Since being founded in 1998, Google has grown well beyond a search engine with its first office in a garage. Today Google is ubiquitous. From operating systems (if you have a Chrome book or Android device), to email, much of what we use computers for Google has touched. In fact, 71% of consumers use Google daily to search for products and services. Over 480 million people are actively using Google+.
The Importance of Being Found
It’s no surprise then that Google has become our primary means of getting information. Search results have become the single most sought information source since the early 2000s. Being present in search results can make or break a company, event, or product.
Just this week “America” movie filmmakers challenged Google on its provision of local show times. The legal team for the film argued that since “America” was not showing up properly in search results, they were losing revenue. People rely on Google’s display of third party data for movie times to choose which film to go see and when.
Sound familiar? Many local business owners scratch their heads wondering why customers are not showing up to their door. Businesses owners made sure they are in Yellow Pages, have a radio ad, and send out a flier. But that is not where people are looking. Research shows customers and business owners alike go to Google first.
Google My Business
Now business owners can easily update their information so that they can appear in search results for free. Google has made it simpler for small businesses to appear with My Business. The tool updates company information across Google, Maps, Google+ Local, and Google Earth. While it does not guarantee that a company will be on the first page of search results, the move by Google makes it much easier for companies to eventually get there.
The Google platform will continue to grow. As Google’s products meet more people more often, having consistent information about your business will increase the likelihood that it will appear in search results, giving you the chance to grow too.
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BethAnne is one of Mavidea’s talented Search Engine Optimization Specialists…Learn more about BethAnne.
