Guide to Claiming your Google Map Listing
Unlocking Success on Google Maps for Water Damage Restoration Services
Ensuring your water damage restoration business not only appears on Google Maps but secures a prominent place on the coveted first page demands strategic efforts. While complexities and various strategies abound, the first crucial step is simple: visit https://www.google.com/+/business.
Be warned, this page undergoes frequent changes, but navigating through the process of claiming your Google+ listing is paramount. If there’s one activity that promises the most customers at zero cost, it’s this – an immediate must-do!
Recent statistics reveal that over 50% of businesses have yet to claim their Google+ listing, presenting a golden opportunity for your water damage restoration service to outpace the competition. Start by visiting https://www.google.com/+/business to claim your listing and ensure all the vital information is accurate – your phone number, website address, a brief description of your services, and perhaps some impactful visuals, like pictures or videos.
Some tips to bear in mind as you claim your Google+ listing: The process is relatively straightforward, especially if you have a Gmail or Google account. Google recognizes this and allows you to use it for claiming your Google Local listing. If not, you’ll need to establish a Google account.
Once logged in, input your phone number and company name. The system will search the Google Local Business directory to check if your business already exists. If so, it will prompt you to confirm and claim your listing. If not, there’s a process to add your business to Google Local Business.
Ensure your company name remains consistent. Using your actual company name is crucial – no variations or additional keywords. The same rule applies to your address and phone number; maintain consistency across the web.
Moving on, add your website address, if available, and craft a concise yet informative description. Utilize the provided categories to accurately reflect your business’s nature. You can also create custom categories for specific services.
Upload photos and videos – a maximum of ten pictures and five videos. Real images, representative of your business, work best. A team shot, your logo, and pictures showing involvement in local organizations can create a positive impact.
In the Service Area section, select your legitimate service area based on location and miles covered. In the Additional Information field, take advantage of the opportunity to add more details about your services and areas served.
After filling in all the necessary details, press “Submit” to initiate the verification process. Opt for phone verification if possible – it’s faster. If not, opt for mail verification, which takes a few days.
Once verified, you gain the ability to post updates and make changes to your listing. However, claiming your Google Local Business listing is just the beginning. To further enhance your visibility, you need consistent N.A.P. profiles across various online directories and real reviews from customers.
Google evaluates your presence on other directories like Yahoo Local, Bing Local, CitySearch, Angie’s List, Yelp, and many more. Make sure your name, address, and phone number remain consistent across these platforms. Google wants assurance that you exist on various online directories.
Gathering real customer reviews is equally crucial. Attempting to manipulate the system by generating fake reviews is not advisable, as Google employs algorithms to detect such attempts. Instead, solicit reviews from genuine customers through emails, review cards, or automated processes using Reputation Software.
In conclusion, to get your water damage restoration service on the Google Map’s radar, claim your Google Local Business listing, ensure consistency across the web, and actively seek authentic reviews. Consistency and diligence will set you on the path to prominence when potential customers search for “your service + your city.” Don’t just get on the list – aim for a prime spot!