Dear Google Pt. 1

Google is a noun. Google is a verb...

We use this all-knowing search engine for next to everything. From all the searches such as "Where's the nearest gas station?" to "DIY Sourdough Bread." It has become essential to our everyday life.

You may have owned your own business for a short while now - maybe even years. Family, friends, and references love your service/product, but there seems to be trouble in the digital world. Why?

People have told you that they can't locate your business online.

With the number of hats business owners are made to wear, it is so easy to forget to feed your new "kid," Google.

First, we are going to CREATE or CLAIM your listing on Google My Business Google My Business is a free service that allows you to moderate the digital entrance to your business. List your hours, your website, your address, upload photos, and post. Google Maps is another weapon in this arsenal. Anecdotally, I cannot remember the last time I traveled to a business without finding them on Google Maps first.

Reviews. Reviews. Reviews.

Ask your customers to leave them. It can be very awkward, but most do not mind when you are connecting with your clients/customers. Making a direct link for a post-service email and QR codes on receipts or invoices break down barriers preventing customers from leaving that 5-star review.

More digital mouths to feed

Zuckerberg's Facebook and Dorsey's Twitter have high digital dominance. That means that those sites are reputable and usually rank high in Google listings. It is paramount that you consistently interact with people, post pictures, and ask questions all over social media (most of us do it anyway, do it for your business too!) Your social presence is beneficial to you and your customers.

Believe us; we know it can be time-consuming and genuinely seem like it's not essential. Literal word-of-mouth is something you should never stop pursuing, but Google can be a giant voucher or stamp of approval for people looking to purchase your goods & services.

"Engage, Enlighten, Encourage and especially…just be yourself! Social media is a community effort; everyone is an asset."
– Susan Cooper.