Your website is already equipped with key phrases, searchable terms, page descriptions and other Google tools to help boost your SEO. But the truth is, search algorithms are ever-changing. It's not a ‘do it and you're done’ kind of job. With some patience and persistence you can get there.

LET'S FOCUS ON A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO GIVE YOUR BRAND AWARENESS A BOOST ON GOOGLE.

Boost Your Google Presence Right Now!

01. Create a Google Business Profile

If you haven't signed up for a business listing with Google (Formerly Google My Business) you NEED to do it! Your FREE business profile lets you connect with customers across Google search and can improve your local ranking with Google. Even if you don't have a brick and mortar shop, it will still promote local traffic. You'll ENTER YOUR BUSINESS INFORMATION then receive either a text, email or a postcard in the mail to verify your business. Include your website URL, branded photos, hours of operation and special offers directly to your profile. Refresh your profile often with new photos that help tell your brand story. Set a reminder to log-in to your profile each week to make updates. By doing so, Google will notice and rank you accordingly in the listing among your competitors.

02. Ask your clients to leave a Google review

More Google reviews and positive ratings are factored into local rankings and will improve your business's local presence.  High quality, positive reviews improve your business's visibility. When asking for a review from customers, don't be shy. It's OK to encourage your customers to provide feedback on your services and products, especially while they are at the peak of their happiness with your service! Make it simple for your customers by sharing your unique URL to take your customers directly to your business review page.

Here's a quick way to ask for a review:

Get permission:

"Hi (customer). I wanted to send a quick note to ask if you would mind taking a few minutes to write a 1-2 sentence review for me? Your comments help others know what to expect when they are interested in [purchasing my product/receiving my services]. May I email you a direct link? Thanks in advance for considering this."

After permission is granted:
"Thanks so much. It really means a lot to me. If you could provide your thoughts on how you felt before you started [working with with me/using my product] and then how you felt after that would be really helpful. Here's a DIRECT LINK [YOUR DIRECT LINK URL] to my review page. Thanks in advance for your time."

After review is posted:

After your customer has provided a review, make sure you respond as immediately as possible in the comments section of their review. Google loves it when you respond in a timely manner and it's the perfect opportunity to express your sincere gratitude for their review.

03. Utilize Google posts

Looking for more organic traffic to your website? Strategize and use the GOOGLE POST FEATURE as a way to promote your products or services. Post your own photos, graphics, and links to let the public know about relevant events or sales. Write a simple but impactful headline that benefits your audience. Use words like "SALE, SAVE, EASY or LAST CHANCE", or "NEW, DISCOVER, JUST ARRIVED, or INTRODUCING."

TIP: Posts stay ‘live’ on your business profile for 7 days and then disappear from your main profile. If you're wanting to keep your listing fresh, post every week to continue your good ranking. Keep a rotation of posts to use over and over again so you can always have a clickable post available to searchers.

A couple of extra tips:

Use your Google maps app!  If you prefer using your phone to stay up-to-date you can use the Google maps app download on Google Play or in the Apple App Store.  You can also opt-in to notifications so you can keep track of reviews in real time.