In our weekly “Genius Success Stories” series, we showcase clients that have used our program to positively impact their small businesses. Check back each week to see a new success story! Ready for another installment of optimism in the time of COVID? Discount Appliances Repair - HVAC is a small business in Arlington, VA, that saw a significant drop-off in jobs and new leads this spring due to the pandemic. Spring is usually a busy season for them, as you can see from the 2019 data … [Read more...] about Genius Success Stories, Vol. 6: Robust Recovery Thanks to Seasoned SEO
Genius Success Stories, Vol. 5: Customer Trust Nurtures a COVID Comeback
In our weekly “Genius Success Stories” series, we showcase clients that have used our program to positively impact their small businesses. Check back each week to see a new success story! We're here with another COVID survival story for you this week. Centered Stillness Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, a massage therapist in Albany, NY, was hit hard by the pandemic back in the spring. Social-distancing mandates, combined with the general public's reluctance to be in close personal … [Read more...] about Genius Success Stories, Vol. 5: Customer Trust Nurtures a COVID Comeback
Genius Success Stories, Vol. 4: Recovering From a COVID Hit Thanks to Customer Reviews
In our weekly “Genius Success Stories” series, we showcase clients that have used our program to positively impact their small businesses. Check back each week to see a new success story! Thanks for tuning in! Our story this week is about how one small business took a massive hit due to the COVID-19 shutdown and found a way to climb back. We think you'll connect with it. Tyson Whiteside Audio Video, LLC, is a Portland-based AV specialist who, like many of us, hit a rough patch this … [Read more...] about Genius Success Stories, Vol. 4: Recovering From a COVID Hit Thanks to Customer Reviews
How to Handle Customer Reviews: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need
You don't need to be a marketing whiz to understand that customer reviews are vital to your business's growth. Ask any local business owner who has spent time improving their web presence, and they'll tell you: Customer reviews can make or break your business. For instance, most people are aware that: The majority of U.S. consumers trust online reviews as much as they trust recommendations from friends. Reviews prove your authenticity to search engines like Google. Therefore, your local … [Read more...] about How to Handle Customer Reviews: The Only Guide You'll Ever Need
One Negative Customer Review Is Better Than No Reviews at All
You know the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? Sometimes you want to shout that at your computer screen when you read a negative customer review about your local business. But guess what? Customers who complain are actually doing you a favor. Now, hear us out. Obviously, customers who write you glowing reviews are doing you the real favor. However, as it turns out, negative customer reviews can still be mildly beneficial to your overall web … [Read more...] about One Negative Customer Review Is Better Than No Reviews at All
Three Tools to Vitalize Your Prospect Genius Campaign
Want more add-on options for your Prospect Genius campaign? Looking for ways to get more bang for your buck? Then, keep reading—because we have some great options for you. As you know, we're committed to growing with our clients. We aren't interested in quick fixes. Instead, we want long-term visibility and lead generation for you. That's why we're always evaluating our service offerings and updating them to fit our clients' evolving needs. As such, we're excited to discuss three tools that can … [Read more...] about Three Tools to Vitalize Your Prospect Genius Campaign
Keep a Close Eye on Your Google Star Rating
Be on the lookout for any changes to your Google star rating! Seeking to provide a valuable user experience, Google has long highlighted customer reviews and star ratings on its business listings. However, Google has altogether changed the way it determines and displays a business's star rating. Of course, it's still based on customer reviews, but it now only requires a single review. Previously, Google wouldn't generate a star rating until a business had at least five customer reviews. This … [Read more...] about Keep a Close Eye on Your Google Star Rating
How You Can Use Word of Mouth to Edge Out the Competition
Does it feel like David vs. Goliath out there for your small business? Big companies may be able to outspend you on ad campaigns and merchandising, but there are areas where ad spend has no power. One such area is word of mouth. Glowing reviews and personal referrals are just as good as—if not better than—any marketing money can buy. As long as you consistently deliver satisfying products and/or services, there will inevitably be some chatter about you. Your customers will mention you in … [Read more...] about How You Can Use Word of Mouth to Edge Out the Competition
How to Get More Customer Reviews Just by Asking for Them
Your business can't have an effective online presence if it doesn't have any customer reviews. Why? Because when people are hiring a new business, they want to be sure they're making the right choice. Reading about other people's experiences helps them decide which business will best align with their needs. They'll be able to see which companies are pleasant to work with, which ones are punctual, which ones deliver good results, and so on. In fact, a 2016 Local Consumer Review Survey by … [Read more...] about How to Get More Customer Reviews Just by Asking for Them
Is Yelp's Review Filter Hiding Your Positive Reviews?
Are you like the countless other small business owners who have been feeling frustrated—to say the least—with Yelp's review filter? It's okay if you are. Prospect Genius certainly is, too. Half of the frustration comes from how much Yelp's review filter obviously favors paid advertisers. The other half comes from how skillfully Yelp seems to be covering it up. Have any of these happened to your business? Some of your customers have left you positive reviews, but they've been filtered out … [Read more...] about Is Yelp's Review Filter Hiding Your Positive Reviews?