Google My Business, Maps, SEO and Media Marketing for Auto Repair Shops

Google My Business, Maps, SEO and Media Marketing for Auto Repair Shops

According to a survey completed by the Search Engine Journal, the top source of new clients online comes from organic search. Organic search is the process of searching on Google and Bing.

According to the SEJ survey, paid search, which is typically Google AdWords, is a distant second with 19%, followed by Social Media at 18% and email at 14%.

Google My Business, Maps, SEO and Media Marketing for Auto Repair Shops

How to Get Google Results for Your Auto Repair Shop

After many years we developed a unique system that generated over 100,000 views for a client for their Google My Business and Maps pages. Targeted buyers called them ultimately resulting in considerable profits for the client!

We’ve implemented this formula for hundreds of businesses.

We call the formula the 100K GMB Breakthrough (GMB = Google My Business)

The 100K GMB Breakthrough for auto repair businesses is to break down your strategy by car and brand.

For example, a typical consumer may search “car repair shops for BMW in Stamford.”

Other searches to use in Google include keyword plus the town:

    • BMW auto repair shops
    • certified BMW repair shops
    • authorized BMW service center
    • BMW auto mechanics in …
    • BMW service center
    • foreign car repair shop
    • BMW electrical system repair shop
    • BMW fuel injection system repair

Other keywords include specific repairs including brakes, mufflers, tune-ups, garage, suspension, power steering leaks, coolant leaks, electric window repair, heater core problems, oil leak, alloy wheel repair, dead battery, headlight replacement, turn signal repair, heating system repair.

Each one of these keywords contains potential searchability that may result in bringing in new customers to a business.

Auto repair shop SEO

Google My Business and Media Exposure

Our 100K GMB formula will get you the exposure you need for the keywords to start getting new customers. Our media strategy includes monthly custom written articles submitted to our network of media sites.

These include Yahoo Finance, Reuters, Morningstar, USA Today, ABC, NBC, Fox and many more.

Monthly articles target the brand names of your repair shop services along with all the most common problems they have.

If your shop services BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover, Lexus, Audi, VW and so on, we would create a new article for each type of car.

When you take into consideration the value of a new customer, the profit potential coming from extensive Google exposure provides the highest Return on Investment of any type of marketing.

GMB traffic results

 

Using Your Media Articles to Increase Your Online Reputation

When we submit your content to Yahoo, Reuters, USA Today, ABC and others, we also suggest linking to the article using social media posts on your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram page.

People take notice when you’re featured in the news.

 

Yahoo Finance & Reuters article marketing

Contact NicheQuest

If you’re interested in our Google Optimization, 100K GMB and Media service, contact us via the contact form or call us for a demo.

Our Optimization campaigns typically run in the range of $695 – $995 per month. For businesses in highly competitive markets, we can scale our campaigns for enhanced results to any level you desire.

 

Google My Business SEO for Commercial Office Leasing Brokers

Google My Business SEO for Office Leasing Brokers

If you placed an office space for rent/lease sign in front of every building in your market, you would be considered the authoritative expert. Not only would you generate leads from tenants, but owners would also want you to handle the marketing of their space too.

And they’d be calling you rather than you trying to cold call them. How nice would that be?

That is not a fantasy. It can be a reality on Digital Main Street.

Today, Google is the new main street where everyone searches for what they want.

When tenants are in the market, or a building owner wants market information, they search on Google.

Imagine you dominate Google searches for everything tenants and owners search online in your market.

How about Google searches for lease rates for every building in your market?

Google My Business SEO for Commercial Office Leasing Brokers

Google My Business SEO Success:  Cogent Realty Advisors

Cogent Realty Advisors of NYC (owned by Mitch Waldman) a boutique commercial office leasing brokerage has done just that.

Every week Mitch writes an in-depth blog post about office buildings in NYC. Every quarter he writes a market update. Tenants and landlords call him.

Then Mitch invests in what I call the 100K GMB Breakthrough. This is a media marketing and promotion formula we created to generate over 100,000 views for Google My Business and Maps.

Here’s a sample Google search result Mitch obtained for Office Space for Rent World Trade Center:

GMB SEO results Nichequest

Imagine replicating this strategy for hundreds of buildings in your market.

All you need is:

  1. Website and Blog
  2. Google My Business
  3. 100K GMB Breakthrough

There is effort needed. But you already have the skills. You write market reports, proposals, emails. You’re already a content marketer. Why not apply what you already do every day online?

