The new normal is constantly evolving and it is essential to keep up with its swift pace. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things in 2020 and businesses are still struggling to adjust to the changes on many levels.
It is very important to have a solid marketing plan in place to get you through this pandemic.
What kind of plan, you ask? Local SEO and Reputation Scores.
Why is Local SEO crucial for your business?
Local SEO not only helps your business by improving user experiences but also generates more data for your future marketing campaigns. It generates more leads and helps with increasing your brand recognition.
Local and small scale businesses thrive on the trust and loyalty of their customer base. SEO helps businesses to connect to their audiences and foster long-lasting relationships.
On top of all this, local SEO is a cost-effective marketing strategy, making it an ideal marketing tactic for small businesses. Local SEO has made it possible for small businesses to have far-reaching effects within a budget.
The Importance of Reputation Management
Like many other businesses, you might also consider skipping this part. But, ignoring your business’ reputation management scores or not checking them at all just means that you are moving forward blindly!
More than 50% of people will stay on the website or visit it only after they read a positive view. Online customers take reviews very seriously. It’s time that you start taking them seriously, too.
Stay ahead of your game by uncovering the facts. Reputation management helps you get clarity as to where your business is excelling and what points need improvement. The time you invest in reputation management will yield leads and loyal customers.
How To Improve Your Local Web Score
Now that you’re aware of the perks of local SEO and reputation management, you certainly won’t be thinking whether or not to optimize your business. You should be thinking about how soon you can do it. Here are a few tips:
Perform a Website Audit
If you don’t know where to begin, it would be a good idea to go for a website audit without wasting any time. This will help you understand where you stand and what improvements are needed on your website.
The website audit will provide a report which will ultimately help you improve the performance and efficiency of your website. It will most certainly present you with an exceptional opportunity for your online growth.
Research The Competition
If you really want your website to be optimized, you need to know what people are looking for. Keep a close eye on your competitors because knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors can make a major difference. Check their reviews and see what the audience wants and then, use that valuable information to give the users exactly what they want.
Answer All Reviews, Good or Bad
Responding to reviews is the most crucial part of all steps. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter whether there are a few negative reviews because as long as the customers are talking about you, you’ll be in the spotlight.
You need to take out time for responding to reviews because it shows the users that you care. And believe it or not, most users check the reviews before making a purchase.
Responding to negative reviews will portray you as understanding and willing to be helpful. Take time to acknowledge your customers.
Business Listings
Your business listing will make it simple for local customers to find your business. It is not enough to just put the details about your business on your website. Make it easy for your customers and new users to find you. Make sure the information about your website is available across other social networks. And make sure the information is consistent and current.
Constantly Optimize Your Website
Keep your website updated. Your research and website audit will provide you with enough data to know what needs to be optimized. Make sure that the following points are being taken care of:
- Make it easy for users to contact you
- Add address and details.
- Add a map to your website
- Describe your services clearly
Final Thoughts
Reputation management is very important for all kinds of businesses, but it’s especially important for small businesses that aim to not only solidify but to also broaden their customer base.
Not only does it help businesses to improve their SEO rankings, it also establishes them as a trustworthy enterprise. Your small business arsenal should provide an appropriate amount of attention to Reputation Management and Local SEO rather than sweeping it under the rug.
Scott Hall has twenty plus years in search and ten in enterprise software and has helped drive digital growth for many small businesses. Learn more about Scott and his powerful and effective marketing techniques at ScottHall.co.
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