7 Ways Google Can Help You Get Found – Even Without a Website
ByGoogle says that 73% of searches are for local content. If you are a solo practitioner, this is important information. It means that your clients are looking for you online – not in the Yellow Pages. And while you really do need a website and a blog, there are some ways to start your online presence even if you don’t have anything online right now.
Many practitioners are surprised to learn that they can get their practices found online even if they don’t have a website or a blog. Are you one of them? Then let me introduce you to Google Places one of the free Business Solutions offered.
Your free listing must go through a verification process before it is “live” on the web. This can take several weeks if you opt for the verify by mail option. It’s well worth going through the steps to get a live listing. Here are the additional benefits:
1) Descriptions: You can list information about your practice, like whether you offer weekend or evening appointments, your specialty areas or the geographical are you serve. Privacy: If you are a coach or other professional who works from home, you can also choose to make your address private in your listing.
2) Photos- You can upload up to 10 images per listing, in JPG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP. In some locations, you can even ask for a professional photo shoot for your business from Google.
3) Place Page Posts- You can post real time updates. Each post can be up to 160 characters. Use it to announce special sales, events, and new products.
4) Custom QR Codes: Smart phones use the QR code (think barcode) to take users to your mobile website.
5) Advertise: There is a limited program for enhanced listings in select cities for $25.00 a month. For this fee, your business will be highlighted on Google.com and on Google Maps.
6) Coupons: You can offer Google users special coupons as an incentive to visit your site and engage your services. Look for the “coupon tab” on your listing page.
7) Post Videos: You can add up to five YouTube videos to your listing with their URL.
These are 7 ways Google Places can help get your practice found online even before you have a website or blog.
I’ll be discussing Google Places and other free services to your practice found online on July 15th at 1:30 pm (Eastern) on the Third Thursday Teleseminar. I hope you will join me. The Third Thursday Teleseminar is for anyone who wants some accountability in their marketing efforts and who wants to stay on top of marketing their practice.