Or you can keep cold calling.

Your competitors aren’t doing this. Yet.

How To Dominate Your Office Leasing Market With Google My Business and 100K GMB Breakthrough


Step 1. Keyword research

We use a combination of keyword tools and resources to find what customers search for. The 100K GMB Breakthrough came from thousands of keyword searches and combinations of keywords.

Look at keywords as your sales force. Every keyword has the potential to generate a deal. Considering that commissions for office leasing can be $5,000 to $100,000 or more, keywords should be taken seriously.

You need to know what those keywords are and how to use them. There are unlimited hooks and angles you can capitalize on to massively increase your income using keywords.

You should also know how people search on Google. As I mentioned, they search for specific buildings. But then also search with words such as price, cost, and rates.

They also ask Google questions.

For example:

  • How much space do I need?
  • How much office space per person/employee?

People also ask Google for Office Space Near …

Hospitals, Schools/Universities, Transportation, Courts (i.e. office space for lawyers near City Hall)

  • Office space for lease near Metro-North in Stamford
  • Office Space for rent near Mt Sinai Hospital
  • Office Space for Rent Near New York University

*Note – Near searches are extremely profitable. Google My Business and Maps is your tool to capture near searches.

People Search for Office Space “with” …

  • Office space for lease with parking
  • Office space for rent with storage/warehouse
  • Office space for rent with conference room/kitchen/meeting rooms/gym/

People Search Comparisons

  • How Much Does Office Space Cost at World Trade Center Versus Empire State Building

Here’s a breakdown of keyword categories. Use these keywords in everything you post online.

You may think no one searches these keywords. Yeah, they do. If they speak it, they search for it.

Services – Office Space for rent/lease

Benefits – include benefits such as prime addresses, support staff available, onsite building maintenance, elevators, parking, internet.

Descriptive Words – office space, workplaces, interim, short term, temporary, turnkey, office sublets, corporate, professional space, officer provider, individual offices, commercial

Qualifier Words – quote, for lease, for rent, rental, with kitchen, with gym, with no windows, with parking, with storage, flexible rental terms, suites, with receptionist, with call answering, versus,

For – startups, entrepreneurs, small business, growing companies, tech companies, hedge funds, lawyers, insurance, medical, therapists, architects, writers, freelancers, fashion designers, doctors, film production companies

Price – how much, cost, rates, price, Price Per Square Foot, PSF

Geography – Landmarks, companies, transportation, subway stops, parks, buildings, neighborhoods, streets, near

Once you have built the keyword and geographic foundation, you can use these to create phrases on your web pages, blogs, Facebook, Linked In, YouTube, Google My Business and Maps and your website.

They become trigger words that you use to rank on Google, build your brand and use for social media pages.

Longtail keywords dominate search results

 

Step 2. Website Optimization for Commercial Office Leasing Brokers

Web Pages – The ideal strategy is to start with your keywords, write your webpages, then build your website.

Best results start with keywords and geographic terms your potential customers search for.

Semantics – Each web page should be about a specific topic. The content (and keywords) need to be relevant to each topic. Irrelevant words will dilute your content limiting your potential to rank on Google.

Title and Meta Description – Each of your web pages content needs to follow your title and meta description. Title and Meta are the first signals to Google about the content of your page.

Mobile-First Design – mobile use has become paramount. Everyone is on mobile. Your site needs an easy-to-click phone number and an easy-to-fill-out contact form with name, phone, and email. Since everyone uses mobile phones, follow up text messaging is important for converting prospects into sales. Prospects may not respond to email or phone calls, but they usually respond to text messages.

Get phone numbers whenever possible for follow up with text messages.

Office Building Pages – 99.99% of your competitors do not have pages about buildings in your market.

I like to follow templates. Templates minimize the effort to write pages about buildings.

Building pages are frequently picked up by Google My Business and maps as well. It’s worth the extra few minutes to get a link from Google Maps of a building and paste it into your building page or blog.

Always keep in mind, this is sales. You want every edge possible. Always keep in mind the value of your next lead.

Image Gallery – You can optimize your website with photos of the building and geographic data. Take advantage of it. Take photos of buildings with your mobile phone. Be sure your Geographic settings are turned on. Google will read the latitude and longitude data of each photo. This will increase your Google visibility.

