One of the best ways to ascertain what is said about your business on the internet is to Google your company’s name yourself. Results can change due to a variety of reasons like – outdated content, Google modifying its algorithms, consumers commenting about your brand etc. It therefore is necessary that you google your company’s name at regular intervals.
Businesses that rely on online search to develop new customers, keeping your business in top shape in search results is absolutely imperative. Auditing your business online can help you appreciate and improve what people see about you when they search.
The SERPs (search engine results pages) for your business name is critically important. Since a huge chunk of consumers are impatient and never scroll past the first page, making sure you dominate the first page is critical.
It is recommended that you open up a private browser, like a Google Chrome Incognito Window, which will give you “unbiased” search results. It does not take your previous searches or network’s recommendations into consideration.
When you do a search for your company’s name, you understandably wish to see the content (that you own) show up in the search results. It can be your business’s website and blog, social media and your paid ads. If you see those things, then you are indeed fortunate.
If you are not viewing your own content, you need to claim and optimize these sites and profiles immediately. Not only will claiming those sites aid you appear more frequently in search results, but it will also provide you greater control over the content people see about your business online.
Find out whether your business listings helping or hurting you. Now that you know what sites are proliferating for your business name on the SERP, check how complete and accurate is the information you view there.
Check at everything from page titles and descriptions all the way down to the details like your contact particulars, and the way your business name is spelt. Everything should be optimized for your business name and your location.
Ascertain if you have a perfect online reputation. When you Google your business name, you would also see what people think about your business. Chances are, in addition to your own content, you’ll see content from others – like reviews, blog posts, articles on third-party sites, and even social media mentions.
People are often quick to post when they have a negative experience with your business. So you’ll probably see adverse criticisms alongside positive content. It is therefore essential that you have a team to protect and preserve your online reputation.