Repair Shop Advice

Posts Tagged ‘SEO’

What Negative Factors Affect Your Shop’s Google Ranking?

November 3rd, 2015

Did you know that 75% of search engine users use Google? According to DMR, a digital marketing resource company, Google owns an overwhelming 75% of the U.S. search market and 89% of the U.S. mobile search market.  There are over 100 billion searches performed per month on Google and your customers are most likely a part of that.

All of our websites are search engine-friendly so your customers will be able to find your shop online. But there is still more that can be done for your website to improve your search ranking on Google.

Google has created Google My Business and this is where you need to get your shop listed. It’s a fast and easy way to help get your business found on the most popular search engine. If you are our customer and you have the Pro+Connect or Pro+Engage package, then you don’t have to worry about your Google My Business listing – we take care of this for you. But if you don’t, then you need to make sure your shop’s Google listing doesn’t have the following items, as they can negatively affect your shop’s Google ranking:

  • A 1-800 phone number.
  • Negative customer ratings on your reviews.
  • Multiple listings with the same business name.
  • Multiple listings with the same address and phone number.

Make sure to look up your shop and see if any of the above items are on your Google listing. If you don’t get these items fixed, your customers are going to have trouble finding your shop.

If you do need to update your Google My Business page, you don’t need to worry because we can help you fix this with our Pro+Connect or Pro+Engage website packages.  If you would like to learn more about how these packages can improve your Google results, click here to visit our website or call our friendly customer service representatives at 866-665-1605.

Google: The Giant Search Engine Explained

August 4th, 2015

We have all heard “Google” a million times. But how can this search engine actually help you grow your business? Here’s how search engines are designed to get you business, and how important they are for your shop.

 

What is Google?

You’ve heard of the Yellowbook, a huge book full of local business phone numbers that everyone now uses as their kid’s highchair. Well Google is the modern day Yellowbook. It is a giant online directory that pulls relevant information from different websites all over the web. Users can type in certain “keywords” or “keyphrases” to learn something new, get directions, or to find an auto repair shop to get their vehicle repaired. Google is used by 70% of search engine users, and is also one of the top five most popular websites in the world. So when your customers go online they are most likely on Google.  Google makes it easy for them to find what they are looking for just by typing in a couple of words and clicking “Search”.

 

How do my customers use Google?

When your customers go to Google they are either going to enter in keywords or keyphrases. For example, let’s say their brakes are squealing and they need to get them repaired. Their keyphrase might be “brake repair in Raleigh”. Google will then give them results for the closest and most relevant automotive repair shops in the area. Your customers will then contact those shops who are higher in the search results with great customer reviews.

 

How can Google help my shop?

Google is important to your shop because your customers are there, and so is your competition.  Roughly 7 out of 10 people are using Google to search for the services that you provide. Why would you want your competition to get 7 out of 10 potential customers?  Many customers will assume that, if you’re not on Google, your business most likely doesn’t exist.

If your shop is listed on Google correctly, your customers will be able to find you and contact you. Being on Google also allows your potential customers to find your place of business, read your reviews, and learn more about your shop. This will help you build your customers’ trust before they even pick up their phone.

 

What does Repair Shop Websites do for my shop?

Because Google is so important to so many businesses, there’s a lot of competition to search well on Google. Repair Shop Websites has been helping customers to search well for over a decade, and we know what it takes to improve shops’ search ranking.  We offer search engine optimization with all of our packages, and register your website with Google’s search engine. We also monitor Google’s updates to make sure our websites are up to date with Google’s latest guidelines.  In short, we take care of all of the technical work required to help your site search well, so you don’t have to do it – or even think about it!

 

If you have questions about Google or how you can use it for your business, please call us at 866-665-1605.

Google says “More Searches On Mobile Than Desktop”

July 6th, 2015

You’re probably already tired of hearing “you must get a mobile website!” But it’s only becoming more important each day. According to Search Engine Land, more Google searches now take place on mobile devices than on computers! If your customers are using their mobile devices to look for the services that you provide, don’t you think that you should be there? If your website isn’t mobile, you could be losing business and losing your spot in the search rankings.

