This post is for myself. I’ve failed multiple times at getting general contractors to listen to me on this. Every time I first meet with a contractor I find this one essential marketing task has not been done. Often it’s still not done at the end of the project!
I’d do it for you or them, but I can’t. It has to be done by someone in the contractors’ business office.
What is this one time task? Setting up or claiming your Google + page.
What? You don’t know what that is. Haven’t heard of it. You aren’t the only one.
I’ll tell you why Google + matters, where to find your Google + page, and what to do with it.
1. Why do you need a Google + page? Having a Google + page, gets your business onto Google Maps.
I think you’d agree that you want your business to show up when people search for Acme General Contractor, Your City, USA.
2. Where to find your Google + page. Do a Google search right now! Are you on the map? Then you have a Google + page.
Does it have your logo and current photos on it? No. No worries, I’ll tell you what to do next.
Here an example from a long time client:
See the little purple link under your business name where it says…Google + page. You need to click on the link and claim the page. Google will make you verify the phone # and address with a call or a post card.
Sounds easy enough. I used to offer this as a service but I ran into too many problems claiming the page. Your business needs to receive a call or postcard from Google confirming the address. Many clients have spent some time on the phone with Google getting it sorted out. That’s the bad news.
3. What to do once you’ve claimed the page! Add stellar photos and your logo, update your address and phone #, and fill in the business details.
Even if you don’t have a website, you can and should have a Google + page so prospects can find you.
Just to be clear, I’m not suggesting that you post regularly to Google +. Just ensure some of your best photos are on Google + and all the basic pertinent info. People are likely to see it if they search for your company online and it’s likely to make you look “with it.”
Hope you’ll get cracking on your Google + page so when we talk for the first time, you’ll have this essential task taken care of! Thanks for listening!!
Karen Nierlich is co-owner and web marketing consultant at Full Orbit Web and Marketing Services. Call her at 510-527-9920, if you have questions about Google +, websites or marketing for your high end residential contractor business. You’ll also find a few other articles about marketing for General Contractors in this blog.