Get your business on the Google Maps & in Google Places

Sometimes I feel like Google is taking over the world. Okay.. so they kind of are. Never is it felt more than with local businesses and the “Google Map” also called “Google Places” by Google.

The confusion over getting your company listed in the right map for the right keywords is endless. And right off I have a few key tips for you:

1) The Google Maps section has NOTHING to do with organic SEO. I will repeat this… being #1 in a keyword (say Austin Dentist) on the Map has NOTHING to do with the “organic search results” (remember organic search results – the stuff that shows up under the map).

2) Google Maps and Google Adwords (Pay Per Click) and Google Organic (the stuff at the bottom of the page) are 3 different departments in Google. They don’t talk. They don’t hang out. They are not friends. So putting an Ad in Google (PPC) or being #1 in Organic (bottom of the page stuff) has zip – zero – nada to do with your ranking on the Map.

3) Folks that do “SEO”  – are not who you want to go to for “Google Maps’. I explain it like this.. would you ask a Chiniese resturant to cook you key lime pie? No. Then don’t go to your SEO person to work on something that really is very different than “organic SEO”. The Google Map, it’s rules, the functionality and more change almost weekly. And – what can be done is different in each location of the US! Frustrating – but one more reason to hire “Specialist’s” for this.

4) Your phone# is the most important thing on your map listing. Just an FYI.

Have you ever typed in your keywords in Google.com only to have this large map of everyone of your competitors pop up? Have you been struggling to figure out what that Map is and how you can get your business listed for your keywords.

This presentation below is designed to “help out”. Everything you need to know about Google Maps.

How to Market on Search Engines: Search Engine Marketing 101

Are you confused yet? SEM, SEO, PPC, Google Places, Google Maps? Before you start working on getting your site on the Search Engines you need to learn the basics. And that starts with understanding the most important page out there your keyword SERP.

What is your keyword SERP? Well SERP = Search Engine Results Page. So your Keyword Search Engine Results Page is the page that shows up for the keyword you want.

Clear as mud? This video is designed to help you understand the key points of Search Engine Marketing. It always seems to be one of the most confusing things for folks to understand.

And frankly… I am not surprised…. the industry is constantly changing the names, titles and “slang” for each area.

There are 4 key components of Search Engine Marketing:

1. Keyword SERP (see info above)
2. Pay Per Click (also known as PPC), Also known as “Google Adwords”
3. Google Map, Google Places, Google Business Listing Center
4. Organic/ Natural SEO

3 Easy Steps to your Custom Facebook Fan Page URL

So you finally have your companies Facebook Fan page up and working! Congrats!

Here comes the fun part – getting Fans and getting a custom URL for your Company Fan Page.

The custom URL will not only make it much easier to share with others, but it is just prettier!

What you get from Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6325*4#&re

(not so pretty… )

What it can change to in these 3 easy steps:
http://www.facebook.com/MMBiz

Things to keep in mind about this change:
1) Once you change.. you can’t go back. So think deep and hard about what you want the name of your Facebook Fan Page (also known as public page) to be.

2) Some are taken: So hit your favorite search engine and give them a try – www.facebook.com/the-name-you-want

3) You need Fan’s to make the change – in fact you need 25 Fan’s before Facebook will let you get a custom URL. So email your favorite friends, family and neighbors to become a fan.. so you can get the custom URL.

The 3 Easy Steps to Getting Your Custom Facebook Fan Page:
1) Login to Facebook.com – with the account that is the administrator for the Fan page.

2) Go to this page: http://www.facebook.com/username/

3) Select if you want to change your Fan Page (aka your Business page) or your Personal Page URL – you can do both. Just pay attention which one you choose – so you don’t accidentally name your personal page your business name!

Done.. yes.. that is it.. you are done!

Questions or Comments?

I’d really love to hear if you have any questions or ideas you want to share? Any topics you’d like me to cover? If so, please post them as a comment. PS: Don’t forget to sign-up for the Strategy Secrets Newsletter to keep in the loop on all the scoop! ==>

Thanks!

8 Myths of the Google Business Listing

There are lots of Myths surrounding the Google Business Listing. I am going to cover the top 8 Myths that Business Owners have concerns about.

The Google Business Listing shows up when you are searching for services in your local area. Typically this means you use a location in your search query (Example: “Austin realtors” vs “realtors”). However in certain keywords/insustries/categories Google will “decide” that based on your IP it will by default only show the local results for the term and will show the map as well.

The official term for the map area as shown above is the “Google 7 Pack”. It was once known as the Google 10 Pack, but it seemed that Google did not like the 10 listings (thus the name) so it changed it so only 7 listings are displayed on the map when it appears. By the way, Google does these kinds of changes alot. So if you feel I am not being clear on a few of these myth’s is because Google does not do things in stone. They change. In fact if you are in the San Fernando California area, I can bet Google is showing the Google Map differently (you are in the test bed zone). So test your market to see if Google is doing something different with the Map in your area.

