Month: March 2024

digital marketing, Google Business Profile, Lead Generation for Contractors, Lead Management, online marketing, SEO

Google Business Profile (GBP): The New Manage Appeals Tool (MAT) for Suspended Profiles

Dipa Gandhi

There’s been quite a bit of chatter in the SEO community about a new appeals tool for suspended Google Business Profiles. This new tool has officially been rolled out globally and is expected to make the process smoother, and more efficient, and will provide a bit more insight on suspended profiles than the previous method.

Before we dive into the new MAT for GBP suspensions, let’s briefly review the possible reasons for your profile to be suspended.

If your Google My Business listing was suspended, you’ll want to ask yourself if you are following all of Google’s guidelines. The number one reason a listing is suspended is because of Google’s policy violations. Some of the most common violations include:

  • Your address is a P.O. Box or mailing facility
  • Keyword stuffing – Your business name is stuffed with keywords and not simply your business name
  • You are a service area business but haven’t listed yourself as a service area business
  • There’s already another business or multiple businesses at the address you’ve provided
  • Your listing has a website which is a forwarded URL
  • You have multiple listings for the same business within close proximity
  • You’ve had several recent changes to your business listing
  • You’ve made multiple field edits at once
  • Simply because you’re a “high-risk” industry which seems to many spammy listings such as Garage Door Contractors, Locksmiths, Plumbers, or other home-based, service-providing businesses
  • You changed your business address from one state to another
  • You have too many unnecessary capitalizations or other characters in one of the fields in your profile
  • Your hours of business are listed as 24/7 but you’re not actually a 24/7 business
  • A user on your profile had their account suspended

To avoid suspensions, be sure to follow Google’s guidelines when creating your listing, make only necessary changes to your profile, and avoid having too many users on your profile.

If your GBP’s been suspended, what do you do now and how do you appeal for reinstatement?

A few weeks ago, Google rolled out a new tool to appeal for suspension, the Manage Appeals Tool (MAT). As mentioned, this new tool is designed to streamline the process and make the suspensions a bit more transparent.

Here’s how it works and what you should do……

The below screenshot is an example of what you’ll see when your profile has been suspended, 

When you click on “Learn More” it’ll take you to the screen below, where you’ll see the possible reason for the suspension. In this example below, the reason is Deceptive content, and when you click on the little arrow next to it, you’ll be taken to Google’s Prohibited & Restricted Content page which will explain what this means. 

Another good piece of information from this screenshot is that the profile is eligible for appeal, so your chances of reinstatement are still good.

At this point, before you proceed, you want to double-check, or even triple check that your GBP is compliant. Make sure all of the fields are accurate, and make edits where necessary. Also, be sure to have at least two official documents with the business name and address visible on the docs exactly as they were entered on your GBP. If you do not have this paperwork, do not proceed. You will be given one chance to have the necessary information and to have it accurate.

These are some acceptable documents:

  • A scanned copy or a link to your business registration showing your business address. 
  • A business license showing your business address. 
  • A utility bill showing your business address.
  • IRS document showing your business name and address.

Once you have your documents uploaded on your computer, you may proceed by selecting the profile on the left and clicking the Continue button in the bottom right corner in the above screenshot.

The next screen (screenshot below) will inform you that evidence will be required and will need to be submitted within 60 minutes of your beginning the process. Since you already have your paperwork ready, you can click on Submit.

Once you click Submit, you’ll be taken to the next screen which is the official appeals form. Most of the fields should already be completed with the correct information, but double-check them. In the Choose File field, click on each one and submit your evidence here. In the next box, you can provide additional information about the changes you made to your profile to make it compliant, why you think your profile was suspended, and let them know you’ve included proof of business. Finally, it’s most likely you’re appealing for just one location, so select the next field accordingly. Then “ Submit” the form.

Once you’ve submitted the form for your appeal, the below screen is what you should see.

To double-check your submission, you can go back to the MAT, select your business, and you should see the Details column changed from “eligible for appeal” to “submitted”.

You can check the appeals tool often to see if it changes to either “approved” or “not approved”.

