How Google Maps Pinpoints Your Ideal Customers and Lets Them Find You

For decades, the question marketers and growth-minded businesses have asked themselves is, “How do I get to the top of Google?” Because of the influx of algorithm updates and the elusive hacks it takes to work your way to that enviable position, the answer to this question has been a moving target since it was first pondered. And now, Google Maps is becoming a bigger piece of marketer’s objective than before. As you’ll find later, one of the new goals might be, more specifically, “Why should I show up in Google Maps?”

Part of the reason for this is because the way we use the internet, and what we use it for, have evolved. In 2010, just 5% of the world’s web traffic was attributed to mobile. Today, the number is tenfold -- more than half of all traffic comes from a mobile device. As mobile use exploded, Google responded by changing the way the search engine results page is organized.

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Backlinks are an essential part of any well-planned Search Engine Optimization strategy.  When one website links back to yours, you have gained a backlink. Often called inbound links, they are a signal to search engines that other websites trust you as a resource on a certain topic. The more quality backlinks you have to your website, the more search engines will be willing to show your website in search results.

If you are aiming to increase your website’s visibility on Google and other search engines in 2020, we at One Firefly recommend increasing the number of high-quality backlinks to your website. Backlinks from reputable domains that have demonstrated themselves as resources to web users will deliver more value to your website than others, so keep in mind that quality matters.

So, where do you begin?

In this blog, we are going to highlight three easy opportunities for you to add quality backlinks to your website. Just keep reading below to find out more!

SEE ALSO: Are You Hurting Your Search Results With Outdated Practices?

Build Your Online Presence With Stellar Work & Happy Customers

You do great work. Your customers like the projects you’ve completed for them and tell their friends about your great work, too. According to HubSpot, 90% of people believe brand recommendations from their friends, so word of mouth is undoubtedly an effective trust indicator for your potential customers. But how can you further encourage your customer prospects to trust in your brand and move through the buyer journey from awareness to consideration and finally to deciding to purchase your services or products? It’s simple – online reviews!

So, why do reviews matter? Because online reviews are part of the modern decision-making process. In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 61% of Americans divulged they sometimes or nearly always post an online review of a product, service or restaurant. 8 in 10 Americans consult those online reviews and ratings before making a purchase.

Keep reading to learn how online reviews can influence customers you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yet and how to establish your business as an authority in your service region. 

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In a digital world with high competition and saturated markets, how does your business stand out? Authenticity may be the key to success… and conversions. In a recent article regarding consumer trust, Forbes states:

“Eighty-six percent of people say authenticity matters when deciding what brands they like and support. To win the hearts and business of your target customers, you have to convince them you are trustworthy and authentic.”

 While once previously relying on a finite amount of realistic stock photography, One Firefly aims to take our client’s online presence to the next level with the introduction of an agency curated One Firefly Media Library product. The best news of all? Our entire library is available for free for Mercury Pro website clients.

Watch Their Web Presence Transform From “Under Construction” To Sleek And Customized

Starting Somewhere

It’s challenging, even grueling, to compete in the modern market without a website. Many new business owners understand this and scramble to purchase a relevant URL whenever they can. That’s a great start, right?

However, many of them then neglect to actually build a website on that URL. Whether due to lack of time or funds, or even slow website construction, they let their landing page sit for months and months.

Landing pages can be useful: In fact, we admit that it’s better to have a landing page up than nothing at all. But a modest landing page does not replace a website. Why? A lone landing page doesn’t contain enough content to educate your clients, cultivate SEO value or demonstrate your authority in the field.

Helping Northbay Technology

Our featured client, Northbay Technology, found themselves in this suboptimal position. They’d purchased a URL and set up an “under construction” landing page; now they needed a website. They reached out to One Firefly with a few goals in mind. Keep reading to see what those objectives were and how One Firefly exceeded our client’s expectations.

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Are customers turning you down? Whether customers are finding you online or through referral, what they see when they land on your website speaks volumes. Human connections are essential here. Consider the theory; if two people have chemistry (as they say), the attraction is known in seconds. Interestingly enough, the same principals apply to your customers; if they aren't interested within seconds of hitting your website, they're on to the next. It's a bit heartbreaking truly, yes? Indeed, it is. The great news is, it doesn't have to be that way. Start with a simple solution - make an excellent first impression online. The harder question is, how. How do technology professionals stand out online? How do they stay relevant? How do they establish credibility and worthiness? In part two of this article series, we interview a team of Web Design Professionals to get their inside take on online presence for technology professionals. We'll explore everything from how long it takes to build a website, to revealing answers from routine questions small business owners have about marketing and growth strategies. Let's get started.

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Small businesses are continually weighing crucial decisions that will impact their operations, finances, and reputation in the marketplace. Do they need more Sales personnel, do their technicians need better training, do they need to improve their accounting systems? Arguably, one of the more critical decisions for any small business owner is whether or not to commit to marketing as part of their growth strategy. In part one of this article series, we interview a team of Digital Marketing Account Managers to get their inside take on marketing for technology professionals. We'll explore everything from exposing common challenges technology professionals face, to revealing answers from routine questions small business owners have about marketing. Let's get started.

SEE ALSO: Working With A Marketing Agency: Interview Part 2 

Key Components That Can Make or Break Any Advertisement Campaign

As the leading platform on social media in the United States, Facebook transformed itself from being a place where we connect with friends and family. Now, Facebook is commonly used to learn about new products, engage with local businesses, and even get daily news.

Being that 68% of Americans use Facebook according to the Pew Research Center, there is an opportunity for business owners, and marketers bring more awareness to their business or product.

Have you ever been scrolling through Facebook or Instagram and come across a brow-raising advertisement that seems to be specifically targeted to you? That's because it is. Based on gender, age, and even interests, Facebook advertisers can bring their content directly in the hands of their specific audience.

But like many things, Facebook ads aren't as easy as it might seem. Many aspects can make or break your advertisement, especially if done with little to no strategy. In this blog, we dive deep into the top questions you should ask yourself to get the most out of your marketing budget with strategic, scroll-stopping content.

READ MORE: When and Why You Should Advertise on Facebook

Having a successful website design is all about guiding visitors and driving them into becoming leads. A lot of that comes down to the visual aspects of the site: intuitive menu navigation, dynamic video, project images and clear call to ac...