Now, the best way to think of the Google Business Listing (and the Bing, Yahoo, etc.. listings as well) is as though they are an online version of your Business Card.

If you can put a picture on your business card, you can do it on your Google Business Listing. If you can put your phone, email, replicated website (for MLM’s), home address, logo, special discount coupon… then you can put it on your Google Business Listing.

1) Myth: I must have a Website to Have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not have to have a website to have a Google Business Listing. This is great news for the Plumbers, Electricians, etc.. that just don’t have a website (yet). The Google Business Listing acts like your Website in some respects. You can put pictures on your Google Business Listing, coupons, videos and more.

2) Myth: I must have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not need to have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing. You can use a PO Box or even use your home as your address for your Google Business Listing.

Note: Whatever location you use, Google will put a picture of it on your Google Business Listing. So, if you use your home address, the most recent picture of your home will show up. This could be another great reason to keep your yard up or it might be a great reason to invest in a PO Box (or Mailboxes Etc/ UPS store) address for your company.

Officially Google has not shown a bias to a PO vs an “actual” address. However – if you don’t have either – I would suggest investing in a UPS store/ Mailboxes etc type box for your business instead of a PO Box. They are more expensive – but it they look like “real” address vs a PO Box.

3) Myth: I Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing  because I am a Virtual Business (Coach, E-commerce site, Consultant, Author)

Truth: Do you want people to find out about your services using Google? If your answer is yes, then you need to have a Google Business Listing. Remember, your Google Business Listing is like an online Business Card, so if you have a business card, you need a Google Business Listing.

4) Myth: I have to pay Money to get a Google Business Listing.

Truth: It is **FREE** to create or claim your Google Business Listing. Same rules apply to Bing, Yahoo and many other listing sites and directories. The trick with the search engine listings (Google, Yahoo, Bing) is that after you claim them you have to “optimize” your listing so it will show up in the right keywords for your company. So it is kind of a two part process. Click Here to claim your Google Business Listing .

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

5) Myth: I have to have a license by the state, or I have to be a “formal” business (LLC, C-corp, S-corp) to have a Google Business Listing.

Truth: Your Google Business Listing is like a Business Card, if you have enough information or “right” to have a business card then you are all set to create a Google Business Listing. Google does require that you “Verify” your business via a automated phone call or mailing you a post card, but that is where the verification stops. Again, if you want someone to find your business by using Google’s search engine then you need your Google Business Listing.

6) You Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing because Google does not use the Map for your industry

Truth: There are 2 reasons the Google Map or (Google 7 Pack) does not show up for your industry or keywords.

# 1: Because there is no one in your category/keywords/industry that has “optimized” their Google Business Listing. Good news is that as soon as you do this, you will be the ONLY one that will show on the map. Note: Their are exceptions to this, what industry/ category/keywords you are optimizing for Google might not support the Google 7 Pack on right now. See more below.

#2: Google does not allow/ support the Google Map or Google 7 Pack on that industry/keyword/category at this time. A classic example of this is SEO or “Search Engine Optimization Companies”. If you search for SEO companies in your local area (Example: Austin, SEO companies) they Google 7 Pack does not show up, even though this is the perfect example of why the Google 7 Pack is so powerful and useful. Why has Google done this for this industry/category/keyword? Well because they can and because Google views anyone doing “Internet Marketing” as kind of “bad”. So they don’t support the map for this category/industry/keyword.

Remember one thing about the Google 7 Pack. Things will change. Google took down all of the phone numbers in the Google 7 Pack one day. They said it was a “bug” and things were back up in a few hours. And the Google 7 Pack used to show 10 listings on the map and now they show 7. Things change, bet on it. So if your industry is not supported today – how do you know it won’t be tomorrow. FYI – Google does not “announce” these kinds of changes, it’s your job to be on the lookout for them. That’s why I take the Boy/Girl Scout approach of just being prepared.

7) My Website is More Important Than My Google Business Listing

Truth: They are both important. However, if you have a very basic website or none at all the Google Business Listing is a great way to begin to market your business online immediately. All you need to “Create” or “Claim” your Business Listing is to have a phone number and mailing address.

The Power behind the Google Business Listing is that it often appears first in Google search results. That means your listing can appear above a company that has spent thousands of dollars on “organic” SEO. And if you Google Business Listing is fully optimized, it could event appear at the top of the Google 7 Pack.

This is key for new businesses and companies that have yet to invest in SEO (search engine optimization) on their site. It is totally possible to spend time and money on your Google Business Listing and appear in the Google 7 Pack above compeitors that have been around longer and have done extensive SEO work on their website.

