You woke up this morning with a leaking roof and quickly go online stressing to find a reliable fix. You type a quick Google search (accurate information is so important!) and a business pops up on your computer screen that has several five-star reviews. You click on the business link provided and frustratingly enough, you can’t find a number to call. What do you do next? You look at the next option provided in your Google search. In the real world, people inherently do what is easiest for them to do. So regardless of everything else that your business does, accurate online information is critical as this scenario shows or your potential customer will leave you for a competitor. This leaves us with a very simple yet important benefit. Having your information up-to-date and accurate on third-party websites such as Yelp, Angie’s List, Google+ (to name a few) can increase your business. If you leave business information missing, you will lose business. Updating and monitoring your business third-party websites will also give your business website’s search engine optimization a boost, increase your business brand awareness and allow for your business to get discovered in more online places which in turn will lead directly to more customers.
Information is one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Try to imagine what it may be like without having a proper amount. To ensure that your information is correct and accessible is crucial to any business in the modern age. Without these, potential customers will end up having to reach out to your competition rather than taking the extra time to get to you. Having both factors in play is essential and will help you get what every business wants, more customers.
Now would your target demographic put in the effort to search online for a solution?
Data has shown that 46 percent of all searches on Google’s platform are seeking local information and the situation above would have been included in the 46 percent. Additionally, 88 percent of consumers who perform a local search on their smartphone visit the business within a day. Also, it is important to remember for most businesses, third-party local listings play a crucial role in driving traffic and revenue. People search online for needs and wants. Over a one-month period, there are 5 billion searches for restaurants, 3 billion for hotels, 1 billion for clothing stores, 600 million for hair salons, and 5 million for coffee shops showing that Google is the go-to search. With all these consumers using online platforms to search for solutions you are going to have to make sure that your business will be accessible and easy to contact through these third-party websites.
Research suggests that about 46% of all searches on Google are seeking local information, and 88% of consumers who do a local search on their smartphone visit or call within a day.
At the end of the day, it is up to you, whether you like it or not, online searches are the go-to way for consumers to find solutions. You need to research, update, and keep your business information on a third-party website accurate or risk losing business.
Need help Showcasing Your Business Online?
At T.Ella Marketing Solutions, we help businesses take it to the next level through marketing strategy, custom website design and support, social media management, graphic design and branding, and reputation management. We are dedicated to developing customized robust marketing strategies or happy to help in a single project. Give us a call or email us.