As a local small business, it is extremely important to be found locally online! There are many ways you can set up to be found (using keywords on your website, setting up your local listings, having social media, ect.), but what separates you from your competitors?
Ratings and reviews on your Local listings (Google+ Local, Yelp, ect.) are a huge factor not only because they look good upon your company but they also help your ranking in local searches. Google recently updated their local maps search (both on their Mobile app and maps.google.com) to feature ratings and reviews more prominently. Now you can search based on “top reviewers” for your search or view based on “your circles'” reviews (showing info from your Google+ friends’ recommendations).
This update has made reviews much more important on local SEO as people use these search options as a way to make quick decisions for a visit or purchase. Furthermore, the new Google Maps “features tour” flat out says that your search on maps will help you find the “highest-rated” businesses near you!
A study done by BrightLocal (and quoted by Search Engine Land) found that “73% of consumers say positive customer reviews make them trust a business more (up from 58% in 2012).” Consumers are using reviews let’s get out there and show them why they should contact our small business!
Skol!
Marty McTigue
Additional Sources:
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/the-5-awesome-new-features-of-the-latest-google-maps-84933637494.html
https://plus.google.com/events/c6p2nlmujm1i7h3tmddadmvf2ko
