Google Home Service Ads Increase Number of Categories and Locales

Google Home Service ads, which allows businesses to advertise their business on Google and receive service requests directly from potential customers is expanding to new locations as well adding additional service categories for customers looking for service providers.  Google released the update in their small business blog.  For those unfamiliar with the service, when you run a Home Service ad, it will appear at the top of a Google Search results page when people search for the services you offer in your area. Potential customers have the ability to either call you or send you a message request by clicking on your ad.  You’ll get an email and notification from the Home Service ads mobile app when someone is interested in your service. You can then choose to accept, decline, or ask for more information about the lead.

Factors that affect your ranking include your proximity to potential customers’ locations, your review score, the number of review scores you receive, your responsiveness to consumer inquiries and requests, your business hours, and whether or whether there have been complaints with Google.

In order to become a Home Service provider, you must pass an extensive screening process.  Because of the strict qualifying criteria, there is a level of trust and prestige by becoming a provider.  The service has now been expanded and will be available in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Stockton, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.  Additionally there are new categories and services for customers under the product.  They are as follows:

• Plumber
• House Cleaner
• Locksmith
• Handyman
• Contractor
• Electrician
• General Contractor
• Painter
• Garage Door Pro
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Roadside assistance service
• Auto glass service

To become a Home Service Provider you can click here.  As the product becomes more successful, we expect it to expand further into the Northeast and into the New York City region.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/google-home-service-ads-increase-number-categories-locales/

Small Businesses Double Up on Items Sold on Prime Day

Amazon.com has indicated that small businesses and entrepreneurs sold 40 million items during Amazon’s Prime Day event which lasts 30 hours.  According to their release “small businesses and entrepreneurs offered deals on everything from apparel to toys, electronics, household goods, and handmade items, with many experiencing their largest sales day ever.” Sales for small businesses grew by 60% year to year according to Amazon as well.

Amazon initially launched Prime Day in 2015.  The promotion is one wherein Amazon and many of the retailers operating on its site offer discounts exclusively to members of the company’s $99 a year Prime loyalty program.

Amazon sales surpassed both Black Friday and Cyber Monday with reference to the volume of sales. Industry analysts believe it is partly because Amazon extended the sale to 30 hours allowing more time for customers to shop and find deals. Also, Prime Day was opened up to more regions than previous Prime Days as their release indicates that 13 countries took part.

It should be noted that the best selling item during the Prime Day event was the Echo Dot.  According to Amazon not only was the Echo Dot the best selling device during the vent but also the best-selling product from any manufacturer in any category across Amazon globally.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/small-businesses-double-items-sold-prime-day/

U.S. Census Business Builder Update Gives Key New Features For Small Businesses

The U.S. Census Business Builder, which  is a suite of services that provide selected demographic and economic data from the Census Bureau tailored to specific types of users in a simple to access and use format has updated some key features for July 2017.  Of particular note is some key features which will affect how small businesses can tailor their business.

The 2.2 Update will allow access to key demographics and economic research so businesses will understand their potential market better.  The Small Business Edition has been created for small business owners who need key data for their business plan or to better understand their potential market. It presents data for a single type of business and geography at a time.  There is also a Regional Analyst Edition which will be primarily be used for entities looking for a broader pictures of people and businesses.

According to the release here are the key features and what is new for the Census Builder Update:

Key Features

• Easy to use menus and Search tools to select the location you’d like to research and nearly all types of businesses
• Interactive maps to browse and download data about the selected area and type of businesses
• A customizable dashboard that includes time series and geographic comparison charts
• Interactive and downloadable reports (including charts) that can be easily incorporated into your research
• Optimized for your smartphone or tablet

What’s New in 2.2

New and Expanded Content:

• Agriculture data (for select Agriculture NAICS codes at the state level only)
• International Trade data (for select Agriculture, Mining, and Manufacturing NAICS codes at the state level only)
• Expanded Consumer Spending data

For individuals looking to start a new business or already have an existing business but want to expand to another region, this will be an important free tool to gain thorough research.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/u-s-census-business-builder-update-gives-key-new-features-small-businesses/

Alibaba Propels New Network Connecting U.S. Businesses With Their Customers

Chinese e-commerce giant  and world’s largest retailer Alibaba Group has recently announced the launch of  the Taobao Global US Merchants Network.  The general purpose of the network is to serve American small and medium-sized businesses and create 1 million jobs according to their Chairman Jack Ma.  The network will help U.S. small businesses easily connect with merchants operating within Alibaba’s network such as Tmall and Taobao.  US small businesses on the network will have access to a centralised platform, “where they can connect with and sell their products to experienced Taobao Global merchants who sell to Chinese consumers”, according to the Alibaba statement.

Alibaba President Michael Evans said the following about the small businesses using Taobao:

“Alibaba created the Taobao Global U.S. Merchants Network to strengthen the connections between U.S. small businesses and Chinese consumers.  The merchants who join this network are experts on Chinese consumers and are continually seeking new, unique American products for the millions of Chinese consumers they reach on Taobao.”

Taobao is akin to a Facebook of sorts in China in that there is significant engagement.  People often share and view content, message their retailers and also live stream many different media. For the fiscal year 2017, the total amount of items sold on Taobao increased 17% year-over-year to $320 billion.  Taobao claims to have over 500 million customers in their platform.