Schema Code – Schema Code will help your website rank better by providing signals to help Google better understand your website. Schema Code will help align your website and Google My Business SEO Rankings.

Blogs – Blog posts have huge potential, especially when you optimize the posts with keywords. For example, an interesting blog topic is Film Production Space for Rent in NYC. This is a low competition, high conversion topic for Business Centers with the interior, windowless office space.

There are countless angles you can use your blog for. Just listen to what your clients and prospects say they want. Don’t rely on keyword tools. Best results come from listening to your prospects and customers. Then write a blog post about specific interests your prospects have.

Website optimization for commercial office leasing brokers

 

Step 3. Google My Business SEO Maps Optimization – 100K GMB Breakthrough

We call it GMB for short.

Few business owners and marketing agencies know the value of GMB and Maps. GMB and your website work together. When we implement our 100k GMB Breakthrough, we actually see results as if your GMB and Website speak to each other and help each other.

NAP Data – GMB optimization includes your business name, address, and phone. The NAP Data needs to exactly follow Google My Business. This includes spelling, commas, spaces, zip code, and phone number. Just match everything following how Google lists your NAP Data.

NAP Data On 100k GMB Breakthrough – we use NAP Data on everything. This includes all media, photos, blog posts, videos, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter.

Info – When you set up your GMB, use the keywords and geographic terms most relevant to your furnished office and Coworking Space.

Photos – Google knows people like photos. They also want accurate information. I suggest using photos with a mobile phone with geographic settings turned on. Google looks for latitude and longitude for your photos. This is an important part of your GMB optimization.

Interior Photos – Use photos of the interior of buildings. Take images of the lobby, building address signs, elevators, interior parking, offices, reception areas.

Exterior Photos – You can take exterior images of a building location (GEO Settings turned on) and upload it to your GMB.

Google My Business Website – Google gives you a free website with your Google My Business account. Take advantage of it. It will help you expand your footprint on Google.

Google My Business Posting – There is a feature for publishing short posts on your GMB page. Use the keywords, geographic terms and building address to expand your footprint and generate more sales. I have a tutorial about using this tool.

Reviews – Your GMB account includes Google reviews. Reviews show up on your GMB page. How to build reviews and your online reputation is a critical part of building your brand and generating sales.

GMB Maps Optimization

 

Step 4. The 100K GMB Breakthrough – Google My Business SEO with Media Promotion for Commercial Office Leasing Brokers

The image below shows how the 100K GMB Breakthrough creates an unfair advantage for our clients.

100K GMB Breakthrough

The high-octane fuel that drives the search results on Google and the 100K GMB Breakthrough is monthly media promotion campaigns on Brand name news sites using all the resources above.

Google measures the reputation of your business by the quality and quantity of sites that link to you.

Media Sites – we create monthly keyword-rich articles relevant to your business. They appear on 300-500 news sites including Google News, USA Today and many highly respected news channels

Blogs – Articles are submitted to high traffic authority blog sites that link back to your GMB and website.

YouTube and Vimeo Videos – Articles are converted to info videos that link back to your GMB and news articles embellishing your reputation.

Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter – media articles can be posted to your social sites about your company In the News, leasing guides and market reports.

Monthly promotion is what produces the explosive growth and led to the 100K GMB Breakthrough.


About Niche Quest

Niche Question was formed in 2006 as a niche marketing agency. The digital agency specializes in Google My Business SEO growth strategies by capitalizing on profitable angles where customers search and competitors overlook.

15% of all Google searches have never been searched before. Many searches have low competition and high consumer intent. That’s where Niche Quest travels with our clients.

Google My Business & Google Maps SEO For Furnished Office and Coworking Business Centers

100K GMB BREAKTHROUGH

100K GMB BREAKTHROUGH
Are you looking to expand your furnished office and co-working workspace center?

We have been implementing and refining our Google maps SEO online system for many years. We applied this strategy with great success for Powerspace and Services in NYC before they closed 3 of their 4 locations in NYC.

We’ve also used this Google My Business strategy for numerous businesses in NYC, Los Angeles, Boston, Washington DC Portland and other cities and suburban markets nationwide.

Most notably we applied our GMB SEO process for one client in a Luxury Design/Build niche in NYC who now gets over 100,000 monthly views just to their Google My Business and Maps pages.

We call this the 100K GMB Breakthrough.

So, let’s jump right in.

