In a previous post, we talked about a number of ways to optimize your website for search engines organically. While this should be a priority for you, it’s also important to know how you can increase your ranking aside from keywords, tagging, and all the other daunting ways it takes to get your site optimized organically. The secret is in partnerships. The more others talk about you online, the more likely you are to boost your rankings in the search engines. So how do you get that to happen? Here are three tried-and-true methods for getting your ranking up there without minimal work on your end.
Google Reviews
It’s ok to have your customers do a little work for you. If you know someone has had a positive experience with your business, always ask for a Google review. Better yet, write your own review for them, send them the Google link, and let them know its as simple as copy and paste. Make it as easy as possible for them and tell them you’ve paraphrased a sample review for them so they know what keywords should be used.
Here are some best practices about asking for reviews, from the Google experts themselves:
Verify your Business Profile: This makes your business information show up on Maps, Search, and other Google services. To respond to a review, you must have a verified business.
Remind customers to leave reviews: Let them know it’s quick and easy to leave reviews. Google advises against offering incentives to customers to leave reviews, but you an make it easier for them if you create and share a link. To do so, log in with the account you used to sign up for your Business Profile. Search on Google for your exact business name. Select Customers Reviews -> Get more reviews. Share the link with your customers directly or use the sharing options provided.
Reply to reviews to build customer trust: Your customers will notice your business values their input if you read and reply to their reviews.
Value all reviews: Reviews are useful for potential customers when they’re honest and objective. Customers find a mix of positive and negative reviews more trustworthy. You can always respond to a review to show the customers that you care and provide additional context. If the review doesn't follow our posting guidelines, you can request its removal.
Media Relations
Having a PR background is definitely a perk when it comes to media placement for your business, but really any sort of media mention - whether it’s a blog post, an online article, or social media shout-out, only helps increase your ranks in the search engines. Be sure you add any media mentions you have to your website, which also helps.
Social Media / Influencer Partnerships
Remember that whole social media thing and how you’ve tried to avoid it for the past 20 years? Well, unfortunately for those who have a love/ hate relationship with social media, the truth is, it’s not going away anytime soon. When it comes to marketing, social media is king these days and any partnerships you’re able to build through social channels are great ways to not just boost your rankings, but also increase brand awareness.
Email Marketing
Despite what some may say, email is not dead….yet. In fact, most people I speak with tell me something comes from every email campaign they send - whether it be a sale, question, or some other type of engagement. And if there’s anything you can take away from this blog post, it’s just that - engagement. You want people to remember you’re still alive even when it seems like there are crickets on the opposite end of the email chain. When you do reach out to influencers about potential partnerships, ask for an email mention in their newsletter - it will only increase your exposure online.