How to Refresh Your Google Local Listing

Every August, like clockwork, the same back to school advertisements pop up again. The ads feature clean desks, fall leaves and fresh pencils. Even if you graduated decades ago, the images inspire a specific kind of nostalgia.

But the feeling goes even deeper than triggering memories of a simpler time. Just when the year seems to be entering its last hurrah, the back to school season reminds us it's never too late to start anew. The ads prompt viewers to refresh their wardrobes and supplies—and turn over a new leaf in the process. 

There's a special magic to refreshing things. And you don't have to wait for a new school year to experience it. One of the best things you can do for your business is to periodically refresh your online presence.

Not sure where to start? Try using these four tips to refresh your Google local listing. 

Add Upcoming Events to Your Google Local Listing

Your Google local listing offers the opportunity to list multiple locations. But is simply listing locations enough to attract customers into your stores?

If you want to increase foot traffic, you can take your Google local listing to the next level by adding upcoming events. Fun events can pique customers' interest and entice them into your store.

If you're planning your first events, keep things simple and on brand. For example:

• A knitting store might host a weekly event where beginners can bring their works in progress
• A bookstore might host monthly writing classes
• A travel agency might host seminars on earning credit card points

If you're willing to get creative, the possibilities are truly endless. Regularly hosting new events can help your Google local listing stay fresh.

Link Social Media Profiles to Your Google Local Listing

Your Google local listing works best when it complements the rest of your online presence. If you haven't already, be sure to link your social media profiles to your account.

Not only is social media a low cost marketing solution, but it's a highly dynamic medium. Companies that regularly post on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram provide a steady stream of new content.

One thing to note: Your Google local listing won't display your most recent social media posts. But it can provide a direct link to your profiles. That makes it easier for customers to find your business on new channels.

While refreshing your Google local listing, it's worth it to take a moment to link up your social media accounts. 

Post Multimedia on Your Google Local Listing

For many people, part of the pleasure of going places involves anticipation. 

Maybe you review restaurant menus ahead of time to plan your meal. Or maybe you research local parks to see if they have comfortable picnic areas.

Your Google local listing can enhance customers' planning by providing multimedia. While refreshing your profile, try adding media such as:

• Professional photography of your products and your space
• A video tour of your location
• Graphics listing your hours or menu

A word of caution, though. If you're going to post multimedia, make sure the images or video are well lit and clear. Blurry, pixelated images from a cell phone camera appear unprofessional and can end up doing more harm than good.

Manage Reviews on Your Google Local Listing

Online reviews form one of the most valuable elements of your Google local listing. Your reviews provide crucial social proof that can help you secure customers' trust.

While refreshing your Google local listing, take a moment to look at your online reviews. Are they:

• Out of date?
• Scarce?
• Unanswered?
• Negative?

If so, it's time to step up your online reputation management. 

If you have negative reviews, be sure to answer them right away. It's never too late to let customers know you care!

Once that's taken care of, get to work requesting new online reviews. A steady stream of fresh reviews will make your business look busy and popular. 

Plus, customers are more likely to trust up to date information than ancient reviews that might now be irrelevant. 

There's an Easier Way to Refresh Your Google Local Listing

Your Google local listing is vital for attracting visitors and website traffic. Still, it's not the only online business directory worth using.

Along with Google local listings, most businesses also maintain profiles on:

• Bing Local Listings
• Apple Maps
• Yelp
• TripAdvisor
• Yellow Pages
• Facebook

...just to name a few.

When you update your Google local listing, don't forget to make sure your other listings are up to date as well. The last thing you want is to sow confusion for customers who find conflicting information.

That's where GoSite's Placement tool comes into play. Instead of racing to update dozens of directory listings, you'll log into one central hub. Any time you update your Google local listing, you can apply changes to other platforms to keep everything in sync.

Ready to refresh your online directory listings? Download our free eGuide today!