local ranking signal Google uses in determining your prominence & authenticity.
Eliciting, capturing and broadcasting online reviews for the average business is not rocket science…and it’s not expensive. (more…)