When considering a mobile website, think about the following benefits:

  • Google’s mobile-friendly update boosts websites in the search rankings that are mobile-friendly.
  • It’s easy and convenient for your customers because they’re on their mobile device 24/7.
  • Customers will keep coming back not only for the service, but because it’s easy to contact you and be found.
  • Your competition likely has a mobile-friendly website and can be found.
  • A mobile site will help create a stronger brand impression, because it shows that you are up to date and professional.

We want to help your shop succeed and we believe that all websites should be mobile-friendly. If you still have questions about getting a mobile website, please contact us at  866-665-1605!

Don’t Be A Fool This April

April 10th, 2015

It is the month of April,  and this is not an April Fool’s Day joke.  Starting April 21st,  Google will make non mobile-friendly websites disappear from the Google search.  This is not a joke!  If your website is not mobile friendly, you will disappear from the Google Rankings!

You will lose business from current customers.  They won’t be able to contact your shop, and they will become frustrated.  Ask yourself, why would they be a repeat customer if they can’t check on their vehicle or leave reviews about their most recent experience?

And did I mention, you won’t gain any business from new customers.   They don’t know your shop exists. They don’t know you exist.  Maybe it is April Fool’s because your competitors who have mobile-friendly websites are laughing at you.  They can be found, and your customers are most likely contacting them .

Your customers are online, and you need to be there. 88% of consumers who search for a type of local business on a mobile device call or go to that business within 24 hours. Don’t you want this to be your shop?

What is the internet world saying about Google’s mobile update?

Repair Shop Websites has designed mobile-friendly websites that are easy to read, easy to use, and have fast loading time. You will get on Google’s good side if you have our Pro+Mobile, Pro+Connect or Pro+Engage package. Go mobile today by contacting us with 855-349-5289.

Google’s Latest Update – Now Displays Blue Call-To-Action Linking To Third Party Site

February 5th, 2015

As an auto repair shop you need to be seen as the expert in the automotive industry. We are here to help you achieve this level of credibility online. We are doing this by keeping your website up to date with the latest search engine and website updates.

What has Google done now? Google’s latest update has simplified the user experience, and improved their search results. Google is now displaying a blue call to action with a hyperlink to another site when you perform a specific search. For example when you type in “How to perform oil change,” Google displays an answer box with an answer, and a blue link to another site for more information.

If you want to earn credibility, and your customer’s trust, you need to be able to answer their questions, and solve their problems.

Google has not yet released how to be qualified for this third party blue call to action. But, we will continue to follow them and keep you up to date with the latest search engine news. If you have questions about Google give us a call at 855-349-5289, or just stay tuned for the next update.

Recent Google Changes Make Mobile Sites More Visible Than Ever

November 21st, 2014

As an auto shop owner, a mobile-friendly site has always been important – 30% of all internet searching  is done on phones and tablets, and that’s also what stranded motorists will use to search for a shop.  Google’s recent “mobile-friendly” labels make a mobile site even more important.

The new change allows mobile phone users to see whether a site is designed for a phone before they click on it – and phone users are unlikely to visit sites that don’t display correctly.  Shops with mobile-friendly sites will get more clicks and more calls, while those without a mobile site will likely be ignored by phone users.

This will benefit all of our Pro+Mobile and Pro+Connect customers – we’ve already designed a mobile site for your shop, helping you stand out from the competition.  If you’re unsure of whether you have a mobile site or you’d like to learn more about mobile sites, call us today at 855-349-5289.

The King of Search Engines

October 2nd, 2014

There is one search engine that owns 68% of the search engine market. Can you guess which one that is? It’s Google! According to Search Engine Watch, Yahoo currently has 19.7% of the market and Bing has 10%. Why am I sharing this information with you? Because Yahoo recently got rid of their directory. This means that Google’s share of the market will increase, and Google will become even more important to your business, and to your customers. Repair Shop Websites can help you setup your Google My Business Page on Google with our Pro+Connect Package. This will help your customers find you on Google!

