Search Results for: customer reviews

Google’s Popular Local Justifications Can Be Influenced!

Last Updated: May 6, 2024

Have you seen Google’s “Local Justifications” that they include in many of their local search results? These justifications are a powerful way to make your business stand out in crowded search results, and users find them incredibly helpful. Importantly, you can influence these justifications to your advantage!

TLDR: By guiding your customers to include certain key words in their reviews, you can influence what shows up in these justifications.

When you ask your customers for reviews, simply mention that it really helps if they would mention ______ in it. For example, if a number of your reviews mention “quick turnaround” then you’ll likely start to see that in the Justifications section.

What are Local Justifications?

Sample of Google's Justifications, aka People Like text in a local search result — Credit: https://twitter.com/b4k_khushal/status/1762739411555651786/photo/1

Local justifications are additional snippets of text that Google may display on business listings in the local packs, local finders, and Google Maps. These snippets are designed to highlight how a feature of your business matches the search intent of a potential customer. For example, if someone searches for “accent chairs in Corte Madera,” they might see a justification stating that these are available at your store, which immediately informs them that your business meets their needs.

Why They Matter

The presence of justifications in Google’s local search results is significant, with research showing that over half of the local SERPs now include them, enhancing visibility and potentially boosting click-through rates. This visibility plays a crucial role because even when a business has good local rankings, it’s the unique elements like justifications that can make it the top choice for searchers.

How to Influence Local Justifications

Influencing what shows up in these justifications can be done through various types of content you manage:

Reviews: Guide your customers to include specific keywords in their Google My Business reviews. Just as YouTubers encourage viewers to “smash that like button,” prompting customers to mention certain aspects of your service or product can lead to those phrases being highlighted in your local justifications.
Website Content: The content on your website, especially the page linked from your Google My Business listing, should be optimized for the keywords you want to be justified. Even if the specific service isn’t mentioned prominently on the landing page, subtle mentions or listings in a dropdown menu can be picked up by Google.
Posts and Services: Regular updates through Google Posts and a detailed listing of services can also trigger justifications. These could range from special offerings like “custom-created engagement rings” to more standard services, which then get highlighted directly in the search results.
In Stock and Menu Options: For businesses that sell products, ensuring that your inventory is listed through Google’s “See What’s In Store” program and that your menus are updated both on your website and Google My Business can result in “in stock” or “menu” justifications, which inform customers about the availability of certain items directly through search results.

Google has started testing a new design and feature for its local justifications section, adding a “people like” section that highlights popular preferences and is shaded in blue, making it stand out even more under local pack snippet results. This indicates that Google continues to evolve how justifications are displayed, making them even more prominent and influential.

By understanding and influencing the types of local justifications that appear with your business listings, you can significantly enhance how your business is perceived online. It’s about making sure your business is the one that stands out in a dense field of options, precisely matching the intent of the searchers and drawing them in.

Unlocking Your Google Business Profile’s Secrets: The Power of Knowing Your CID

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

In the digital age, where your online presence is as crucial as your physical storefront, managing your Google Business Profile (GBP) has become an indispensable part of your marketing strategy. But there’s a small, often overlooked detail in the vast sea of digital identifiers that could hold the key to a smoother, more efficient management of your GBP: the Customer Identification Number, or CID.

Illustration that represents, in an abstract manner, the complexities of maintaining a Google Business Profile

What is a CID (in relation to Google Business Profile)?

The CID is akin to a digital fingerprint for your business on Google Maps. This unique identifier is not just a string of numbers; it’s a vital tool for troubleshooting and enhancing your business’s visibility on Google. Despite its significance, many business owners remain unaware of their own CID, mainly because Google does not readily disclose this information. Understanding and accessing your CID can empower you to swiftly resolve issues, such as missing reviews, by providing Google Support with a direct way to pinpoint your listing.

The Power of MapTrax

Imagine being able to proactively manage your Google Business Profile, safeguarding it against suspensions, unnoticed changes, and the myriad challenges that can emerge in the digital realm. That’s where Prospect Genius’s innovative solution, MapTrax, comes into play. MapTrax isn’t just about monitoring; it’s about giving you control and insight into your GBP like never before.

By logging your CID and keeping a vigilant eye on every aspect of your profile, MapTrax acts as your digital sentinel. Whether it’s changes to your business name, URL, phone number, or address, or even the threat of suspension, MapTrax alerts you at the first sign of trouble. This not only prevents potential penalties from Google but also ensures that your online advertising campaigns continue to drive momentum, unhampered by avoidable setbacks.

