First off...

If you own or operate a trade company, then this blog is for you! We know tradies are super-busy people who often wear many hats – not only are you out and about delivering services to your customers, you’re probably also managing the rest of your business too. Marketing, business development, bookkeeping, administration – the list goes on!

Here, the team at Cube Online share some simple tips to help grow your brand so you can get more leads online – it’s vital to your company’s success! We quickly explain how your business can get more visibility online and outrank its competitors. All you need to do is set-up your Google My Business account as a service-based business (not a location-based business) and you’re on your way.

If you haven’t already set-up a Google My Business account– then this is your first step!

We do need to point out that these tips are best suited to specific trade businesses. If you’re an electrician, plumber, builder, painter, roofer, pest exterminator, cleaner, or anyone who travels to their clients’ locations, continue reading!

 

Why should I set-up a service-based Google My Business account?

As you probably already know, Google is the most used search engine in the world – it receives over 28,900 local searches per second on any given day!

So, why should you focus on enhancing your local SEO?

88% of consumer local business searches on a mobile device, either call or visit the company within 24 hours

search beats social media by more than 300% as a traffic source.

For a whole list of Google local search stats, click here

 

What is the difference between a location-based and a service-based business?

Location-based

Being a location-based business tells Google that you have a physical location for your customers to visit. If you run a company from a store, you are more likely to appear when someone searches for your products or services if they are close to your business’s location.

The pros:

If someone searches for a product or service you offer and they are physically close to your store, then your brand will show up in Google. For example: if you own a bakery in Penrith, NSW and a tradesman who is also in Penrith, NSW types ‘Food’ in Google Maps while on their lunch break, your business will most likely appear as a top result.

The cons:

Having a physical location limits your amount of search results. If someone searches for a product or service you offer in a neighbouring suburb, then you are very unlikely to show in a search. For example: if you own a bakery in Penrith, NSW and a tradesman in Cranebrook, NSW types ‘Food’ in Google Maps while on their lunch break, your business is very unlikely to appear as a top result. Service-based

A service-based business tells Google that your company serves within a location – this can be a city or multiple suburbs. If a potential customer within the location that you serve is searching for a product or service you offer, you want your company to appear on Google.

The pros:

if someone is in a neighbouring suburb and looking for a service that you offer, then your business has a high chance of showing up on Google. For example: you’re a plumber based in Chatswood, NSW and someone in Roseville, NSW has a leaking tap. When they search ‘Plumber to fix leaking tap’ your company is likely to show up even though you’re based in a different suburb.

How big can I make my service area?

That’s entirely up to you! Whether it’s just one area or the whole of Australia, the sky’s the limit. But, obviously, if you can’t service the entire country then don’t say that you can. Only tell Google the areas you can service. A good way to know where your neighbouring suburbs are and to make sure you don’t forget any is to:

1. Type in your suburb into Google Maps
2. Zoom out so you can see all of the surrounding suburbs
3. Make note of all the surrounding suburbs so you can add them.

How do I change from being a location-based to a service-based business?

Lucky for you, it can be done in just a few minutes (five minutes tops if you have forgotten your Google My Business account password).

1. log into Google My Business
2. on the left-hand of the search bar, click the information tab
3. click on the edit pencil next to the business location and press clear address
4. click on the edit pencil next to add service area. You can make your service area a whole region or if you prefer, you can list all of the specific suburbs you are looking to attract clients from.

Optimise your Google My Business listing

Your Google My Business profile is a really important element within your company’s digital marketing strategy. Now that you’ve updated it, you should ensure it’s been optimised periodically. We’ve created a free checklist to make sure your profile is up to scratch to maximise your business’s online exposure.

What are the benefits of optimising my profile?

be seen in your service area be more visible in your local area generate more leads increase traffic to your website increase inbound phone calls create a strong association between the products or services you offer and your brand inform people of sales, specials and promotions.

Make the most out of your marketing efforts and download Cube Online’s free checklist right here

 

At Cube Online, we’re all about Making Online Easy! Have a question or want to know more ways to boost your business’s online presence? Get in touch with one of our awesome customer service representatives today.