Because they lost the battle with Google, Yahoo is drastically changing their approach to search directories.  Google’s search results have been far more superior to Yahoo’s search engine.   In the beginning, Yahoo was seen as a new way to search the internet, but there weren’t many websites.  Google came along with a powerful algorithm and made finding services, ideas, and businesses easy.

Now that Google is even more important how can you beat the competition and help your customers find you?

  • Completely and Accurately fill out your Google My Business Page
  • Get listed on Yelp
  • Create and frequently post to a blog
  • Get listed on local citations
  • Social Media

We are here to help! If you need assistance on Google please contact us at 866-665-1605.

 

Google My Business – The “Key” To Search Engine Success

September 29th, 2014

What is Google My Business?

Do you want to know how to connect with your customers online? Google My Business is a great way to connect your business with your customers, and help them find what they are looking for on Google. Repair Shop Websites can help you setup your Google My Business Page with our Pro+Connect Package.

 

Why is it important?

Google My Business is important because it will allow your customers to find your business on Google. Having this page completely and accurately filled out will boost your search rankings. Make sure your business name, phone number, hours, and your website are all filled out correctly.

 

Why 1-2 reviews a month are important:

When it comes to your Google My Business Page, reviews are very important. Positive reviews will give a boost to your search results.  Positive reviews will not only boost your ranking but also bring you more business.  Customer testimonials are key when it comes to driving business to your website and to your bays.

 

How to get reviews on your Google My Business Page:

  • Link to your website
  • Ask customers to leave honest reviews about their experience
  • Give your customers directions on how to leave a review
  • Hang up flyers in shop promoting your Google My Business Page

 

Please do not get your customers to leave reviews while in your place of business. Google has the ability to recognize the IP address, will see it as fraudulent reviews, and will punish you.

 

If you need help with your Google My Business Page, our Pro+Connect Package includes Google My Business Page setup. Please contact us today at 866-665-1605 to get started!

Google’s New Local Search Algorithm: Yelp and Google My Business

September 3rd, 2014

Google recently released a new update called “Pigeon.” The goal of this update was to provide more relevant and accurate search results for people who use the search engine. Google wanted to improve their local search results and this update might have done that.

According to Search Engine Land, Yelp and other local directory sites have seen the biggest benefit from the “Pigeon” update. In some peoples opinions this update made the local search results worse. People go to Google to answer questions, look for a product or service, or some other reason. If they wanted to go to Yelp, they would go to Yelp’s website. People who use search engines are looking for credible and relevant business websites. Why push business websites down if that is what they are looking for?

What does this mean for your small business?

Get on the Yelp and Google My Business bandwagon! If you haven’t already created a Yelp and Google My Business account, do it! This will help you beat the competition and drive more traffic to your website.

How to push Yelp and Google My Business:

  • Link to your website
  • Be active
  • Ask your customers for reviews
  • Create Accounts

Please contact Repair Shop Websites at 866-665-1605 if you have any questions. We can help you setup your Google My Business page with our Pro+Connect Package.

 

Bye Bye Google Authorship

August 29th, 2014

Google’s Authorship markup was recently discontinued. They have been working on this project since June 2011. The goal of Authorship markup was to enhance the user’s experience by having a known face or name with the content in the search results.

What is Google Authorship?
This was Google’s way of showing relevant and quality content from a credible source. After typing in keywords you would see a listing in the search results with a picture of the author and a link.

Why did Google get rid of Google Authorship?
Google got rid of this because they realized that it wasn’t as useful as they thought it would be. The Authorship results were seen as a distraction and weren’t getting clicked on.

What is the next step?
The next step for your business is Author Rank. Author Rank is a ranking where Google knows who authored the story. It might change where the story shows up in the search results, if it comes from a credible source. Information that is tied to profiles that are verified will be ranked higher than profiles without. Google will look for clear bylines on your story naming the writer of the article.

This still is only one factor of many that will help you improve your search results on Google. Another factor is having your Google My Business page completely and accurately filled out. We can help you verify and fill out your shop’s Google My Business page with our Pro+Connect package. Contact us at 866-665-1605 for more information!