These days, it is easier than ever for the internet at large to have false information, especially when it comes to your business. Just because you can’t remember the last time you logged into your Google My Business account doesn’t mean that some bot hasn’t gone in there and edited your website URL or some bored prankster hasn’t changed your phone number to all zeros. Maintaining your business’s online presence actually requires a lot of upkeep, which is why having a full-service digital marketing agency is a huge help. If you don’t have a digital marketing squad at your service, here are some places you should routinely check to make sure that your online presence is accurate and up-to-date.
Google My Business
Stop #1! Google My Business profile information feeds into all kinds of other search features, including Google Maps, and other features in Google Search such as snippets, images, videos, shopping, and more. It’s quite often the first contact you make with interested searchers. Make sure that your business address is current, your hours are up to date, and you don’t have any outdated promotional information listed on your profile. Also always check your phone number, website, and any email addresses listed to make sure they are up to date as well. Any ol’ person can suggest changes to any and all of your business information, even after it’s been set. So you need to review it regularly to make sure it is accurate.
Facebook Business Page
Just like Google My Business, your Facebook Page holds a lot of important information that users will regularly refer to when trying to learn more about your business online presence. However, it is still a public listing that people can recommend edits or changes to, and if you don’t address them, they can become published changes. Be sure to view your business Facebook page as a visitor every once in a while so you can see “from the outside” and make sure your hours, contact info, and location are all current.Â
Check Yelp for Online Presence
Some listing sites, like Yelp, allow just any user to create a business listing for you. So it’s a good idea to routinely check, even if you haven’t created a listing or don’t actively manage a Yelp account. People get bored or angry and make things up about innocent people and businesses. Pop in monthly or so to make sure no one is spreading rumors about your pool construction business. Trust me, it happens.
Your Own Website
It’s always best to discover an issue on your own website BEFORE one of your customers does. This is why a monthly (better yet, weekly) quality check of your website will save you time and complaints. You AND your customers will be happier when your website information is current and up to date.
Be Proactive with Your Business’s Online Presence
These are the most important places to check, but this list could go on forever. Any local listings that might have information about you or other niche sites like Houzz or Pinterest, should be checked at least monthly to make sure nothing has changed or become outdated. You also need to update info like holiday hours, seasonal sales, and other items that fluctuate month to month.
Another extremely important piece of managing your online presence is making sure that across all of these platforms, it is clear how your customers can reach you. Broken web forms and old email addresses are infuriating to a customer who genuinely wants to do business with you! Make it easy for everyone involved by making sure your business’s online presence is always accurate and maintained.
