5 Steps For Optimizing Your Business Profile On Online Review Sites
We all know that consumers are increasingly finding businesses through internet research. But did you know that 50% of searches for local businesses occur on directories and apps, not search engines like Google or Yahoo? This means that consumers are finding you on review websites like Yelp or through directory listings like Yellow Pages. Are you aware of what your business listing, if there even is one, looks like on those websites? Read below for 5 tips on how to optimize your brand presence on these websites, so you can drive customers to your business instead of your competitors!
1. Claim your listing
The first step, of course, is to locate your business profile on these online directory and review sites. Simply performing the following Google search will locate most of the sites you need: go to Google.com, click in the search bar, and type in the following (replacing what’s in the quotes with the name of your business): “your business name” listing. If you can, go through the first ten results on that initial page of Google results, and claim your listing on each page.
Alternatively, you can take a more targeted approach, by going directly to the directories and sites you care about and searching for your business there. At a minimum, you should claim your listing on Google +, SeniorAdvisor.com, and Yelp.com. Depending on your business, there may also be additional sites that matter for your industry – for instance, if you are a realtor serving seniors, you should make sure you’ve claimed your profile on Realtor.com or Zillow. If there is not already a listing for your business, take a quick look through their FAQ section to find out who you need to email to add your listing.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Claim your business profile.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Add your listing.
2. Update your information
Once you’ve claimed your page, make sure to completely fill out your profile with the correct contact information and description of your services. By making sure your contact information is up to date, prospective customers will be able to contact you. By fully describing the services you offer, you give them a reason to want to contact you.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Update your business information.
3. Upload media
Once you’ve filled out all the informational sections on your profile, bring your listing to life with photos and videos! If you are a brick-and-mortar business like a senior living community, upload well-lit photos of your facility and a videotaped virtual tour. If you offer professional services such as real estate or elder law advice, make sure to upload a personal headshot so visitors to the website can feel a more personal connection with you. Even better, you could upload photos or videos of you or your staff smiling with happy residents or customers! Photos of people perform much better than just empty photos of rooms in your building.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Add photo and video to your business profile.
4. Respond to the reviews
Chances are, there will already be reviews on your business page. This is great – families are already spreading the word about your business. Take the time to read and respond to the reviews that are already there, whether they are positive or negative. For tips on responding to reviews, read our blog post 3 Simple Steps For Responding To Online Reviews.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Respond to a review on your business profile.
5. Invite your current customers to review
Now that your profile has all the information and visuals to encourage a prospective customer to consider working with you, it’s time to get some positive reviews to help seal the deal. Reading rave reviews from others who had a positive experience working with you will help persuade prospects to go ahead and give you a call. In fact, we’ve found that consumers exposed to senior living community reviews were 74% more likely to schedule a tour of four- and five-star locations than those who were not provided community feedback at all!
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Invite reviewers via email.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Ask for reviews with this customized flyer.
- Get started on SeniorAdvisor.com for FREE: Order pre-paid review postcards.
Amelia Willson
Based in Austin, TX, Amelia is the former Content Marketing Manager for SeniorAdvisor.com. When she’s not writing about online reputation management, online reviews, and social media in the senior living space, she enjoys yoga and running with her dog Rockefeller. She graduated from Wellesley College cum laude with a dual degree in English and Medieval/Renaissance Studies.