Step 1. Keyword research

We use a combination of keyword tools and resources to find what customers search. The 100K GMB Breakthrough came from thousands of keyword searches and combinations of keywords.

We figured out how to get massive results by real-world, in-the-trenches testing. You’re not going to get enough results for just a highly placed keyword phrase such as Furnished Offices NYC.

Instead, you need deep niche, hyperlocal exposure to capture all the specific searches that convert to sales.

Every business center is uniquely positioned. The last thing you want is customers walking past your managed offices to go to one of your competitors because they never found you.

Here’s a breakdown of keyword categories.

Services – Furnished offices, co-working, managed suites, serviced office space, executive suites, virtual offices, conference rooms, meeting rooms, hot desk, dedicated desk, Activity Based Working (ABD), event space, Business Lounge, business centers, managed offices, executive centers

Benefits – low startup cost, prime addresses, support staff available, building maintenance,

Descriptive Words – office space, workplaces, premium, flexible coworking, memberships, ready to go, month to month, , interim,  short term, temporary, turnkey, office sublets, hourly, daily, monthly, corporate, executive suites, private, shared offices, dedicated, secure, ready to go offices, professional space, open desk, cubicles, officer provider, individual offices

Qualifier Words – quote, no deposit, for lease, for rent, single office, small, cheap, quality, affordable, with kitchen, with gym, with no windows, with parking, with storage, like Wework, Like Regus, flexible rental terms, suites, with receptionist, with call answering

For – startups, entrepreneurs, small business, growing companies, tech companies, hedge funds, lawyers, insurance, medical, therapists, architects, writers, freelancers, fashion designers, doctors, film production companies

Geography – Landmarks, companies, transportation, subway stops, parks, buildings, neighborhoods, streets, near

Price – how much, cost,

Once you have built the keyword and geographic foundation, you can use these to create phrases over and over on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google My Business, Google Maps, and your website.

They become trigger words that you use to build your brand.


Step 2. Website & Google Maps SEO Optimization for Coworking and Furnished Office Centers

Web Pages – The ideal strategy is to start with your keywords, write your webpages, then build your website. Most web designers are focused on design, not sales. As a result, your website may end up with sales limitations. There’s a saying, “Big Hat, No Cattle.” Keywords are your cattle. Without them, there is no need for a big hat.

Best results start with keywords and geographic terms your potential customers search for.

Semantics – Each web page should be about a specific topic. The content (and keywords) should follow and be relevant to each topic. Irrelevant words will dilute your potential to rank on Google.

Title and Meta Description – The content on each of your web pages needs to follow your title and meta description. Title and Meta are signals to Google about the content of your page.

Mobile-First Design – mobile use has become paramount. Everyone is on mobile. Your site needs an easy to click phone number, easy to fill out contact form with name, phone, and email. Since everyone uses mobile phones, follow up text messaging is important for converting prospects into sales. Prospects may not respond to email or phone calls, but they usually respond to text messages.

Get phone numbers whenever possible for follow up with text messages.

Location Pages – 99% of your competitors do not have a quality location page. They may have a contact page, but your prospects want info about your location. That’s one of their key considerations. Where is the Business Center? What does the Lobby look like? Is there a visible tenant directory?

Your Google My Business and Maps account needs to be perfectly aligned with your website. You’ll get best results with a location page that mirrors your GMB page.

Image Gallery – You can optimize your website images with keywords and geographic data. Take advantage of it. Lay out the images in a sequence like you are giving a tour of your workplace. Use the internet to do as much selling as possible. Make it easy to follow. Any confusion, and your prospects are gone.

Schema Code – Schema Code will help your website rank better by providing signals to help Google better understand your website content. Schema Code will help align your website and Google My Business Rankings.

Blogs – Blog posts have huge potential, especially when you optimize the posts with keywords. For example, an interesting blog topic is Film Production Space for Rent in NYC. This is a low competition, high conversion topic for Business Centers with interior, windowless office space.

There are countless angles to use on your blog. Just listen to what your clients and prospects say they want. Don’t rely on keyword tools. Best results come from listening to your prospects and customers. Then write a blog post about specific interests your prospects have.

Google maps SEO


Step 3. Google My Business and Google Maps SEO Optimization – 100K GMB Breakthrough

We call it GMB for short.

Few business owners and marketing agencies know the value of GMB and Maps. GMB and your website work together. When we implement our 100k GMB Breakthrough, we actually see results as if your GMB and Website speak to each other and help each other.