The move comes as Alibaba will shift their sights from courting the biggers brands such as Costcoand move to small brands that works on the periphery of customer awareness.  The Network has an initial launch of over 300 U.S.-based Taobao Global merchant members.  A matchmaking event at last month’s small business conference Gateway ’17  in Detroit connected 60 U.S. small businesses with 45 Taobao Global merchants.

Alibaba will also implement and encourage participation in training seminars on logistics and other ecommerce issues.  This will also the merchants who are in the network understand trends in the Chinese market.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/alibaba-propels-new-network-connecting-u-s-businesses-customers/

Google My Business Messenger Has Launched

Google My Business Messenger, a feature which began testing in November of 2016 has officially been launched nationwide.  It will allow Google My Business enterprises to go on their dashboard and turn on the messaging.   Once it is live, you can click on the messaging option that it will allow customers to message you directly via text messaging.

Like most customer service options, you should account for time to learn the interface and begin communicating with potential customers.  You would be able to delegate messaging responsibilities to another team member, however they must be designated as an owner or manager of the Google My Business listing instead of just having communication permissions. Customers will also have the availability to message you outside of normal business hours.

There will also be an analytics function which will roll out over time.  It will show the number of messages, number of clicks to messages and your overall total number of messages.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/google-business-messenger-launched/

Google Banning Their Ads on Sites With Pop-Under Pages

Google has decided to give clarification around sites with pop-under pages.  A pop-under page is one that pop up in front of your browser window.  The page thus obscures the content that you want to read and have to click off of the pop-under page.  You can read the full release here but in short Google states:

“Pop-under ads can be annoying as well, as they will “pop under” your window, so that you don’t see them until you minimize your browser. We do not believe these ads provide a good user experience, and therefore are not suitable for Google ads.

That is why we recently clarified our policies around pop-ups and pop-unders to help remove any ambiguity. To simplify our policies, we are no longer permitting the placement of Google ads on pages that are loaded as a pop-up or pop-under. Additionally, we do not permit Google ads on any site that contains or triggers pop-unders, regardless of whether Google ads are shown in the pop-unders.”

The policy should put webmasters and site owners on notice that Google is taking seriously ads that are unhealthy for both individuals reading content and advertisers.  It will be the responsibility of the website owner to know whether they are compliant with Google’s rules.  The failure for non-compliance may result in the banning of the user to place ads using Adsense.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/google-banning-ads-sites-pop-pages/

Internet Marketing for the Restaurateur

So you have decided to open up a NYC restaurant or NYC bar.  You have done all of the preparation of your menu as well as the decor of your establishment.  Now it is time to get customers to come in and enjoy your latest cocktail and tremendous dishes.  Even the very best of restaurant and bar owners need to drive customers to their business.  Some have the luxury of having been in the industry for many years and have a recipe of success.  Some believe word of mouth is the most important ingredient but for many just starting out that isn’t a luxury.  This is where internet marketing comes into place.  It may be the a significant factor on whether your business may be profitable or not.

Many people now are using their smartphones in order to find where to find a great place to eat. Whether you are in Forest Hills or the East Village many people are typing in Google or Yelp and finding great new places to eat.  They are looking at the online menu and checking reviews to see if the eatery is one that is suitable for themselves and their guests.  That is why it is important to stay up to date with your website and other social platforms in order to make it more accessible for individuals to find you.  As such, here are some tips we believe will help you establish an online presence to make hungry customers find you:

1. Use local maps like Google Maps- You should get on the search engine results that has a map feature.  Many people that are looking for a restaurant are searching by location first.  That is why it is imperative to do so.  Google Maps is the most important of the searches as it dominates the searches.  You should also invest in Bing and Yahoo’s map directories.
2. Make sure that your website is mobile responsive and updated- As you are aware, most searches will be done via mobile searches in the future.  That is why it is important to have your site be mobile responsive and updated often.  The reason why you would want to update your website is to inform your potential customers of any changes to your menu and any promotions that you have. Establishments do run promotions for specific occasions like Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.  It is important to give your customers up to date information to know so they will feel comfortable coming back to your site and finding out what you have been up to.  It is also important that you use words to describe your menu.  Optimizing your menu would allow the search engines to pick up particular foods so if somone is looking for “stuffed crabs” in Bushwick, they would be able to easiliy find your establishment.
3. Be proactive with social media- After claiming your listing on directories like Yelp it can be a battlefield for restaurateurs.  Many people go to social media sites just to complain and rarely offer positive feedback.  It is important to stay on top of the discussion of your business in order to resolve any potential public disaster nightmares.  With respect to Yelp customers, it is helpful to ask to resolve whatever situation a customer had at your eatery and do so accordingly.  This shows customers that you do care about what is being said about your business and are attentive to the needs of the consumer.  A positive way social media can affect your business is if you ask customers to leave feedback on your Facebook page or leave a Yelp review.  In order to make it easier for customers to complete these tasks is by making it simple by giving a discount such as a free drink if they leave a review or leaving information on the bottom of their receipt.  We have found giving out something for a discount or free works better however.

Internet marketing for restaurant and bars is a challenge for many and shouldn’t be marginalized.  The consumers of the present and future are using technology to find what they want and will do so with a flash or with a quick search.  It is important that your business stay on top of the latest trends in the food service industry.

Falcon Consulting & Marketing is a digital marketing agency headquartered in New York City assisting businesses fulfill their SEO and overall marketing needs for many years.  We assist one client at a time reach their revenue goals and understand the restaurant industry extensively.

https://falconconsultingandmarketing.com/internet-marketing-restaurateur/