DO YOU WANT TO RANK HIGHER ON GOOGLE?
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Welcome back to the second part of our series on the two biggest secrets to ranking your business in 2023. In our previous video, we discussed the significance of a legitimate physical location in achieving a higher ranking on Google My Business (now known as the Google Business Profile). In this post, we’ll dive into the second secret: leveraging your business name to secure the number one position. However, before you rush to make changes, it’s crucial to proceed with caution, as the process requires careful consideration and adherence to guidelines. Let’s explore how you can strategically incorporate your city name into your business name to gain a competitive advantage without risking suspension or penalties.
The Power of City Name Integration:
While Google’s algorithm has gradually improved the fairness of ranking businesses based on their name and address, there is still an inherent advantage for those with a specific business name and address. This advantage becomes especially apparent in highly competitive areas, where ranking at the top can result in substantial business growth and profitability.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of effectiveness of adding the city name to your business name, let’s examine a few examples we found online:
- Plumber in Beverly Hills, California: When searching for a plumber in the affluent area of Beverly Hills, California, we found three top-ranking businesses: Adrian The Plumber, Beverly Hills; Paul’s Plumbing Beverly Hills; and Metropolitan Plumbing & Water Heating Repair, Beverly Hills. Each of these businesses strategically incorporated the city name into their business name, giving them a competitive edge in the local search results.
- Carpet Cleaning in Studio City, California: Studio City, another highly competitive area, offers insights into the power of city name integration. The top-ranking businesses in this category were: One Studio City Carpet Cleaners, Studio City Carpet Cleaning, and Good Guys Carpet Cleaning. Again, we see that including the city name in the business name played a significant role in their rankings.
- Law Firms in San Diego, California: In the legal sector, San Diego Injury Law Center and Hamparyan Personal Injury Lawyers San Diego claimed the top positions. While the second-ranked law firm did not include the city name, the third-ranked firm strategically added “San Diego” to their business name, giving them a competitive advantage.
Navigating the Process Safely:
Now that we understand the potential benefits, it’s essential to follow a safe and legally compliant process when integrating your city name into your business name. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
Step 1: Legal Name Change: Initiate the process of legally changing your business name across all platforms, not just on Google. If you operate as an LLC, S-corp, or have a DBA, consult with your attorney and complete the necessary paperwork with the Secretary of State in your state.
Step 2: Facebook Business Page: Visit business.facebook.com to update your business name on your Facebook page. Ensure the name change aligns with the legal modification made in the previous step.
Step 3: Yelp Business Account: Log in to business.yelp.com and modify your business name accordingly. Remember, Yelp may have specific guidelines or support procedures to follow, so be prepared to reach out to their customer support if necessary.
Step 4: Better Business Bureau: If you have a listing with the Better Business Bureau, update your business name on their website (bbb.org). Reach out to them if you require assistance during the process.
Step 5: Google My Business: Only after completing the above steps and ensuring that your business name change is officially reflected on those platforms should you proceed to edit your business name in Google My Business. Although there’s still a possibility of suspension, you’ll have the advantage of providing Google with the necessary documentation and proof of your legally changed business name.
Conclusion:
Integrating your city name into your business name can be a game-changer when it comes to ranking higher on Google My Business. However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and follow the recommended steps to avoid penalties or suspension. By legally changing your business name across various platforms, including the Secretary of State, Facebook, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, you’ll be well-prepared to request a reinstatement from Google, armed with the necessary evidence of your compliance.
If you found this information valuable and would like to explore more strategies for ranking your business on Google My Business, I invite you to download our free Google My Business Cheat Sheet. This resource provides comprehensive guidance and additional video references to help you achieve the coveted number one position on Google. Click the link in the description below to grab your free cheat sheet today.
Remember, when it comes to optimizing your online presence, staying informed and adhering to best practices are key. With careful implementation and an understanding of the nuances involved, you can maximize your business’s visibility and secure a prominent position in the digital landscape.
