How to Consistently Get Found on Google

Getting a New Business Found Online:

If you’re running a local business, the ability to “get found on Google” can make all the difference in attracting nearby customers. In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence drives traffic, builds credibility, and ultimately brings more sales. By optimizing your website and online listings for local searches, you can boost your visibility and rank higher in search results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on SEO strategies tailored for local businesses to help you get found on Google and stand out to potential customers in your area.

Keyword Research

To start, it’s essential to identify keywords that are relevant to both your business and the Cincinnati area. This initial step in SEO, known as keyword research, involves finding the exact phrases and terms potential customers use when searching for services like yours in Cincinnati. By targeting these specific keywords, you ensure that your content aligns with what local customers are actively seeking, increasing the likelihood that your business will appear in relevant search results.

Effective keyword research goes beyond guessing what people might search for. Using tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs, you can discover actual search volume and competition levels for specific terms. This approach helps uncover valuable keywords, including high-volume, low-competition phrases or those with strong local intent, like “best [service] in Cincinnati” or “affordable [service] near Cincinnati.”

Additionally, incorporating long-tail keywords (specific, multi-word phrases) related to your business and Cincinnati can attract more targeted traffic. For example, if you run a coffee shop in Cincinnati, phrases like “organic coffee in Cincinnati” or “family-friendly café in Cincinnati” help capture specific customer interests and set your business apart from broader searches.

By refining your keyword strategy with these locally-focused terms, you reach not only a larger audience but also attract customers ready to take action and connect with Cincinnati-based businesses like yours.

• Use Keyword Tools: Utilize tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, or Ahrefs to discover local keywords. For example, if you run a bakery in Cincinnati, terms like “Cincinnati bakery” or “best bakery in Cincinnati” are likely valuable.
• Focus on Local Intent: Consider keywords with local intent, such as including “near me” or specific neighborhoods. These search terms indicate people are ready to find a business close by.

Build Your Online Reviews

Online reviews are invaluable to local SEO because they establish trustworthiness, build credibility, and have a direct influence on purchasing decisions. When potential customers see positive feedback from others in your community, they’re more likely to view your business as reliable and worth considering. Reviews act as social proof, offering potential customers a real-life perspective on what it’s like to work with or purchase from your business. Not only do positive reviews make a strong impression on new visitors, but they also encourage existing customers to return, reinforcing customer loyalty.

From an SEO perspective, online reviews are a powerful tool to get found on Google. Google’s algorithm recognizes the importance of customer feedback, often prioritizing businesses with higher ratings and more frequent reviews in local search results. Regular, positive reviews signal to Google that your business is active, trusted, and valuable to the community, which can help boost your local search ranking.

• Encourage Customer Reviews: Politely ask satisfied customers to leave a review on Google. Positive feedback not only attracts new customers but also helps you rank better in local search results.
• Respond to Reviews: Engage with customers by responding to both positive and negative reviews. Acknowledging feedback shows that you value your customers’ opinions and improves your overall reputation.

Yes – Social Media Will Help You Get Found On Google

Facebook is the new Customer Service Department. It’s the best one-stop shop for building your brand and your customers. Facebook allows for customer interaction, growth, and personalization. Social Media increases your business credibility, thus increases your opportunity to get found on Google.

Let’s role play: You’re starting your own business. But you have zero customers and nobody really knows who you are. So you create a Facebook page! You add a banner, your logo, and your business information (personalization). A few days passed, and still no likes. You start to think, “well, maybe if I send out some invites to my friends list.” You check again, “15 likes! That’s amazing!” (Growth)

Your business page doesn’t have to be business 100% of the time. Give people a sneak peek into your personal life every so often or share some funny pictures. More posting allows for more customer interaction, which allows for more exposure. Post every day if you can. 

Now repeat the social platform by establishing a LinkedIn account, a Twitter account, and possibly Pinterest plus Instagram.

Get Listed in Key Directories

Being listed in online directories is a powerful way to enhance your online presence, as it not only boosts your search engine rankings but also builds trust with potential customers. Each listing acts as a citation for your business, signaling to search engines like Google that your business is legitimate, active, and relevant. When your business information—such as name, address, phone number, and website—is consistently displayed across multiple reputable directories, search engines are more likely to prioritize your business in local search results.

Moreover, directory listings provide additional opportunities for customers to discover and engage with your business. Platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories reach a large audience and give potential clients direct access to your contact information, hours, location, and customer reviews. Many directories even allow you to add photos, promotions, or special offers, giving your business added appeal and more reasons for customers to connect with you. In addition, certain niche directories can help you reach targeted audiences interested specifically in your type of business, making these listings invaluable for attracting highly relevant traffic to your website.

• Submit to Trusted Directories: Start with popular directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories relevant to your business. Consistency is key—make sure your NAP details are exactly the same in each listing.
• Utilize Niche and Local Directories: Many communities or industries have specific directories, such as a local chamber of commerce or industry-specific sites. These can drive targeted traffic to your business.

Get Found on Google My Business:

To improve your website’s visibility on Google, you can follow these steps:

• Optimize your website for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta tags, and alt tags.
• Use unique, high-quality content that provides value to users.
• Build high-quality backlinks from other reputable websites.
• Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Use Google Business Profile to claim and verify your business information, and keep it updated.
• Submit your sitemap to Google and make sure it is updated regularly.
• Make use of social media platforms to promote your website and create backlinks.

Remember that SEO is a long-term strategy and requires patience and consistent effort. Avoid using black-hat techniques such as keyword stuffing or paid link schemes, as these can harm your website’s ranking in the long run.

The Google Business Profile page is vital for Google visibility. Remember, not everyone is on Facebook. Google Business Profile registers your business on Google Search according to the business category. Updating social posts is super easy.

Valuable information can be published for the world to see on your GMB page. Market to the world for free what deals you are promoting, add quality photos, and more. The is an expression in marketing that says – Referrals Get You Googled!

When word of your new business is being spread around via word of mouth, people can just type the company name into their computer or cell phone and find everything they need!

Get Found On Google

Implementing a well-rounded local SEO strategy is essential for businesses that rely on nearby customers. By optimizing keywords, claiming map listings, building online reviews, and utilizing social media, you can significantly enhance your visibility and improve your ranking on Google. These steps are straightforward and impactful, helping your business to establish a strong local presence and attract more customers from your community.

Setting up social media and a Google Business Profile is a great start for getting found on Google and other online places. When you’re ready to move on to the next step or have questions about setting up your digital profiles, give us a call! We’re glad to answer your questions!