NAP Data – GMB optimization includes your business name, address and phone. The NAP Data needs to exactly follow Google My Business. This includes spelling, commas, spaces, zip code and phone number. Just match everything following how Google lists your NAP Data.

NAP Data On 100k GMB Breakthrough – we use NAP Data on everything. This includes all media, photos, blog posts, video, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter.

Info – When you set up your GMB, use the keywords and geographic terms most relevant to your furnished office and Coworking Space.

Photos – Google knows people like photos. They also want accurate information. I suggest using photos with a mobile phone with geographic settings turned on. Google looks for latitude and longitude of your photos. This is an important part of your GMB optimization.

Interior Photos – Use photos of the interior of your building. Take images of the directory in the lobby showing you business. Take images of the door sign of your business. If you don’t have one, you can get them cheap at Vista Print. (Note for your tenants – They can get signs made at Vista Print for their office door if they want a GMB). Google has been suspending GMBs for tenants at coworking business centers. Door signs and visible directories will help your tenants get their GMB and avoid suspension.

Exterior Photos – You can take exterior images of your building location (GEO settings turned on) and upload to your GMB. You can also go through your neighborhood and take photos of specific landmarks, buildings, schools, parks. This will help Google learn not only what you do, but where you do it.

Google My Business Website – Google gives you a free website with your Google My Business account. Take advantage of it. It will help you expand your footprint on Google.

Google My Business Posting – There is a feature for publishing short posts on your GMB page. Use the keywords and geographic terms to expand your footprint, expand your Google Maps SEO results and generate more sales. I have a tutorial about using this tool.

Reviews – Your GMB account includes Google reviews. Reviews show up on your GMB page. How to build reviews and your online reputation is a critical part of building your brand and generating sales. I do have an ongoing series of tutorials and best practices to obtain reviews and respond to them.

Google maps SEO

Step 4. The 100K GMB Breakthrough – Media Promotion for Furnished Office and Coworking Business Centers

The high-octane fuel that drives the 100K GMB Breakthrough is monthly media promotion campaigns on brand name news sites.

Google measures the reputation of your business by the quality and quantity of sites that link to you.

Media Sites – we create monthly keyword-rich articles relevant to your business. They appear on 300-500 news sites including Google News, USA Today and many highly respected news channels

Blogs – we also submit posts to high traffic authority blog sites that link back to your GMB and website.

YouTube and Vimeo Videos – we next convert articles to info videos that link back to your GMB and news articles embellishing your reputation.

Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter – media articles can be posted to your social sites about your company in the news.

Monthly promotion is what produces the explosive growth and led to the 100K GMB Breakthrough.

This strategy can be implemented on a nationwide basis.

SEO Company Madison Square Park, NicheQuest 305 E 72nd St, New York, NY 10021 (646) 737-0233

About Niche Quest

Niche Quest was formed in 2006 as a niche marketing agency. The digital marketing agency specializes in growth strategies by capitalizing on profitable angles where customers search and competitors overlook.

15% of all Google searches have never been searched before. Many searches have low competition and high consumer intent. That’s where Niche Quest travels with our clients.

Insurance Lead Generation For Agencies – Dominate Your Local Market

Are you looking for a simple process to generate new customers for your insurance agency – one that you can replicate easily?

This is an insurance lead generation strategy we have implemented with great success over many years.

6 Basic Steps to Successful Insurance Lead Generation for Agents

  1. Build Your Website Around Niche Insurance Services Your Customers Search On Google
  2. Break Down Your Website and Facebook Messages By Insurance Niche
  3. Target Areas with Population Of 250,000 to 2,500,000
  4. Target By Neighborhood, Town, County, State
  5. Align Google My Business and Maps with Website
  6. Promote To Media Sites, Blog Sites, Videos, Podcasts, Screenshares

In the video posted here, I show you how we find what your potential customers are searching for online. If you want to generate new customers, it’s important to know they don’t search just by phrases such as “Insurance Agents In Norwalk.”

The key to generating new customers is to add pages and blogs to your website that relate to the partial list below.

A great example is to create a page or blog post targeting a topic such as Tesla Insurance Guide. Then add the towns, county, state to the page or blog. We have a template we use to be sure each blog gets exposure on Google for 25 or more searches each.

When you replicate the strategy over and over for the niche searches I listed below, Google will start to view you as the authority in your local market.