MapTrax embodies the adage, “forewarned is forearmed.” In a landscape where digital presence can make or break a business, having a tool that provides such comprehensive oversight is invaluable. It’s like having insurance for your online identity, one that saves you time, money, and the headache of navigating Google’s complexities on your own.

In conclusion, understanding your Google Business Profile’s CID and the broader dynamics of your online presence is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity for thriving in today’s market. With MapTrax, Prospect Genius offers you a solution that not only demystifies your CID but also provides a robust framework for managing your GBP efficiently and effectively. Take control of your digital footprint and ensure your business’s prosperity with MapTrax.

[Case Study] High End Appliance Care

Last Updated: February 16, 2024

Case Study

Recovering from a Negative Review Attack

This study illustrates how we helped an appliance repair company recover from an attack on their business’s reputation by removing fradulent reviews from their Google Business Profile.

Overview

A bad actor posted a slew of negative reviews to High End Appliance Care's Google Business Profile
High End Appliance Care's review score dropped significantly, below a 4/5
Prospect Genius stepped in and fought the fraudulent reviews
All fraudulent reviews were removed, and High End Appliance Care's reputation made a full recovery

Navigating the Storm of False Negative Reviews

In the competitive landscape of appliance repair, maintaining a stellar online reputation is crucial for attracting and retaining customers. High End Appliance Care, a reputable appliance repair service, faced an unprecedented challenge when a competitor deployed an army of bot accounts to tarnish their reputation on Google. Beginning on one June 15th, High End Appliance Care was bombarded with at least one falsified one-star review daily. This relentless attack lasted for nearly two weeks, severely impacting their overall score and public perception.

Prospect Genius's Intervention with Google Review Star Saver

The situation looked grim as the company’s Google star rating plummeted below 4/5, casting a shadow over its credibility. The flood of negative reviews, all highlighting poor experiences, painted a misleading picture of the quality and reliability of High End Appliance Care’s services. It was at this critical juncture that Prospect Genius stepped in with our innovative Google Review Star Saver service.

We at Prospect Genius began a meticulous process of combating the false negative reviews. Our team worked closely with Google’s moderators, challenging each review’s legitimacy while adhering to Google’s stringent review policies. The effort was a testament to the importance of perseverance and effective communication in digital reputation management.

Achieving a Milestone: Removal of False Reviews

The turnaround began on July 5th, when the majority of the negative reviews were removed, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Prospect Genius team. This significant cleanup boosted High End Appliance Care’s rating back to an impressive 4.7/5. However, not content with just a partial victory, we continued to advocate on our client’s behalf. Our dedication paid off in October when the last of the falsified reviews were successfully removed, culminating in a triumphant restoration of High End Appliance Care’s online reputation.

A Triumphant Return to a Shining Reputation

As of the writing of this case study, High End Appliance Care boasts a near-perfect 4.9/5 star rating on their Google Business Profile, with a total of 131 Google Reviews. This remarkable recovery not only highlights the resilience and dedication of both High End Appliance Care and Prospect Genius but also showcases the effectiveness of the Google Review Star Saver service in navigating the complexities of online reputation management.

A Testament to Effective Online Reputation Management

This case study serves as a powerful example for small businesses facing similar challenges, demonstrating that with the right strategies and support, it is possible to overcome malicious attempts to damage one’s online reputation. Prospect Genius’s Google Review Star Saver service stands as a beacon of hope for businesses aiming to protect and enhance their digital presence in an increasingly online world.

Ready to clean up your business's online reputation?

Call us today:

(800) 689-1273

Embracing AI for Your Small Business: A Practical Guide

Last Updated: February 8, 2024

In today’s fast-paced business world, staying ahead often means embracing the latest technologies. One such innovation transforming the landscape is the use of AI assistants, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs). Some popular tools you may have heard of that use LLM technology include ChatGPT and Google Bard. For small business owners, AI tools can be a game-changer, offering efficient ways to handle various tasks. Let’s dive into how AI can streamline your operations, even if you’re new to the world of artificial intelligence.

A man at a desk dictating instructions to an assistant. In the background, there is a large illustration of a browser window displaying an AI ChatBot

