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You are here: Home / Blog

The Half of SEO You Don’t See, But Still Really Matters

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

Backlinks are essential for winning in search engines. While good content is crucial (on-page SEO), the less obvious but equally important part of the equation is backlinks (off-page SEO.)

What Is A “Backlink?”

A backlink is just a link to your site from another site. Search engines treat each one like a “vote” in your favor. You can think of search results as a popularity contest where the site with the most “votes” wins. That’s why you NEED backlinks. Over time, websites will naturally accumulate these, but unless you want to wait several years, you need to expedite the process by actively pursuing these links.

OK, How Do I Do That?

The quickest and easiest way to get backlinks (without being naughty and breaking any of Google’s rules) is to use directory sites. It used to be possible to manually create these, but most directory sites now get their data from the major data aggregators, rather than crowdsourcing, which means you need to use a service.

Directory Services

There are many directory services to choose from and their quality and efficacy varies. Ours happens to be called Directory Dominator. Directory Dominator puts you into ALL of the major data aggregators (not just one or two) AND into a cluster of key, important directories to get quick results. This gives you both the widest-possible coverage (volume) and targeted, high-quality backlinks as well.

How Important Is It Really?

How important is Directory Dominator? It’s literally the third step for every business our founder has started:

  1. Put up a website
    1. This allows it to start “aging” and gets into the search engines right away.
    2. As a bonus, this process also forces you to think about the services/products you’re going to offer, and therefore refine your business plan, which is a valuable exercise.
  2. Incorporate
    1. So you can get a bank account, register with the state, etc.
  3. Use something like Directory Dominator to get a pile of backlinks
    1. This speeds up indexing and improves rankings quickly.

With this plan, your site and it’s backlinks start working while you are running around getting all the millions of real-world tasks done.

There’s No Magic Beans

Much of SEO is just grunt work. Yes, there’s a need for an overall marketing strategy, but once that’s formulated, much of it comes down to time in front of the computer, typing information into forms. Services like Directory Dominator are a massive shortcut and well worth every penny.

If you’re ready to get started, you can even sign up for Directory Dominator online at your convenience.

 

SEO Myth-Busting: Multiple Map Listings Is Better Than Just One

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

Welcome back to our SEO Myth-Busting series! Today, we’re diving into a myth that’s as persistent as a tick on a hound dog in July: “If one Google Business Profile is Good, 7 Must be Better!” Many business owners believe that creating multiple Google Business Profiles (GBPs, aka Map Listings) for a single business will boost their online presence. But is this really true?

The Myth Unveiled

Here’s the scoop: Google’s policy clearly states that you can only have one listing per business location. Yes, you read that right—one location, one listing. Creating multiple GBPs for a single business is a violation of Google’s guidelines and can lead to serious consequences. These include the suspension of all your listings or even being flagged as a spammer, potentially barring you from ever creating GBPs again. Yikes!

“But My Competitor Has Tons of Listings and He’s Doing Great!”

Ah, the old “keeping up with the Joneses” argument. It’s something we hear more often than we’d like. While some businesses seem to get away with having multiple listings, the reality is that they’re, at best, flying under the radar for a while. Google handles many millions of listings, so some do slip through the cracks—until they don’t. Often, these are older listings that haven’t been touched in years and are therefore unnoticed.

The issue arises when these listings are disturbed. Maybe you or someone on the internet (through the “community edit” feature) make a change. That tends to bring attention to the Business Profile and any/all associated profiles. Once you’re deemed naughty, you’re in for a world of hurt when Google starts to dole out punishment like God Himself with a lightning bolt in each hand and a thunderstorm for backup!.

Why Following the Rules is Better

Sticking to Google’s guidelines is like using a reliable plumber—you’re ensuring everything works smoothly without unexpected leaks or bursts. Operating within the rules may not give you an immediate spike in visibility, but it builds a solid, sustainable foundation for your business.

We’ve seen many clients who tried to take shortcuts only to end up knee-deep in penalties and regret. Resolving these issues can take months, if a resolution is even possible.

Myth Busted!

In the world of SEO, shortcuts are often long cuts in disguise. We’ve seen, repeatedly, that sticking with a single, legitimate, and well-optimized GBP is far more powerful and sustainable than spamming multiple listings into Google’s ecosystem. This path may seem longer, but it’s much smoother and more predictable.

 

 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need help with your SEO strategy. We’re here to help you navigate the digital landscape and grow your business sustainably.

The Bush Man

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

Dog Launches Himself Down the Stairs

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

Now Only Two Tries to Appeal a Google Business Profile Suspension

Last Updated: June 17, 2024

If you rely on Google Business Profile (GBP) for your online presence (who doesn’t?), there’s a crucial update you need to know about. Google has rolled out new rules that limit your appeals for a suspended GBP to just two attempts. Let’s dive into what these changes mean for you and how to navigate this new landscape effectively.

Key Changes and Timeline

When Did These Rules Go Into Effect?

The new rules were implemented recently, bringing significant changes to how GBP suspensions are handled. As of November 2023, Google allows only two tries to appeal a suspended profile. After these two attempts, if your profile isn’t reinstated, it will be permanently suspended.

The Two-Try Rule: What It Means

Google’s new policy means you have two chances to get your suspended GBP reinstated. If both appeals fail, your profile is gone for good. This makes it more important than ever to get it right the first time.

Consequences of Failing Twice

Failing to reinstate your profile after two appeals can have severe repercussions:

  • Loss of Reviews: You’ll lose all your accumulated reviews and ratings.
  • Loss of Visibility: Your business won’t appear in Google search results or on Google Maps, making it harder for customers to find you.
  • Revenue Impact: Reduced visibility can lead to a significant drop in customer inquiries and revenue.

Reach Out to Us Before Starting the Reinstatement Process

At Prospect Genius, we understand how critical your Google Business Profile is to your business. That’s why we strongly urge you to contact us before beginning the reinstatement process. Here’s how we can help:

  • Guidance on Google’s Guidelines: We’ll help you understand what’s required to comply with Google’s policies.
  • Preparing Your Appeal: We’ll assist you in gathering the necessary documents and crafting a compelling appeal.
  • Avoiding Mistakes: With only two chances, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls. Our experts will ensure you have the best possible chance of success​.

You can either give us a call, or get started by signing up online, whenever is convenient for you.

What If I’ve Already Used My Two Chances?

It’s time to pack it in and retire. No, no no…Just kidding! It means you’re looking at having to create a new GBP from scratch. This is something we can help you with as well. The last thing you want to do is start over but repeat the mistakes that got you here. That makes this the perfect time to reach out to a pro for some help. You can even get started with us online.

The Bottom Line

Your Google Business Profile is too important to lose. With these new rules in place, the stakes are higher than ever. Don’t risk your online presence by going it alone. Reach out to Prospect Genius today, and let’s work together to ensure your business stays visible and thriving on Google.

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