Currently, you will have one shot to appeal. If “not approved”, and you believe all of your paperwork is in order, your profile is compliant, and no users on the account have suspended accounts, then you may raise your issue to the Google Business Profile community forum, including a Google Drive of your documents and a screenshot of your GBP where someone on the forum might be able to help you and escalate it further if necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the introduction of the Manage Appeals Tool (MAT) within Google Business Profile emphasizes the constant changes and improvements Google implements in streamlining the processes for businesses, in this case, suspended profiles. With its user-friendly interface and guided steps, MAT allows business owners to navigate suspension appeals efficiently, ensuring transparency and fairness in the resolution process. As Google continues to innovate tools like MAT, it reinforces its commitment to supporting businesses and promoting an easier-to-use, responsive digital environment.

click here for help with creating, managing or reinstating your google business profile

Appliance Repair Leads, Carpet Cleaning Leads, cleaning business leads, Commercial Cleaning Leads, Google Ads, Google Guaranteed, How much is online marketing, Lead Generation, Lead Generation for Contractors, LSA, painting leads, Pay Per Click Advertising, PPC, Roofing Leads, SEM, SEO

Don’t Get Left Behind: Why Local Home Service Businesses Need LSAs and Google Ads Campaigns In Conjunction with SEO to Grow

Dipa Gandhi

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, there’s been a seismic shift in the last five years.

Remember SEO, the old king of getting free website traffic from search engines? It’s still around, but for local home service businesses (roofers, painters, plumbers, cleaners and more), Local Search Ads (LSAs) and Google Ads are the new game changers.

Why the big switch? Let’s break it down.

SEO: The Slow and Steady Strategy

SEO is all about optimizing your website to attract free, organic traffic from search engines. It’s great for long-term growth, improving user experience, and boosting your search ranking. But here’s the catch: it’s a slow game. It takes consistent effort and time to see real results. It’s an ongoing process that requires adaptation to the evolving search engine algorithms. By optimizing your site and staying up-to-date with algorithms, you can steadily climb the search rankings and build credibility.

LSAs & Google Ads: Get Noticed Now

These are paid advertising options that put your business right in front of potential customers when they’re actively searching for what you offer. Imagine a homeowner desperate for a plumber – your ad pops up at the perfect moment! 

Here’s why paid advertising works:

Immediate Visibility: The results at the top from any search query, especially pertaining to home services, are the LSAs and Google Ads, increasing the chances of users clicking on them.

Targeted Reach: LSAs and Google Ads allow businesses to target specific geographic locations and keywords relevant to their services. This targeting ensures that their ads are shown to users who are most likely to be interested in their services, increasing the chances of conversions.

Increased Credibility: LSAs, in particular, come with a stringent verification process, including a background check, which adds credibility to the business. Customers are more likely to trust businesses that are verified by Google, leading to higher click-through rates and conversions.

Diversified Marketing Strategy: By using LSAs, Google Ads, and SEO together, businesses create a diversified marketing strategy that reaches potential customers through multiple channels.

Data-Driven Optimization: Both LSAs and Google Ads provide detailed analytics that allow businesses to track the performance of their ads in real-time.

Flexible Budget: LSAs and Google Ads allow businesses to set flexible budgets based on their advertising goals and financial capabilities.

Competitive Advantage: In competitive markets, utilizing LSAs, Google Ads, and SEO together can give businesses a competitive advantage by increasing their visibility and chances of one of their marketing channels getting found and clicked on.

SEO is still valuable, but for immediate impact and laser-focused marketing, LSAs and/or Google Ads are a must-have. They’re dynamic, adaptable, and put you directly in front of potential customers who are ready to buy. You may choose to run both LSA and Google Ads, or just one or the other, but it’s important to run at least one of them in conjunction with SEO, and to understand the differences between the two Google paid channels.

The key takeaway? 

Don’t get stuck in the past. Embrace the new marketing landscape and incorporate a wide range of channels in your marketing strategy for highest ROI. The most successful strategy uses a powerful combination of SEO, LSAs, and Google Ads. It’s not about choosing one – it’s about finding the perfect balance to achieve your business goals and keep your phone ringing.

Business Website, digital marketing, Google Business Profile, Lead Generation, Lead Generation for Contractors, online marketing, SEO, service contractor leads

Benefits of Hiring Professionals to Manage Your Google Business Profile

Diane Lovine

Business owners are increasingly aware that establishing a strong online presence is vital in competitive markets. A crucial aspect of building an online presence is managing your Google Business Profile (GBP). While it may seem straightforward at first glance, the reality is that effectively managing a GBP involves complexities that can significantly impact your business’s success. Professional SEO services offer expertise in optimizing and managing GBPs to ensure maximum benefits for your business.

by Devon Osborne and Diane Lovine

The Significance of Google Business Profiles

Your Google Business Profile is not just a listing; it serves as the digital face of your company and provides your first impression on potential customers searching online for your services. Optimizing your GBP is essential for standing out in local search results and attracting your target audience. However, achieving this requires more than just entering basic information. It involves meticulous attention to detail, adherence to Google’s best practices, and continuous optimization efforts.