1. Drafting and Editing Emails: An AI assistant can significantly speed up your email correspondence. Whether it’s drafting initial emails or editing responses, AI can help compose clear, concise, and professional messages. This tool can save you precious time, especially when dealing with high volumes of daily emails.
2. Social Media Management: Creating engaging content for social media can be time-consuming. An AI tool can assist in drafting posts, from promotional messages to general updates, ensuring your social media presence is consistent and engaging. Additionally, AI can help craft thoughtful responses to comments or reviews, maintaining your brand’s voice and customer service standards.
3. Product Descriptions for Ecommerce: For ecommerce businesses, compelling product descriptions are crucial. AI can help generate unique, detailed descriptions for your products, tailored to highlight key features and appeal to your target audience. This not only saves time but can also enhance the quality of your online listings.
4. Organizing Data: Small business owners often deal with vast amounts of data, from customer details to sales figures. AI tools are adept at organizing and making sense of this data, providing insights that can help in decision-making and strategy development.
5. Summarizing Long Texts: Need to understand a lengthy report or document quickly? AI assistants can summarize long texts, distilling key points and conclusions. This feature is particularly useful for staying on top of industry reports, research, or lengthy email threads.
6. Powering AI Chatbots for Customer Service: AI chatbots can revolutionize how you handle customer service. These chatbots are available 24/7, providing instant responses to customer inquiries, which can significantly enhance customer experience. At Prospect Genius, we offer customized AI chatbot solutions tailored to small businesses, ensuring your customers always have access to timely and helpful support. If you’re interesting in adding one of these bots to your small business’s website, give us a call!

A Word of Caution: While AI assistants like ChatGPT are powerful tools, it’s essential to use them wisely. Always remember that the information provided by AI is not infallible and should not be taken as objective fact. Additionally, never share sensitive personal information with AI tools to ensure your data’s security and privacy.

Illustration of people holding up an ascending line graph

Final Thoughts: Balancing AI and Human Insight in Business

AI assistants can be incredibly beneficial for small business owners, offering time-saving solutions across various aspects of business operations. Whether it’s handling emails, managing social media, or enhancing customer service through AI chatbots, the potential of AI to boost efficiency is immense. As you explore these AI-driven opportunities, remember to use them as a complement to your business acumen, always keeping a critical eye on the information they provide. Remember, in the world of AI, the possibilities are vast, but a human touch remains irreplaceable.

Unlocking New Opportunities: Updates to Google Business Profile You Need to Know

Last Updated: February 8, 2024

Hello there to our community of small business champions!

We at Prospect Genius are back with some hot-off-the-press insights, and this time, we’re zooming in on the Google Business Profile platform— one of the many keys to your small business’s online success!

1. Celebrating Diversity with New Attributes

Google is on a mission to make the business world more inclusive and accessible, and they’re doing it by introducing “disabled-owned” and “indigenous-owned” attributes to Google Business Profiles. These join the existing lineup of “black-owned,” “LGBT-owned,” and “women-owned” attributes. This is your chance to showcase your business’s unique identity, and connect with customers who are looking to support diverse communities. It’s a simple, self-assigned tag that can make a world of difference in establishing a personal connection with your customers.

2. Searching Near and Far

In a world that’s constantly on the move, your customers’ location can change in a heartbeat. Google knows this, and that’s why they’re giving users the option to search based on their “precise location” as gathered by GPS data, or an “estimated location” as gathered by past user behavior. For businesses like plumbing services, appliance repair, or junk hauling, this means customers who are just around the corner or planning a move can find you with ease, making sure you’re connecting with the right clientele at the right time. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to make sure the location data on your Google Business Profile is 100% accurate— if it’s not, you could be missing out on leads!

3. Social Media Integration

Your Google Business Profile is becoming more sociable than ever! Now, you can flaunt your social media prowess right on your profile. This is a game-changer for businesses looking to showcase their brand personality, recent projects, or customer testimonials. It’s about creating a holistic image of your business, giving potential customers a sneak peek into what makes you unique, and why they should choose you.

4. Streamlined Booking Experience

For businesses utilizing third-party booking software, things just got a whole lot smoother. With the new “Book Online” button feature, customers can seamlessly book your services right from your Google Business Profile, through integrations with 200+ platforms including but not limited to HouseCallPro, Square Appointments, Wix, and Yelp. This not only streamlines the booking process but also opens up new avenues for customer interaction and conversion. If you use a third-party booking software, you should certainly consider capitalizing on this new feature! You can view a list of booking services compatible with Reserve with Google here.

5. A Smarter Way to Search

Google is all about creating intuitive, user-friendly experiences, and their new UI feature is no exception. Introducing an expandable list of business categories related to user searches, this update means that if a customer searches for “appliances,” they’ll be greeted with a comprehensive list including categories like “appliance repair service,” “appliance parts supplier,” and more. This ensures that your business gets found under the right category, increasing visibility to the most relevant audience.

At Prospect Genius, we’re here to help you navigate these exciting updates and ensure your Google Business Profile is optimized to perfection. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through every step, helping you unlock the full potential of your online presence.

Remember, your success is our success, and we’re just a phone call away. Let’s make the digital world work for you!

Prospect Genius