An important aspect of SEO is making your website easy for both users and search engine robots to understand
Beginner's Guide to SEO by Moz.com

The internet has changed, vastly, since its inception, and continues to change at an ever increasing rate. Algorithms for ranking websites are updated, and evaluated almost constantly. While most of us view SEO as revolving around keywords, there are several other factors at play.

Google's most recent updates to search rankings have included a usability element. Computers programmed to mimic human behavior and computer usage. Websites with a higher ease of usability are being ranked higher than ever. In fact, after the most recent update, an estimated 20% of ALL of Google's search results were rearranged, giving preference to sites that focused on ease of use.

At True Radius Marketing we don't design websites just for computer bots; we design with your customers first and foremost in our minds

Did you know:

  • 88% of consumers have read reviews to determine the quality of a local business
  • 39% read reviews on a regular basis
  • 67% of consumers read up to 6 reviews before making a decision
  • 72% of consumers say positive reviews make them trust a local business MORE

BrightLocal, 2014 Consumer Review Survey

So how can you get more good reviews? And what should you do about those bad reviews that inevitably pop up?

Here are some Dos and Don'ts:

  • DO: Ask for reviews! After completing a sale for a satisfied customer, ask them to go to your Facebook page or Google+ Local Page and leave a review.
  • DON'T: Post fake reviews. Consumers are savvy enough to spot fake reviews, and doing so will cause their trust in your company to falter.
  • DO: Respond to negative reviews. Remain civil (even if the review is juvenile, inappropriate, or unfair). Address the issue and offer to make it right. A study by Bazaar Voice found brand response to reviews made consumers think the brand "really cares about customers" (41%), "has great customer service" (35%), and is "a trustworthy brand" (22%).
  • DON'T: Procrastinate or put off responding to reviews. Replying promptly shows you are taking steps to improve the customer experience, that you care about their input, and value their time.

Learn how you can stretch your dollars for maximum effect with 22 Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses with Limited Budgets. Here are our favorites:

 

  1. Create Instructional Videos - Create a free YouTube account, record on a smart phone, and create value for potential customers!
  2. Be a Savvy Social Networker - Participate on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, or Twitter. They're all great opportunities to communicate with potential customers, and maintain contact with past customers.
  3. Host an Event or Class - Invite your community to come learn more about your products. Offer a chance for potential buyers to use the equipment you sell!

Learn More!