There is no getting around the fact that Google is a big name in the internet search game. Showing up in Googles search results is very important, but have you thought about how well are you showing up on Google Maps? When you Google a phrase like “restaurants near me”, the first things that comes up are the Google Map results. These include photos, addresses, phone numbers and websites to restaurants Google thinks you would like. These come up before the rest of the search results and are the most likely to be clicked. In this article you will see how you can rank higher and why it is important to get your listing to the top of the search results.

Claim your Listing: The first step after getting your business on Google Maps is to make sure you claim an existing listing for your business. This will let you add even more information about your location and is essential keeping your listing accurate. Make sure you are logged into your Google My Business account to complete this step.

Make Sure Your Information is Accurate: There is nothing that will make people more upset than finding unreliable information about your location online. It is essential that you keep your hours, phone number, address, and website info up to date on your listing. You can also list your services and a description to let new clients and customers know what you do. Adding your listing to the proper categories will also make it easier for people to find you.

Embed a Google Map on your Website: Embedding a Google Map on your website will let Google know that your location on the map is accurate. Every visit to your site will count as a visit to your Google My Business page, which will help you rank higher in search results.

Photos: One of the quickest ways to catch attention is with photos. If your Google listing doesn’t have any photos, it likely won’t matter how high you rank, people will quickly move onto the next business. You want to capture not only the products you have at your business, but also what it is like to visit. From a shot of the front door to photos of your staff members in action, everything shows a window into what it is like to visit your business and helps attract the eyes of potential customers.

Reviews: When looking at a list of options all in the same category, the reviews are going to be what set you apart. Getting and maintaining good Google reviews will help get you to the top of the list in your category. You will have to be consistent in asking for reviews and you will also want to respond to reviews on Google. Don’t be afraid of reviews or interacting with customers. It is an essential part of running a business.
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Next time you are Googling a place to visit in a new town or looking for something nearby, make sure you pay attention to the Google Map results. Take clues about what you like and what you think people could be doing better and apply that to your own listing. Google is a powerful tool and when used correctly can help get more eyes on what you have to offer. Set up a meeting today with a member on our team to learn more about how we can help you with your Google My Business account and all it offers www.berrydigitalsolutions.com/contact-us.html.

When was the last time you checked out your own website?
 
Often, this is something even WE overlook. We understand. In this day and age, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day work. Like us, that work probably has you on dozens of other sites all day long and before you realize it, a lot of time has flown by since your last check-in on your own site. It may feel it may feel like you just launched that "new" website last month, but maybe a couple years have gone by, and in the digital world, a couple of years can be a lifetime. Best practices, new trends, search optimization, and algorithms are ever-evolving and constantly changing, but try not to get too overwhelmed with it all.
 
Here are a few simple signs it may be time for a little website work:

Title III of the ADA has mandated that all places of public accommodation are required by law to remove any barriers that would inhibit a person with disabilities from being able to access the business’ goods and services. This includes websites for employment agencies, labor organizations, state and federal or employers with 15 or more employees.

Many people interact and perceive the online world a little differently. The internet world is so widely used that ADA compliance also applies to websites and mobile apps.

So, why should we make our website accessible to people who have disabilities that affect hearing, vision or physical capacities?

Other than a moral obligation to ensure people with disabilities have the same opportunities as anyone else, ADA compliance can increase your target audience, improves SEO efforts, helps build your reputation and overall better website usability. There is also the matter of a possible penalty for not being ADA compliant as well.

Web accessibility can seem complex and overwhelming if you do not know where to start. According to the last census study, nearly 1 in 5 people have a disability in the United States.

Luckily, Berry Digital Solutions offers this service to new and existing customers. Your website should be accessible for everyone, regardless of ability. And we can help you get there. 

​Contact Us today to inquire about your site’s ADA accessibility!