Google My Business and Maps for Insurance Agencies (GMB) 100K GMB Breakthrough

insurance lead generation
We helped a client break 100,000 views in a 30 day period for their Google My Business local listing. The 100,000 views were keyword search generated. This is for a Luxury Design/Build business in NYC.

This is why we call it the 100K GMB Breakthrough.

The only way to achieve that kind of result is by getting Google exposure for thousands of keyword searches.

The formula is a combination of creating web pages and blogs niche by niche within a business. Additionally, we use geographic strategies targeting neighborhoods, towns, city names, county, and state name.

Then we implement a monthly service utilizing a combination of articles appearing on hundreds of media sites, blog sites, YouTube, Podcast sites and many other online sites. The goal is to build a massive footprint on Google marketing your brand name and deep niche keywords. Ultimately, Google starts to view your insurance agency as the leader in your local area.

That’s how you become the dominant insurance agency in your market. Google trusts your business and so do your potential customers.


A Repeatable Insurance Lead Generation Strategy For Insurance Agencies

GMB Optimization insurance agencies

We have implemented this strategy for insurance agencies in population areas of 250,000 to 2,500,000.

We always start with Google research to find what customers want. Once you know exactly what customers search on Google, you additionally know the trigger words for your Facebook and Linked In postings.

What’s amazing about this is how you can reuse this information over and over for years both online and offline. It will change your business when your market knows you don’t just sell insurance.

Types Of Insurance

Car & Vehicle Insurance

  1. Auto Insurance
  2. Motorcycle
  3. RV Insurance
  4. Tesla Insurance Guide
  5. Alpha Romeo Insurance Guide
  6. Aston Martin Insurance Guide
  7. Maserati Insurance
  8. Ferrari Insurance
  9. Track Insurance
  10. Collector Car Insurance
  11. Commercial Auto & Fleet

insurance lead generation NYC


Home Owners Insurance

  1. Condominium Insurance
  2. Renters Insurance
  3. Flood Insurance
  4. Hurricane Insurance
  5. Antique Home Insurance
  6. Valuable Articles Insurance
  7. Fine Art Insurance
  8. Jewelry Insurance
  9. Family Office Insurance
  10. Identity Theft
  11. Personal Umbrella Insurance
  12. Kidnap & Ransom Insurance
  13. High Net Worth Insurance
  14. Domestic Health

lead generation for insurance agents


Business Insurance

  1. Cyber Insurance
  2. Workers Compensation Insurance
  3. Dry Cleaners Insurance
  4. Product Liability
  5. Professional Insurance Errors & Omission
  6. Assisted Living
  7. Hazard Insurance
  8. Commercial Auto & Fleet
  9. Builders Risk
  10. Employee Benefits & Liability
  11. Employment Practices Liability
  12. Commercial Property Insurance
  13. Landscapers Insurance
  14. Condomium Master Policy
  15. Special event Insurance

 

The 100K GMB Breakthrough for Insurance Agencies

Google My Business Optimization - 100K GMB Formula
Google My Business Optimization – 100K GMB Formula

Once you write your niche insurance pages, the next step is to implement a monthly campaign of articles, videos, blogs, podcasts and screen shares linking to each corresponding page.

This is the formula that produces massive exposure and new clients for your insurance agency.

Google My Business Optimization: Garage Flooring Leads from Google

Google My Business Optimization for Contractor Leads starts with 5 basic steps. We implement each of these elements to generate a consistent flow of leads for concrete and garage floor coating leads.

  1. Website – We build your contractor website around the keywords your customers search for online. Best results come from starting with what your customers search, then build your website, Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
  2. Target Geographic Area – Target size is cities or areas with a population size of 500,000.
  3. Geography – Include neighborhoods, towns, county and state names on all your web pages.
  4. Google My Business – Align Google My Business and Maps with the website and all online content. This includes your company name, address, phone, photos, and videos.
  5. Building Your Online Authority and Reputation – Google measures your local authority by who links to you. The more quality sites that link to you, the more exposure you have. We create articles that media sites publish on their sites including USA Today, Fox, ABC, NBC, and many nationwide media sources. Additionally, we create blog sites, videos, pdfs and slideshows.

 Google My Business Listing

Here is a sample of a Google My Business (GMB) account. Most business owners just view GMB as a free account. They are not aware that your GMB listing may gain exposure for potentially thousands of Google searches. Aligning your GMB and website is a must for maximum results.