The Challenges of Managing Google Business Profiles

1. Optimization Complexity

Setting up a GBP involves various intricacies, such as selecting relevant categories, uploading quality photos, and crafting compelling descriptions. Ensuring compliance with Google’s guidelines and keeping up with algorithm changes can be daunting for those unfamiliar with online marketing or Google’s best practices.

2. Reputation Building and Management

Handling customer reviews and maintaining a positive online reputation is crucial for building credibility. Negative reviews or inaccuracies in information can deter potential customers and tarnish your brand image if not managed effectively. Responding quickly to reviews is important as you work to achieve high standings within your community.

3. Active Engagement

Regular updates, posts, offers, and event announcements are essential for keeping your GBP active and engaging with your audience. Consistency is key to staying relevant in local search results and capturing the attention of potential customers.

4. Time Investment

Managing a GBP can be time-consuming, diverting your attention from core business activities. For busy entrepreneurs, outsourcing this task to professionals can free up valuable time and ensure that the profile receives the attention it deserves.

5. Duplicate Listings and Suspensions

One of the most frustrating aspects of manage a GBP is working through the ever increasing issues associated with Google auto-creating a duplicate listing and attempting to have it removed or worse, having your listing suspended. There are no guarantees that your listing will be reinstated, even after multiple appeals. This is an area where working with a professional company can literally save your reputation.

The Benefits of Professional Google Profile Management

Hiring a professional service like 99 Calls for GBP management offers several advantages:

  • Optimized Visibility: Experts ensure that your profile ranks higher in local search results, increasing visibility and attracting more potential customers.
  • Reputation Management: Skilled professionals handle customer reviews and maintain a positive online reputation, enhancing your brand credibility.
  • Active Audience Engagement: Regular updates and posts keep your profile active and engaging, improving visibility and customer engagement.
  • Time Efficiency and Value: Outsourcing GBP management saves time, allowing you to focus on core business activities.
  • Removal of Duplicate Listings: There are times when Google as auto-generated a listing, or another marketing company has created a listing for you that you no longer have access to. Professionals can help get them removed.
  • Reinstatement of Suspended GBPs: This is reported as the most challenging aspect of managing a GBP and often requires a professional with extensive knowledge and experience.
  • Increased Leads: A well-optimized GBP attracts more leads and converts them into customers through compelling offers and promotions.

Why Choose 99 Calls?

99 Calls offers comprehensive GBP management services backed by:

  • Local SEO Expertise: A team of professionals, including a Google Platinum-Level product expert with extensive experience in GBP setup and management.
  • Proactive Approach: Ensuring that your profile remains optimized for your business success with frequent updates and compliance with Google’s best practices.
  • Results-Driven Strategies: Focused on delivering tangible results, whether it’s getting a suspended GBP reinstated, generating more leads or improving online reputation.
  • Clear Communication: Transparent reports and regular consultations keep you informed every step of the way.
  • Providing Value: Affordable pricing at just $49 per month, makes professional GBP management accessible to businesses of all sizes.

In conclusion, managing a Google Business Profile involves complexities that require expertise and continuous effort. By entrusting this task to professionals like 99 Calls, businesses can maximize the benefits of their GBP investment and stay ahead in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Learn about our google Business Profile management services

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Unlock The Power of Email Nurturing

Devon Osborne

There’s a famous saying in the business world: “The fortune is in the follow-up.” This adage underscores the profound importance of staying connected with your audience, and there’s no better tool for this task than email marketing. With a staggering 99% of email users checking their inbox daily, the potential reach and impact of this medium are unparalleled.

Build Relationships

One of the primary strengths of email marketing lies in its ability to nurture and strengthen relationships with your audience. By delivering content that is specific to their interests and needs, recipients feel appreciated and valued. This personalized approach fosters a sense of connection, encouraging them to continue the conversation and ultimately increasing the likelihood of conversions. Consistent re-engagement through email campaigns serves to reinforce this relationship, making the customer confident in choosing your brand over competitors.

Raise Awareness & Demonstrate Value

Beyond relationship-building, email marketing also plays a crucial role in raising awareness and educating your audience. By staying top-of-mind through regular communication, you ensure that your brand remains front and center when they are ready to make a purchase decision.

