Google My Business - Simple 3 Step Set-Up

Did you know that Google processes 40,000 searches per SECOND? That’s around 3.5 billion searches a day. We head to a bar, we use Google Maps to get us there. Then we Google some reviews, perhaps search Google Images to check out what the place looks like in advance… and a quick look under Google News to double-check there’s no bad press!

Google has become a part of everyday life for millions of people around the world and any good SEO company in New York knows it is business-critical that websites are optimized to Google’s algorithms. Now Google my Business is another essential tool that all businesses should utilize. If you’re looking for a web design company in NYC, Hummingbird Web Design offers web-marketing services to Long Island and the Tri-State.  However, the steps detailed below apply to any business, anywhere.

What is Google My Business? And how do you set it up? We’ve got you covered in this quick ‘how to’ guide.

What is it? The basics:

Google my Business allows businesses of all sizes to appear across Google’s range of services – especially in search engine results pages and on Google Maps. In a way, it levels the playing field for smaller businesses and arguably provides “free advertising” of sorts when properly set up. A search for “Shoe shop near me” (or indeed “near work, home or “in Brooklyn”) will return smaller businesses alongside multinational giants – without the massive capital outlay usually required to appear alongside such huge businesses.

It provides your customers with a wealth of easily accessible information on your company which will make them more likely to engage with your brand and furthermore. Google my Business links to your Google Analytics so you can manage your company’s online presence in a single place. Digital bliss!

And the best thing? It’s super simple to set up. Once you’ve verified your business details you are half way there.

Here’s how in 3 easy steps:

1. ‘Get on Google’
   
   Head to www.google.com/business and click “Start now”. Make sure you’re signed into your business Google account or email (if you don’t already have one, you will need to set up a gmail account)

2. Search
   
   Search for your business name and address

Then get back to basics: Check the address is correct, as well as the name of your business. A pop-up will appear – be sure to click ‘I am authorized to manage this business”

3. Verify

Clicking on “Mail me my code” will alert Google to send an authorization code to the business address you confirmed in the previous step (see why It’s so important now?!) Once you receive this code, simply type it in on your Google my Business page and you’re all set! The verification code is sent as a postcard, delivered to you by your postmaster, not email. Therefore it must be a physical address, your business address – and not a P.O. box address.

Good housekeeping

To get the most out of Google my business, it’s useful to follow these tips:

• Add a picture – the logo of your business makes the most sense. You can add images of your headquarters/ store/ office etc. too if you like, to add a little more color and personality to your account
 

• Take the tour – Once verified, the opportunity to take a virtual tour around Google my Business will pop up. As a species becoming dominated by convenience and speed of service, we have a tendency to ignore such yours – this time, take the opportunity! It’s a quick, informative and worthwhile step that will give you a good grasp of the basics. What’s not to love?
 

• Download the app – for added convenience and to manage your account on the go, you might find it useful to download the Google my Business app. Available on Apple and Android
 

• Check regularly – actively update your account and check your analytics – a tool is only as useful as the validity of its information

We hope you found this useful. As a web design and SEO Company in Port Washington, we know that a company is much more than its online presence – but a good website properly shared and optimized for maximum exposure can make a huge difference to the success of a business. Google My Business is a great first step that we strongly recommend every small business to undertake.  But remember –  it all starts with a strong website. Give us a call today to get started. 516-883-3851

Leave your questions and comments below.

This is the syndicated copy of an original article posted at https://hummingbirdwebdesign.com/google-business-simple-3-step-set/

Five Key Tactics a Content Marketing Agency in New York Should Do For Your Website

Is your website pretty on the outside but lacking valuable content?  Then it might be the time you reassess your strategy. A content marketing agency in New York could be just what you need to give your traffic that all-important boost. Here’s what a professional agency could do for you:

1 – Provide clarity and a renewed focus on content

Many business owners are simply too close to their products and services to know how to change for the better. A fresh set of eyes and a new perspective will do wonders for your content. Whether your business offers web design in New York or bicycles in Beijing, a content marketing agency can help you to focus on your target market with content that they will want to read. A professional company will add value to your website in that people will visit more. Regular updates equal regular return visitors. And speaking of content, experts can also….

2 – Bring the latest content ideas to life

Remember when people first started putting videos on their website and before you knew it paint manufacturers were filming their products drying simply because using video was “so in right now”? Well, things haven’t improved so much. This example is a slight exaggeration, but the lesson remains: Whenever a creative new way of communicating comes into play, it doesn’t take long for people to try and apply it to their business in an awkward ‘square peg round hole’ fashion.

Marketing and web strategies are not ‘one size fits all’ because every business is unique. A content marketing agency will help you to apply strategy to your communications – and make sure that you are using the most current, appropriate means of doing so. The improper use of images, infographics, video, blogs, etc. are likely to occur if you don’t seek help from a professional. If you reside in NY, choosing a company offering web design in New York is the best way to avoid common content pitfalls and make sure your website is on point with your brand and voice positioned and projected properly. A specialist can also….

3 – Optimize your website

Small businesses in New York should also be mindful of services such as website optimization. The competition is feirce so finding an SEO company in New York is a significant step to take to keep your business on the www map. At the forefront of developments, SEO strategists are up-to-the-minute when it comes to the latest, ever-changing Google algorithms that will help your website climb to the top of the search engine results pages (SERPs).

Being an SEO strategist is a full-time job for good reason and one which many businesses simply don’t have time for in-house. For the average business owner to learn the methodology, buzzwords and acronyms would take considerable time – by which point it will all have moved on and changed again! It’s a fluid beast that takes the dedication and skill of an expert. From updating your Meta descriptions and title tags to more in-depth structural optimization, once suitably augmented you will find your website getting more visitors than ever before! But how will you track them? Well, you’re in luck! Specialists can also…

4 – Apply Google analytics to your website

Google Analytics is a free tool that businesses find invaluable. Once properly configured, it can tell you how many people have visited your page, the duration of the visit, patterns, visitor behavior and their locations plus plenty more handy measurables. Although Google Analytics is a free tool, a completion, and certification of the Google Analytics course will ensure that the job is executed correctly. When used effectively, this analytics will ultimately provide you with the key to what content works on your website and what doesn’t. Smart content writing will ensue, replacing the previous method of ‘blind’ writing. Useful content will mean more engaged visitors, better ROI from better resource planning and an overall healthier business. Another item from Google includes…

5 – Google my Business

It is super easy to set up Google my Business – and it’s becoming increasingly useful and relevant to companies around the world. It helps your business to stand out by appearing in search results as a ‘card’ as well as in Google Maps when people search for your business or keywords that your website is optimized for. Ask us today how it can help your business.

We hope you found this 5 tactics useful. Hiring a professional content marketing agency can make a huge difference to the success of your business. Let’s get started on applying these tactics to your website and ultimately improving your business’ web presence.

This is the syndicated copy of an original article posted at https://hummingbirdwebdesign.com/five-key-tactics-a-content-marketing-agency-ny-should-do-for-your-website/