How Your Customers Search Online

Your customers don’t search for single keywords such as garage floor epoxy. In fact, there are hundreds of different ways people search every day for concrete resurfacing or garage floor coatings.

Case Study: Increase in Contractor Leads for Garage Flooring

Our concrete flooring company client, who provides polished concrete, epoxy, and polyaspartic coatings, received 2,000 visits per month. Of those 2,000 visits, 1,965 visitors all searched something different. Only polished concrete got 10 visitors out of 2,000.

To reach more visitors, you need exposure for hundreds, if not thousands, of keyword results.

Fortunately, there is a cost-effective formula for bringing in a wider range of visitors. We call it the 100K GMB Breakthrough.

100K GMB Breakthrough with Google My Business Optimization

We were able to generate 104,000 views to Google My Business in a 30-day period for a Luxury, Design/Build Company in NYC. No one knew it was even possible to break through the 100,000 barrier.

The way we do that is a step-by-step formula we follow.

The Core Keywords in the concrete garage floor market are:

  • Garage Floor Epoxy Coatings
  • Garage Floor Polyaspartic Coatings
  • Garage Floor Concrete Resurfacing
  • Garage Floor concrete Painting
  • Garage Floor sealer/sealing

But there are many more than just these main 5 keywords.

Garage floor keyword variations may include phrases such as single bay, 2 car, 3 car, 4 car, SUV Garage, RV Garage, Tandem, Oversized, Attached, Workshop, Pole barn, Parking Garage, Sheds, Barns, Airplane hangars, commercial, industrial.

Coating keyword variations that potential visitors enter include keywords such as paint, painters, coverings, refinishing, coatings, finishes, epoxy, polyaspartic, sealers, contractors, installers, companies, non-slip, bright, low maintenance, colors, price, cost, decorative chips, flakes, chemical resistant.

Problem-driven searches: Your customers are searching with questions. They search the who, what, why, how, best and when. They also search by comparison.


How to Get Exposure on Google for Hundreds or Thousands of Keyword Searches

  1. Articles – we create a keyword-rich article every month.
  2. Media – Each article is submitted to sites such as USA Today, Fox, ABC, NBC, Google News and hundreds more.
  3. Videos – Simple slide show videos are submitted to YouTube and Vimeo.
  4. Podcast – Articles are converted to podcasts and submitted to podcasting sites.Increase website traffic with Nichequest Amplify Program

The Key to Leads from Google = Build Your Google Footprint

Monthly promotions provide massive exposure. Results continue to grow over time. Here’s a sample article from USA Today:

Google My Business Optimization for Contractor Leads

Call us at (203) 762-1366 to learn more about our Google My Business Optimization Services that includes the following for your online presence:

  1. Articles
  2. Videos
  3. Slideshow
  4. Audio
  5. Blogs
  6. Social Sites
  7. Metrocrete Directory and Link
Google My Business Optimization - 100K GMB Formula
Google My Business Optimization – 100K GMB Formula

GMB Optimization for NYC Biz Brings 104K Views!

GMB Optimization NYC

Have you ever considered GMB Optimization for your business listing?

With Google My Business and Google Maps, you can eliminate the stress of trying to get new customers, and instead have them call you and finally make some money from your website and online presence!! As you’ll see in the video above, our strategy brought 104,000 views in 30 days for this client, who operates a luxury design/build business in NYC. They complete projects worldwide from their Manhattan main office location.

Our Google My Business Guide (GMB)

We developed an in-house Google My Business Guide with a simple step-by-step formula we follow for every client. After countless hours of testing, this strategy became our solution to amplify our client’s business online.

GMB Optimization: How We Optimize Google My Business and Maps Listings

Some of the methods we use to optimize client listings for GMB include:

Photos: we tag all photos with niche-relevant keywords and use mobile phone images taken with the geographic settings turned on. Interior and exterior pictures of the business location are a must. This image optimization method helps Google understand the areas our clients serve.

Features & Benefits: we make sure to include all clients’ features and benefits using Videos, Optimized Reviews, Map Embeds, Location, Hours of Operation, etc. Then we create detailed descriptions listing all the niche services within a business.

Geographic Optimization: larger cities like NYC may be broken down into neighborhoods such as Midtown, Upper East Side, Downtown, etc. For businesses near major landmarks, you can also include phrases such as near Grand Central Station or the World Trade Center.

