Have you noticed a new type of sponsored result on Google's search results pages? These ads are for Google's new platform, Local Services, which Google designed to promote local service providers like plumbers, electricians, handymen, cleaners, locksmiths, and the like. According to the official website, "Local Services ads help you connect with people who search on Google for the services you offer. Your ads will show up for customers in your area, so you can keep your calendar … [Read more...] about How to Minimize Your Damage From Google’s New Platform
Is Facebook Preparing to Take Over Google in Local Search?
We've lightly joked before that Facebook is the new Google. This is mainly because Facebook users are asking their social network for recommendations of local businesses rather than conducting their own searches on Google. However, as Wesley Young wrote in a recent article on Search Engine Land, Facebook has made several updates over the past couple of years that point to a greater focus on local businesses and places. In other words, it looks like Facebook is preparing to challenge Google's … [Read more...] about Is Facebook Preparing to Take Over Google in Local Search?
The Google My Business Updates You Didn't Hear About
If you follow our blog at all, then you know at least a little bit about the ever-changing nature of Google. The search giant is constantly updating its algorithm and the way it presents information to users. For major updates, Google typically makes a public announcement. However, for smaller changes, there's often no warning. Webmasters and marketers are left to detect and analyze updates on their own. This is where Internet marketing specialists really earn their stripes. It should come as no … [Read more...] about The Google My Business Updates You Didn't Hear About
Want to Dominate Local Search Results? Here's One Thing You Need
You want to be one of the first local businesses people see when they search for products or services you offer. Obviously, you know that to be prominent and visible in local search results, you need placement on Google Maps. So, it makes sense that you would start your online marketing efforts with a Google Maps listing for your business. There are a lot of reasons to believe Google Maps and a handful of other sites (namely Yelp and Facebook) are all you need to be visible on a local level. … [Read more...] about Want to Dominate Local Search Results? Here's One Thing You Need
3 Reasons Registering Your Business Name Is Worth the Paperwork
You're a business owner. A self-starter. This means you're an independent person by nature. You like to run your business on your own terms with as little interference as possible. The idea of involving the state with your business makes you cringe. But guess what? Registering your business name with the state is vital, even just from an advertising standpoint. Not only does it keep other businesses from capitalizing on your name recognition, but it also proves your legitimacy to search engines … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons Registering Your Business Name Is Worth the Paperwork
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?
READ: Why a Team of SEO Specialists Is Superior
When searching for an online advertising provider, business owners must decide between hiring a single SEO professional or hiring a team of SEO professionals. As with any scenario, there are pros and cons for each side. However, according to Jayson DeMers's latest column on Search Engine Land, "The Case for Niche SEO Specialists," a team of SEO specialists is the best choice. Essentially for DeMers, it boils down to whether you want a jack-of-all-trades operating on his own or a group of … [Read more...] about READ: Why a Team of SEO Specialists Is Superior
Missed Calls, Missed Customers
Right now, you could be hindering your company's growth without even knowing it. It's no joke. Every time you miss a call, you lose money. In fact, you could be losing upwards of thousands of dollars annually from missed calls alone. Whether it's a call from Google+ Local or a prospective customer, you chip away at your business's future success every time you don't pick up the phone. At Prospect Genius, we've noticed a disturbing behavior among our clients: they aren't answering their phones! … [Read more...] about Missed Calls, Missed Customers
Voice Mail: Solution or Danger
At Prospect Genius, we work with a broad spectrum of small, local companies, and that puts us in a unique position to observe trends in the ways small businesses handle their operations. Recently, we’ve noticed that some of our clients, especially the one-person outfits, are too busy to answer their phone during the day. Instead, they let the calls go through to their voice mail and return the messages once they have time. On one hand, this is great news: We’re excited that so many folks are … [Read more...] about Voice Mail: Solution or Danger