Local Business Google Search Marketing Frustrations!

A local business owner came into our studio last week frustrated by the cost and level of support being provided by two mass market companies who were contracted to manage his website, Google Adwords (Paid listings) and Google MyBusiness (Local listings) account. 

After a little digging around, I found that his AdWords account was showing adverts with wording not relevant to his business plus they were not covering the full area he covered. Additionally his Google MyBusiness was set up under a service that he actually offered, but it was not the primary term the business should have been listed under. 

In his frustration, the owner had set up his own AdWords account and MyBusiness account resulting in having duplicate accounts! 

This got me thinking... how many other local businesses are being 'supported' in such a way?

One way I have been able to help is by explaining the Google search results page landscape, what each section is and how it is managed (See screen grab): 

1) Google AdWords (Paid Listings) 

I'm sure you haven't failed to notice that a little while back Google changed the layout of its search results page so that the paid adverts no longer sit on the right hand side of your browser. Basically Google have tried to make their paid results look more 'native' by showing up to four adverts above merit listings and three below. This section is managed through Google AdWords or AdWords Express found in your MyBusiness account. Here you can select terms used that your advert will appear under when they are searched for, the wording of your advert and how much you are willing to pay to get higher in the list. 

2) Google MyBusiness (Local Listings) 

These adverts appear when terms are searched for that Google has registered as category's a local businesses fits into. So for example, when looking at the term "roofing repair evesham" the results page shows MyBusiness listings, the terms "roof maintenance" does not. At least three listings are shown here until that category is expanded, so you can see how important it is to set this up correctly. Google MyBusiness information can be edited in your Google + account. 

3) Merit Listings (Search Engine Optimisation) 

On some search result pages you have to scroll down past four AdWord listings, then three MyBusiness listings before you even get to a merit listing! A merit listing, as suggested by the name, is how Google reviews the merit of showing your website page above a competitors in the page results. This is commonly called search engine optimization and is managed through the content and structure of your website and using a technique called back link generation.  

Our aim is to reduce the monthly cost of local business online marketing spend whilst improving their results.  

We can help you fully understand how to achieve this and importantly exactly where and how effective your spend is. 

Call 01386 764747 or email joe@swimminghippo.co.uk if you are frustrated with your Google Search Marketing!

How to overtake your competition online:

How to overtake your competition online:

When it comes to digital marketing or SEO as its more commonly known, reaching high positions on search engines like Google can make a huge difference to your overall visibility and sales.

There are many aspects to consider when you want to climb up this ever challenging organic ladder:

One aspect is what is known as link building and content marketing.

Google and other search engines are always looking to offer viewers the best experience and to do this offering the most relevant and up to date content is key.

Once you have this content though the big question is what do you do with it?

Well we have expert content writers that each have a passion for a specific field be it sport, lifestyle, business, tech, fashion and many many more.  They have contacts with web site owners (webmasters as they are known in our field) and they offer this content out to them.

If the webmaster likes it, they will put that piece of content onto their website and when Google do their rounds and look at the website that has your content on it, they look fondly on this and put you higher up as they feel you are the most appropriate.

As long as you don't drone on about you and your business and keep it very non promotional and the sites are respected it works.

Now nothing happens over night, but this is a proven tried and tested method to get you those enquiries you could do with, and right now we are offering to review where you currently are for free, we will look at your competition, your strengths and weaknesses and even put a game plan together with some suggestions that you could do yourselves or we could help with.

If your keen to explore this idea and would like a free review why not let us know by calling 01386 764747 or click here.