So You Want To Be on the Google Map: Step# 1
January 28, 2010 by Tech Jane
Have you noticed that when you type in a search query for anything in Google, Yahoo or Bing, a Map with little push-pins pop’s up?
In Google – that is the Google Map, or 7-Pack. It’s a pretty powerful place to be.
The Google 7-Pack not only shows up above the “organic” or “natural” search results, but it has a higher click rate than the Google Adwords (Ad’s surrounding it).
Let’s be clear, this Google 7-Pack is only one piece of the puzzle. The actual listing (the data that shows up on the map) comes from your Google Business Listing.
Why does your Google Business Listing Matter? Because it shows up in places outside of just the Map.
Where does it show? The Google Business Listing information shows up all over the web and Google, it show up in the search results pages (in the Google 7-Pack), in the map pages (when getting directions) , in the mobile applications (when texting Google or using a Map system to find your location or phone number) and so much more.
The data that appears in these Maps is from your Google Business Listing.
For Example:
Good news, some of you have been in business for a few years and have had your company information listed in a directory site (Superpages.com, Yellowbook.com, etc) and/ or your company information (Business Name, Address, Phone) was listed in the white pages of the phone book. That is how your information is already pre-populated in your Google Business Listing. Google took this company information from phone books, directory sites and more and created a Google Business Listing in your honor. Congrats!
If you are a new company (under a year) or have never participated in some of these things (like be in the phone book/ white pages) you might not have a listing. No problem – you can get one for Free!
Your Google Business Listing is basically an online business card for your company, however because it is done by Google – it has a lot of marketing power that you need to know about.
The trick is you have to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. You can’t just have it.
Step #1: Check to see if you have a Google Business Listing
1) Go to http://www.google.com
2) Type in the name of your company. We did this for “Two Sisters Moving Company” below.
3) See how the Map appears? With the Business information next to it? They have a Google Business Listing that has been “Claimed” and “Optimized”.
If you do this for your company name, and a map does not appear – then you don’t have a listing and you need to create one.
If you have a Google Business Listing in your Company name – Congrats! Next step is to “Claim” and “Optimize” it.
Next Step – You have to “Claim” and create (if you don’t have a listing already) your Google Business Listing.
This is always my favorite question to Business Owners, “Have you claimed your Google Business Listing?”
The answer is always a “YES” then when I look it up…. the truth is it’s a big “NO”.
Because, let’s face it… Google has not exactly been “pro-active” about this Google Business Listing stuff. And if your company has been in business for a few years, you might have a listing, and might even show up on the Google Map, but you still have not “Claimed” it. Which means it is wide open to someone else “Claiming it” and not giving it back.
Yep, it happens. And FYI – there is not a small biz Google Claims court. Google will just tell you to create another listing. But they won’t remove your illegal listing – so now you have two listings, and the one that is on the Map will not be your new listing – but the illegal listing – confused?
Don’t worry. I get into Step# 2 – Creating & Claiming Your Google Business Listing in next weeks post.
I am hosting a live Webinar on February 9th , 2010 that will teach you how to Create, Claim and Optimize your Google Business Listing. The tips, secrets and tools you need to maximize your listing and get to be #1 are the Google Z-Pack Map are all explained! Sign up today to secure your spot here….
8 Myths of the Google Business Listing
December 17, 2009 by Tech Jane
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.
Example of a Full Google Business Listing
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!
Why Your Domain and Website Hosting Can Not Be the Same Company
October 26, 2009 by webmaster
As business owners begin to dive into the wild world of the web, they quickly are caught up in a slew of advice, technology, terms, tools and well meaning advice from every relative, staff member and individual younger than them. This can sometimes cause a problem in understanding what is important and what is just not.
Take some of my most “hated” advice. Web designers hate it, Techy Geek relatives hate it, and the office networking guy usually hates it as well. In fact they work pretty hard to convince you my advice is bad, evil and severely mis-understood.
What is that advice you ask? It’s this: Do not host your website and your domain (www.nameofyourco.com) with the same company or with anyone you work with, are related to or with your designer or It guy.
Before I give my explanation… let’s make sure you understand a few details. To do that properly… let’s go back a few years and talk about your cell phone. In the late 90′s when you got a cell phone the phone company you signed up with (Verizon, Southwestern Bell, etc..) gave you your cell phone number (512-123-1234). Better yet, if you ever decided to leave their company and go to another – they KEPT your number! That’s right – they KEPT your number. You had no choice in the matter. I clearly remember agonizing over this decision, I wanted to dump Southwestern Bell badly! I had recently moved and the service was horrible in Washington, DC and with the crazy roaming rules (something that is now long gone) I was paying out the nose on top of it all.
I waited it out until I could not take it anymore. I finally signed up with Sprint and said goodbye to my first ever cell phone number. This was a big issue for me because at the time I worked as a Consultant and I lived by my cell phone. I had no office phone, I was 100% travel. Now I had to go through the company to get new cards (painful), contact all my current and old clients (double painful) and hope my buddies and friends would find me again. Remember Google, Facebook and LinkedIn did not exist at this time, so if you lost someones number you went to Yahoo or AOL and dug through the white pages to try and find them again and their cell phone number was never listed.
Luckily now it is super easy to “port” your phone number between different cell phone carriers. Your Domain name (www.NameOfCompany.com) is like the phone number in this scenario and your cell phone carrier is like your website hosting company. The phone number (aka Domain name) is important to you and your business and you want to keep control over it at all times. The same is true for your website hosting company – you want to maintain control over that account – because having your website go down or having your Domain name get locked will devastate most businesses. If your domain name gets locked it takes down your website and your ability to send out emails. Can you keep your business going without email?
Here is a story about my buddy Steve who had his domain account locked. He has a small consulting company in Virgina. He was using Go Daddy as his domain provider (where he purchased his domain (www.NameofCompany.com)) and as his web hosting company, its easier to write one check. He hired a local IT company to maintain his companies email servers. Well the IT company did not keep up with the latest patches one day (it happens all the time – these boxes get attacked 20,000+ times a day) and a spammer hacked into the email server. The spammer set up shop, created a new email account and went to town emailing millions of pieces of spam via this new account. Next thing Steve knows is his email is down, the website is down. He calls his IT company – there is nothing they can do – his domain provider (Go Daddy) has locked his domain name (www.NameofCompany.com) down for spam complaints. Because he has his website hosted with Go Daddy as well, he is locked out of his website.
In Steve’s situation, he created a new domain name (with another company) and had to get a new website built (remember they locked him out of his account – so he could not even get the website files). In a few months, Go Daddy did un-lock the domain and the web server. However, the damage was done.
How do you prevent this from happening to you? Never work with Go Daddy? No. Go Daddy is a great company and should not be blamed. All of the domain providers will do what Go Daddy did. It’s the only way to stop spam and the legal implications connected to spam. It was made worse for Steve because he had his domain and website with the same company.
The Lesson:
1) Do NOT host your domain (www.NameofCompany.com) and your website (the content) with the same company. Keep them separate. For Example: Go Daddy is my domain provider for all of my domains and I use Bluehost to host my websites.
2) Do NOT allow your IT guy, web designer, family member or neighbor host your website. You can host your website for $60 to $95 per year. Why? you may ask… well check my next post for the scoop on why you need to host your website with a separate 3rd party.
-Jane