When my clients ask: Should I get my Google Business Listing Optimized or work on my website. The answer is “both”. However if you have to do one vs. the other – Get your Google Business Listing Optimized first. That way as you work on your website, your company information can still be found.

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

8 ) I can’t have a Google Business Listing – I am just a Independent Rep or Franchise owner for my Company

Truth: If your company allows you to have a business card, then you should be able to create a Google Business Listing. Remember the Google Business Listing will send traffic to your “official” website. So if you are a MLM (Multi-level-Marketing) company, or an independent representative, or a Franchise owner this will not violate your contract terms (Double check this – but it is pretty much 100% true for most companies).

Example: You are a Mary Kay Representative in Austin Texas. You have an “official” replicated website on MaryKay.com. You create your Local Business Listing, put up information (that is on your business card) about you, why you love Mary Kay, a picture of you and link to your “official” website that is supported by MaryKay. Now – someone searches for “Austin Mary Kay rep” – your Google Business Listing shows up above the organic listings in the Google 7 Pack. The prospect clicks on your listing and goes to your “official” Mary Kay website to purchase.

I hope this dispells some of the Myth’s you have about the Google Business Listing. As you can see I am a big believer in “Claiming” and “Optimizing” your Google Business Listing.

In fact, I  have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

Be on the lookout for more information about the Google Business Listing and why it’s so important for your business. There is so much more to say and learn about this incredible Marketing Opportunity.

Thanks for reading!

What is the Search Engine Keywords Selection Process

Search engines are the vehicles that drive potential customers to your websites. But in order for visitors to reach their destination – your website – you need to provide them with specific and effective signs that will direct them right to your site. You do this by creating carefully chosen keywords.

Think of the right keywords as the Open Sesame! of the Internet. Find the exactly right words or phrases, and presto! hoards of traffic will be pulling up to your front door. But if your keywords are too general or too
over-used, the possibility of visitors actually making it all the way to your site – or of seeing any real profits
from the visitors that do arrive – decreases dramatically.

Your keywords serve as the foundation of your marketing strategy. If they are not chosen with great precision, no
matter how aggressive your marketing campaign may be, the right people may never get the chance to find out about it. So your first step in plotting your strategy is to gather and evaluate keywords and phrases.

You probably think you already know EXACTLY the right words for your search phrases. Unfortunately, if you haven’t followed certain specific steps, you are probably WRONG. It’s hard to be objective when you are right in the center of your business network, which is the reason that you may not be able to choose the most efficient keywords from the inside. You need to be able to think like your customers. And since you are a business owner and not the consumer, your best bet is to go directly to the source.

Instead of plunging in and scribbling down a list of potential search words and phrases yourself, ask for words from as many potential customers as you can. You will most likely find out that your understanding of your business and your customers’ understanding is significantly different.

The consumer is an invaluable resource. You will find the words you accumulate from them are words and phrases you probably never would have considered from deep inside the trenches of your business.
Only after you have gathered as many words and phrases from outside resources should you add your own keyword to the list. Once you have this list in hand, you are ready for the next step: evaluation.

The aim of evaluation is to narrow down your list to a small number of words and phrases that will direct the
highest number of quality visitors to your website. By “quality visitors” I mean those consumers who are most
likely to make a purchase rather than just cruise around your site and take off for greener pastures. In evaluating
the effectiveness of keywords, bear in mind three elements: popularity, specificity, and motivation.

Popularity is the easiest to evaluate because it is an objective quality. The more popular your keyword is, the
more likely the chances are that it will be typed into a search engine which will then bring up your URL.

You can now purchase software that will rate the popularity of keywords and phrases by giving words a number rating
based on real search engine activity. Software such as WordTracker will even suggest variations of your words and
phrases. The higher the number this software assigns to a given keyword, the more traffic you can logically expect to
be directed to your site. The only fallacy with this concept is the more popular the keyword is, the greater the
search engine position you will need to obtain. If you are down at the bottom of the search results, the consumer will
probably never scroll down to find you.

Popularity isn’t enough to declare a keyword a good choice. You must move on to the next criteria, which is
specificity. The more specific your keyword is, the greater the likelihood that the consumer who is ready to purchase
your goods or services will find you.

Let’s look at a hypothetical example. Imagine that you have obtained popularity rankings for the keyword “automobile companies.” However, you company specializes in bodywork only. The keyword “automobile body shops” would rank lower on the popularity scale than “automobile companies,” but it would nevertheless serve you much better. Instead of getting a slew of people interested in everything from buying a car to changing their oil filters, you will get only those consumers with trashed front ends or crumpled fenders being directed to your site. In other words, consumers ready to buy your services are the ones who will immediately find you. Not only that, but the greater the specificity of your keyword is, the less competition you will face.

