The search results layout is divided into 3 sections: advertisements, organic listings, and local listings also called Google Maps.
However, when a web visitor is looking for a local business, their eyes are usually on the Maps 3 Pack. The Maps 3 Pack gives you the top 3 ranking listings for a particular keyword and provides a quick snapshot of information about those 3 businesses including their address, hours, a link to their website, rating and reviews if any, directions, and phone number which is an easy click to call.
As you can probably imagine, the top 3 businesses that show up in the maps 3 pack are the ones that receive the majority of the phone calls. So, in order to compete, it is very important for local businesses to optimize their online presence so that they will show up in their local 3 pack for their top keyword phrases plus their city.
The process starts by claiming and verifying their business listing on Google My Business (GMB). Once the business is verified, by postcard usually, you can complete your GMB listing by uploading photos, your logo, your hours, website URL, and adding additional information about your business. With your local listing always remember that consistency with your business name, address and phone number or (NAP) is very important. If you create any other local listings such as Yelp, Foursquare, Facebook, etc, make sure that your NAP are always the same. Use the NAP on your GMB as a guide for all other listings as they should all match your GMB listing.
Another area to focus on is reviews. We live in a review driven society. Consumers looking for a product or service will definitely check out a businesses reviews or lack of reviews before considering them as a potential candidate. In your business, establish a procedure to gather reviews from your customers. It’s usually a good idea to ask happy customers right after they have used your service. With salon owners, you could ask right after a cut or color. Or possibly gather their email to get them on a list to ask them later and to also send them offers, discounts, or notices of special events.
The techniques, procedures and process to get your business in the local 3 pack for your top keywords goes beyond the scope of this article. We specialize in helping salon businesses get into the local 3 pack for their city.
If you would like to schedule a 10 minute consultation with me, please click the link below and pick a time that I’m available and that works for you.
Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you!
Greg
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