Moreover, through informative content and valuable insights, you can educate your subscribers about your products or services, addressing their pain points and demonstrating how your offerings can solve their challenges. This not only builds trust but also positions your brand as a reliable source of information and expertise in your industry. Even a momentary lapse in your email marketing strategy can have significant consequences. For instance, when one business’s short-term nurturing sequence was disabled, a sharp decline in first-time subscriber rates, plummeted by roughly 40%. This glaring example highlights the pivotal role that email marketing plays in engaging and retaining subscribers.

Email marketing is a powerful tool for brand building. Through carefully crafted campaigns, you can reinforce your brand identity, messaging, and values, thereby solidifying your position in the minds of your audience. Furthermore, by consistently providing value-added content such as tips, guides, and exclusive offers, you demonstrate your commitment to serving your subscribers beyond mere sales pitches. This value-centric approach fosters goodwill and loyalty, driving long-term customer engagement and retention.

Cost-Effective Marketing

One of the most compelling advantages of email marketing is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional marketing channels such as print or television advertising, email campaigns require minimal investment while offering potentially high returns. With automation tools readily available, you can streamline the process, saving time and resources while reaching a large number of people with targeted messaging.

Highly Accessible

Additionally, email marketing’s accessibility ensures that your messages can reach recipients across various devices and platforms, maximizing your reach and engagement potential.

In conclusion, email marketing is a versatile and indispensable tool for modern businesses. From building meaningful relationships and driving conversions to raising brand awareness and providing value, its benefits are manifold. By harnessing the power of email marketing effectively, businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in today’s competitive landscape.

How 99 Calls Can Help

We make email marketing a breeze by eliminating the hassle of having to build and manage these campaigns in-house. As part of our Total Business Solutions package, 99 Calls can help you stay at the top of your customer’s minds with effective short and long-term email nurturing campaigns. Our email nurturing campaigns ensure that even if a lead doesn’t close after the first correspondence your business doesn’t disappear from their minds. By continuing to share valuable information over time, you nurture the relationship further. Each follow-up email reminds leads of why they were initially interested in choosing your services. Call today to learn more and take the next step in growing your business.

Watch This Video to Learn More

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Google’s Core Web Vitals Update of 2024

Dipa Gandhi

First Input Delay (FID) to Interaction to Next Paint (INP)

Google transitioned its Core Web Vitals from First Inpout Delay (FID) to Interaction to Next Paint (INP). 

What is FID?

FID is a performance metric that measures the time it takes from a user’s first interaction with the website to the browser’s response. FID is just one of the Core Web Vitals’ metrics that’s crucial for assessing a website’s performance and user satisfaction. A low FID value indicates a fast response, contributing to a smoother and more enjoyable browsing experience, leading to higher website engagement and higher organic rankings.

Introducing INP

INP is a performance metric that measures the time it takes from any action on the website to the time for a response. The lower the INP result, the better the user experience, resulting in higher website engagement and higher organic rankings.

Key Differences

To sum up the difference between the two, while FID only considers the first interaction with the website, INP considers every user interaction with the website, providing a more comprehensive assessment of the website’s responsiveness throughout the user’s engagement.

So what does this mean in SEO? 

One of the key rankings factors for a website is site speed. Once the website is found and visited, then the initial response time from that click is the FID, which was the key factor developers optimized. However, introduction of the new INP signals a shift in optimization strategies. Developers must extend their efforts beyond the initial response time to ensure the website remains swift and responsive throughout the user’s engagement. 

While the initial click experience remains significant, the ongoing engagement of users is now equally critical. Websites that prioritize both FID and INP are poised to deliver a seamless and enjoyable user experience, leading to higher engagement levels and improved organic rankings.

Adapting to these changes ensures that websites not only capture user attention with a swift initial response but also maintain a high level of responsiveness throughout the entire user journey.

Business Website, Carpet Cleaning Leads, cleaning business leads, Commercial Cleaning Leads, digital marketing, Google Ads, Google Business Profile, Lead Generation, Lead Generation for Contractors, Online Appointment Booking, online marketing, SEM, SEO, service contractor leads

Capturing Business Success: A Photography Guide for Increasing Website Leads

Jordan Evans

In the digital age, a business’s online presence is often the first impression potential customers have. Quality photos on your website can significantly impact how your brand is perceived and, ultimately, attract more leads. Yes, having more great photos correlates to great leads. If you’re a business owner looking to get more leads using this photo method, here are five tailored tips to master the art of photography for lead generation.