The third factor is consumer motivation. Once again, this requires putting yourself inside the mind of the customer rather than the seller to figure out what motivation prompts a person looking for a service or product to type in a particular word or phrase. Let’s look at another example, such as a consumer who is searching for a job as an IT manager in a new city. If you have to choose between “Seattle job listings” and “Seattle IT recruiters” which do you think will benefit the consumer more? If you were looking for this type of specific job, which keyword would you type in? The second one, of course! Using the second keyword targets people who have decided on their career, have the necessary experience, and are ready to enlist you as their recruiter, rather than someone just out of school who is casually trying to figure out what to do with his or her life in between beer parties. You want to find people who are ready to act or make a purchase, and this requires subtle tinkering of your keywords until your find the most specific and directly targeted phrases to bring the most motivated traffic to you site.

Once you have chosen your keywords, your work is not done. You must continually evaluate performance across a variety of search engines, bearing in mind that times and trends change, as does popular lingo. You cannot rely on your log traffic analysis alone because it will not tell you how  many of your visitors actually made a purchase.

Luckily, some new tools have been invented to help you judge the effectiveness of your keywords in individual search engines. There is now software available that analyzes consumer behavior in relation to consumer traffic. This allows you to discern which keywords are bringing you the most valuable customers.

This is an essential concept: numbers alone do not make a good keyword; profits per visitor do. You need to find keywords that direct consumers to your site who actually buy your product, fill out your forms, or download your product. This is the most important factor in evaluating the efficacy of a keyword or phrase, and should be the sword you wield when discarding and replacing ineffective or inefficient keywords with keywords that bring in better profits.

Ongoing analysis of tested keywords is the formula for search engine success. This may sound like a lot of work – and it is! But the amount of informed effort you put into your keyword campaign is what will ultimately generate your business’ rewards.

What is PPC – Pay Per Click?

Advertising your services or products on the Internet is both extremely effective and extremely competitive. There
are several ways to go about attracting traffic to your website; Pay-Per-Click is one of the options you can choose
from, along with developing an SEO, or search engine optimization campaign. Both pay-per-click and SEO are
targeted to get your website placed as close to the top of search engine results as possible. One of the differences
is that it takes minutes to set up a pay-per-click campaign versus months for a good SEO campaign.

Pay-Per-Click is a simple type of paid advertising that all search engines, Google, MSN, Bing, Yahoo and several others. It requires a bid for a “per-click” basis, which translates to your company paying the bid amount every time the search engine directs a visitor to your site, and someone “click’s” on your ad. Thus the pay-per-click term.

Just to futher confuse things, you can also have ad’s that are pay-per-impression. Meaning when the site shows up in the results, you pay. There are lot’s of school’s of thoughts on which type of ad is best and it really just boils down to what you are trying to achieve with your ad and what keywords or industry you are in.

It’s All About Driving Traffic

There are 2 primary ways to drive traffic to your site using search engines.

1) Paid Search: Paid search is just what it says, all of the ways you can “pay” to get traffic, from search engines, via directories (citysearch.com, yellowpages.com, etc.), PPC ad’s, banners and more. The beauty of paid search is in it’s immediacy and the simplicity of the pay-per-click process. You just bid and you’re up and running. It doesn’t
demand any specific technical knowledge, though the more you know about search engines and keywords, the easier -
and more effective – the process will be.

So if you have a sale, a special or new product line you want to promote, in minutes you can be up and running, driving traffic to your site that is looking or seeking your great new product or service. Another beauty of PPC or paid search is the tracking process. You will know in less than 1 day how effective your ad is in driving traffic. If after a few days, your ad does not get a lot of click throughs, it is time to re-write and find a message that connects with your target audience.

2) Natural Search: This is when someone types in a keyword and your website just appears “naturally” at the top (first page) of the search engine results. One thing most folks don’t understand about Natural Search is that it can be just as costly and definitely more time consuming as paid search campaigns. This is compounded by the fact that their are multiple search engines out there, they all use their own method’s to determine where you rank on their site and on it goes. However, that does not mean you should not do all you can to get your natural search rankings up, it’s just more of an ongoing process and one that needs to be managed weekly, if not daily to really achieve success in popular keyword categories.

How is this different from Google Adwords?

Google Adwords is the program that Google has built to manage Pay-Per-Click campaigns. People forget that Google is not the only search engine on the planet, and while they do dominate in most markets, there is a lot of traffic coming from MSN, Bing and Yahoo. Each search engine company has their own Pay-Per-Click (PPC) system, comparable to Google’s Adwords. The good news is that  all of the search engine ad programs run pretty much the same, you get a set amount of words for your ad space, then a spot for your url.

As with all marketing campaigns, there are advantages and disadvantages. If you understand the process and monitor your pay-per-click campaign frequently, it can be very effective. The tricky part is learning the process and how to work it to your advantage.