Using Google+ Local for Local SEO

Get online reviews from customers and build a community through healthy interactions.

Google+ Local can help your business build a reputation, and attract new customers, through online reviews. For example, a local dentist you draw patients from their surrounding local community. This form Google Marketing allows you to take localized marketing online. The same tried and true concept of customer referrals can easily be transferred from word of mouth to online by using Google+ Local.

8 Reasons to Use Google+ Local

• 1) Online Reviews: Customers can publish reviews and pictures of your business.
• 2) Reviews from Friends: Reviews from people in your circle (Google version of a group of friends/acquaintances) will show up during a search. For example if Sue reviewed your company and Sara, in Sue’s circle, was searching for a local service like yours – Sue’s review would come up.
• 3) Google+ Pages: Your practice can have its own page with all of your customer reviews and comments on it.
• 4) Be Found: Verified Google+ Local Pages let your business be found on Google search, maps and mobile when someone conducts a search.
• 5) Information: A Google+ Local Page lets you place information about your company online. This includes hours of operation, location, contact, website and additional links.
• 6) Scores: Customers can now review your practice with a scoring system. This is a fantastic way to add credibility. For example, people searching for a new dentist can easily see that existing patients have given the dentistry high ratings and trust that they will do a good job. This is extremely effective as people are more likely to trust an existing customer review over traditional marketing.
• 7) Connect: By creating a Google+ account you have an additional way to connect with customers. This can help you build a community online that translates into improved business interactions.
• 8) Healthy Community: You can use Google Marketing to help build a healthy community. Google+ has a hangout feature that allows you to do a live video chat with multiple people. You can advertise a free 30 minute training on tips that are specific to your industry to get the word out through online marketing and use a hangout to connect with current and prospective customers.

Google local pages through Google+ should be part of your online marketing strategy. By establishing a page, providing current information, and connecting with customers through your circles – your business can establish a greater online presence. This will help you be found in local searches and provide a forum for existing customers to recommend your services. Personalize referrals are still extremely effective and Google local pages provides a place for customers to tell their friends, and the world, how much they enjoy your business.