Welcome to Lesson Three!
Lesson Three - Using Business Directories to Bring Customers!
In this lesson, we will explore the power of Business Directories such as Google My Business, (now Google Business Profiles), & Review Sites, to bring you customers and orders.
Business Directories
One effective way to maximize exposure for your cake shop or cake decorating business is by utilizing business directories. These directories are online platforms that list businesses according to different categories and locations.
By listing your business in relevant directories, you can increase your online visibility and attract potential customers who are actively searching for cake-related products or services.
Here are some steps to help you maximize your exposure through business directories:
1. Research and identify relevant directories: Start by researching and identifying popular business directories in your area or within your target market. Look for directories that specifically cater to food businesses or local businesses. Consider directories that have a high domain authority and a good user base, as this can increase the likelihood of your business being seen by potential customers.
2. Optimize your directory listings: When creating your business listing, make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information. Include your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and a brief description of your cake shop or cake decorating services. Use relevant keywords in your description to improve your chances of appearing in search results.
3. Upload high-quality images: Visual content is crucial for attracting customers. Upload high-quality images of your cakes, cupcakes, or other products to showcase your skills and entice potential customers. Make sure your images are well-lit, properly staged, and represent your brand effectively.
4. Encourage customer reviews: Positive customer reviews can greatly influence potential customers' decisions. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on the business directories where you are listed. Respond to reviews, both positive and negative, in a professional and timely manner to demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
5. Monitor and update your listings: Regularly monitor your directory listings to ensure that all information is accurate and up to date. Update your listings whenever there are changes to your business, such as new products or services, updated contact information, or special promotions. Keeping your listings fresh and relevant will help attract more potential customers.
By maximizing your exposure through business directories, you can increase your chances of attracting more customers and generating more sales for your cake shop or cake decorating business. Take the time to research and optimize your listings, and regularly monitor and update them to stay ahead of the competition.
How To Put Your Cake Store On The Map! - that's Google Maps of course.
It used to be called GMB - Google My Business – but is now called Google Business Profile.
This is where your business (hopefully) shows up, when Google gets the “Cake Shops Near Me” request, and responds with local cake shops listed, and on the Map.
The easiest way to get your business shown towards the top of this list is to complete your entry.
The best way to do that is to Google your own business name. If it shows the question “Own This Business?” then you click on the question and fill in the details.
You may need to verify with Google that you are the owner of the business. This is fairly straightforward and is usually done in a few minutes or it may take them a few hours to get back to you.
Add your details - website, hours, check address & phone numbers, other links, and add lots of photos.
Google will usually show the completed listings before the incomplete listings. (But sometimes greater review numbers will show higher.)
Google also takes into account if the listing is being maintained, so if you change any store details eg hours, keep the listing updated – but just for your normal hours – Google understands that public holiday hours may be different and will usually remind the user of public holidays.
Many businesses put an image of their shopfront as the first image – which can be useful to confirm to customers that they are approaching the right business, but most of your photos should show the potential customer your great range of wonderful products. Perhaps a happy staff photo could be nice - but make sure ALL staff would be OK with their image on the listing (and you should change that photo if your staff changes). An image of the smiling owner/manager with a short welcome text on the image can be good.
Text can be added to an image on Google Business Profile as long as it is less than 10% of the image – so a few (not large text) words across the bottom is fine.
Keep your listing active by replacing one of the images every month or so.
The Reviews – these are your reviews, so you can use the good ones on your website, Facebook Instagram etc, and perhaps learn from the less than good ones.
The good reviews can be used on your social media posts as a “Thanks to Jim, for this lovely review on Google” and quote the review.
If you click ‘more reviews” on your listing, the reviews are shown with the name of the reviewer (but some people may not want their full name broadcast on your social media) and you can ‘sort by’ for the newest reviews to pick up the most recent ones.
Encourage your (happy) customers to leave a Google Review. It is the most prominent and best advertising you can get. Follow up your customers with an email, or leave a note with the delivery "If you are happy with us, please leave a review on Google" (with a link to your listing to make it easier for them.)
Unhappy customers will be quick to leave a review, so if you can swamp them out with good reviews (by reminding happy customers) it will be a much better reflection on your business. The more good reviews you have the more likely Google are to show your listing higher.
But only ask for the review once (or twice if you know the customer well). If you irritate them, they may downgrade their review.
Review Sites
Not all of these will be right for your business, your location, or your customers, but you should at least check them out!
Are you on these? -
Yelp, Click Link here to add your listing
Trip Advisor (if you offer sit down or take away service) Click Link here to add your listing
OpenTable – if you offer table service & bookings Click Link here to add your listing
Are you listed on these Business Directories?
Again, not all of these will be right for your business, your location or your customers, but you should at least check them out!
Superpages Click Link here to add your listing
Better Business Bureau Click Link here to add your listing
Hotfrog Click Link here to add your listing
Merchant Circle Click Link here to add your listing
EZLocal Click Link here to add your listing
eLocal Click Link here to add your listing
Local.com Click Link here to add your listing
Manta Click Link here to add your listing
Foursquare Click Link here to add your listing
Yellow Pages Click Link here to add your listing
Apple Maps Click Link here to add your listing
Bing Places Click Link here to add your listing
Nextdoor Click Link here to add your listing
City Data Click Link here to add your listing
Make sure to add as many details and links to your website and anything else you can, on your choice of those.
There may also be business directories that your state, city, suburb or local business groups have and even sometimes local churches, sports groups & schools.
Search Google for “business directories in (your local area) “ to find if there are any.
A free listing is usually good; a paid listing may or may not be right for you.
Summary
In conclusion, the success of cake shop owners and cake decorating businesses heavily relies on their ability to attract more customers and increase sales. Throughout this lesson, we have discussed the importance of utilizing business directories to achieve this goal.
Key Takeaways
Leverage Business Directories
Listing your cake shop or cake decorating business in relevant online directories increases your visibility and makes it easier for potential customers to find you. Ensure that your business information is accurate and up to date, and consider investing in premium listings or advertisements to stand out from the competition.
Next Steps
Review this lesson again, after a break, to allow you to digest & absorb the information.
You can always refer back to this lesson as a handy resource whenever you need it.
Remember, attracting more customers and orders with your business directories is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and adaptation. Stay proactive, stay creative, and keep striving for excellence.
List of Lessons
These Lessons are not in any specific order and are all stand-alone,
So, see what interests you the most and do that one next, but don't forget to study them all as soon as you can!
Chances are that the ones you find least attractive at this stage, are the ones that will make the biggest difference in your business.
- Updating Your Website.
- How Best To Use Your Social Media.
- Using Business Directories to Bring Customers.
- Finding The Latest Trends In Cakes And Cake Decorating.
- How To Become The Local Cake Expert.
- How To Collect And Use Email Addresses To Target Your Audience For Birthdays & Seasonal Products.
- Expand Your Range Of Products And Profits With Not Much Extra Effort.
- Staff - Morale, Productivity & Upskilling Ideas and Methods.
- Optimize Pricing Strategy And Decrease Costs To Maximize Profits And Competitiveness.
- Business Promotional Ideas And Supplies: Enhance Your Presentation And Productivity.
- What Might Make Your Business Look Unprofessional?
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