1. Wipe Your Lens Clean:

For business owners aiming to make a strong online impression, clarity is key. Ensure that your lens is free from smudges and dust before capturing visuals for your website. A clean lens guarantees sharp and professional-looking photos, reinforcing the credibility of your brand and creating a positive impression on potential leads. A soft clean tee shirt is perfect for wiping smudges off of a phone camera lens.

2. Find Good Lighting:

Professionalism is paramount when showcasing your business. Seek out well-lit environments, either with sunlight or artificial light, to illuminate your products, services, or team. Position your subjects with the light source behind you for even illumination, and avoid harsh direct sunlight that can cast unflattering shadows. Consistent and well-balanced lighting in your photos exudes professionalism and boosts the overall appeal of your business.

3. Highlighting Transformation: The Power of Before and After Photos

Your website serves as a narrative of your services and expertise, and the inclusion of before and after photos can be a game-changer. These transformative visuals tell a compelling story that resonates with potential leads, showcasing the tangible impact of your skills and services. Before capturing images of your products, services, or team members, take the time to meticulously set the scene for maximum clarity. Eliminate distracting elements such as clutter, trash, or unrelated items to ensure the focus remains on the subject. This attention to detail not only enhances the visual appeal of your website but also plays a crucial role in engaging potential leads. By presenting the transformative journey through before and after photos, you not only demonstrate the value of your offerings but also establish a connection with your audience. Capture the essence of your expertise through these visual stories, and watch as your before and after photos help convert leads on your website.

4. Get a Few Angles & Takes for Diversity:

Diversify your visual content by capturing your work from various angles and perspectives. Showcase your products or services in detail, and highlight different aspects of your projects. Multiple angles not only provide a comprehensive view of your services but also allow potential leads to connect with different facets, fostering a deeper understanding and trust in your abilities to provide excellent service.

5. Crop the Photos for Website Optimization:

Optimize your website visuals by strategically cropping photos to focus on key elements. If there are too many shadows, try editing the shadows just a bit. Remember, less is more. Your work already speaks for itself. 

By applying these targeted photography tips, business owners can improve their website’s visual appeal and boost lead volume. Your website serves as a virtual storefront, and high-quality visuals are instrumental in creating a positive and lasting impression on potential customers. Integrate these strategies into your business routine, and watch as your website becomes an even more powerful lead-generation tool for your business!

Business Website, digital marketing, Lead Generation, Lead Generation for Contractors, Lead Management, Nurturing, Online Appointment Booking, online marketing, online marketing costs

The ROI of Responding to Leads

Devon Osborne

How Missed Call Text Back Features Drive Revenue

In today’s fast-paced world, where every missed opportunity could mean a lost sale, businesses need to stay ahead of the curve. Of course, no owner-operator, or even receptionist can answer every incoming call, yet every call that goes unanswered is a potentially lost job.  Advances in technology have led to the development of a tool that many businesses overlook; a missed call text-back feature, which is designed to engage your callers when you aren’t able to.

Why is it so crucial? Consider this: A lost call often equals a lost sale. When a customer can’t get in touch with your business, they move on to the next business on their list. Studies have shown that over 60% of calls to small businesses go unanswered, and only about 20% of callers end up leaving a voicemail. That’s a significant chunk of potential revenue that could be slipping through your fingers. The solution? Implementing a missed call text back feature. It’s a simple yet powerful solution to the problem of missed calls and opportunities. 

By using automation to instantly respond to customers who tried to contact you, you eliminate the dreaded game of phone tag. According to an MIT study, businesses that reached back out to potential customers within an hour were seven times more likely to capture the qualified lead than those who called back more than an hour later and over 60 times more likely than companies that waited more than 24 hours to respond to a missed call.

Research has shown that responding to inquiries within five minutes can increase conversion rates by up to 80%. That’s a significant boost in potential sales, all thanks to a simple yet effective communication tool.  Having a missed call text-back feature in place also provides instant gratification to customers. Instead of waiting endlessly for a callback or an email, they’ll receive a text acknowledging their attempt to reach out immediately. This assures them that their inquiry is important to you. Additionally, due to your prompt response, customers might be more inclined to wait for your reply instead of moving on to your competitors, knowing that you value their time and communication.

The missed call text back feature is more than just an inexpensive and simple convenience, it’s a critical tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s market. By acknowledging missed calls promptly and engaging with customers promptly, businesses can not only retain existing customers but also attract new ones and boost their bottom line. After all, every missed call could be a missed opportunity for growth. If you haven’t already implemented this feature in your business communication strategy now is the time to do so and 99 Calls can help!