Markets: when we optimize Google My Business and Maps services, we might include markets that clients service such as for real estate agents, for lawyers, for dentists, commercial real estate agents, insurance agents, for hotels and restaurants, manufacturing companies, walk-in clinics, HVAC companies, hospitals, and supermarkets.

Hyperlocal Marketing: If most clients or patients (for a medical service) come for a small localized area, then you can focus on hyper-local terms such as street names, parks, museums or subway stations.

Custom Schema: custom schema data on your website helps Google understand what your website is about and better aligns it with your GMB and maps pages. It increases your exposure to questions asked by online visitors such as who, what, where, when and why, or even helps them compare one product or service from another.

Inbound Keyword Optimization: Keyword-rich articles submitted to media sites such as USA Today, NBC, ABC, Fox and their affiliates with links back to your site and GMB page will increase your online reputation, authority, and potential to get exposure for your business.

The key to successful GMB Optimization & Marketing is to drill down the niche markets within your business. Our client is getting 104,000 Google My Business views because they rank for thousands of searches, not just a few. Your competitors are not aware this is even possible.

I have read that 15% of all searches have never been searched before. Your potential customers or patients do not search like the old days of the Yellow pages. There are many better ways to determine what your potential clients or patients search for, and it all starts with putting yourself in your potential customers’ shoes. Once you can think like your customers, you can ensure that your customers will find your business when they search online.

For a free Google My Business consultation to see how we can amplify your business results using our GMB optimization & Google Maps formula, give Ed a call (203) 762-1366.

How Google Search Ads & Position Affect Clicks to Your Website

local Service Ads

local Service Ads

If you’re looking for ways to increase your online results, then it’s important to understand Google search and how potential visitors to your site find your business.

When you search on Google for the best local provider of products or services, there are 4 options to click on in the results.

  1. local Search Ads (LSA)

Google Local Search Ads

 

2. Pay Per Click  (PPC)

3. Google My Business (GMB) – The 3-pack listings and maps

Google My Business

 

4. Organic Results

local Service Ads

If someone needs a plumber in San Francisco (images above), which one of these areas do you think they will click: local search ads, pay per click ads, Google my business listings/maps or organic results?

Bright Local, a leader in local marketing information, recently published a case study about what source produces the most clicks and then focused on how local service ads impact the results.

What they determined is that organic results receive the most clicks of all SERP types. And even more importantly, review ratings are the biggest driver of clicks in local search engine results!

Key Findings by Bright Local

“Local Services ads in Google receive 13.8% of local SERP clicks. They affect the number of clicks for all other types of results. When they are present, 25.5% of all clicks are on paid results. When they are absent, they make up only 14.6%.”

As many business owners are aware, the #1 position in organic results receives the most clicks of any other item on the home page. But it’s important to keep in mind that online reviews receive the most clicks from consumers.

With that in mind, for your business to achieve the best results from any online efforts, you must rank high in organic search and have multiple 5-star ratings from your customers.

The Bright Local study shows that positive reviews are the #1 motivator for a click. Here’s what the case study looked at to determine what Google front page item received the most interest and clicks:

5 Factors For Audience Click Thru

  • Review rating in local pack (15.44%)
  • Link to a list of business in organic results (14.52%)
  • Link content of organic result (14.00%)
  • Chose organic result as it’s not an advert (11.98%)
  • Position on the page for PPC result (6.05%)

Most Clicked SERP Results

  • Organic position 1 (accounts for 25.5% of clicks when LSAs are present, 27.4% when they aren’t)
  • Local Pack position 1 (16.1% / 17.3%)
  • Local Pack position 2 (10.4% / 12%)
  • PPC Top position 1 (8.5% / 10.5%)
  • LSA position 1 (7.4%)

To read the full post, visit Bright Local’s article “Local Services Ads Case Study” – Click Here

Ed Winslow - NicheQuest
Ed Winslow – NicheQuest

If you would like to improve your ranking in Google My Business and organic results, contact us at (203) 762-1366. We specialize reputation marketing and ranking local businesses in the Google listings and maps to bring more customers to your site.

 

How to Create a Local Marketing Strategy – A Quick Starter Guide

Local Marketing Strategy Convert Calls to LeadsAre you just starting a new business and don’t know where to begin?

Or are you an existing business owner discouraged with the lack of new business from your website and social pages?

If you’re ready to create the results you need and deserve, let me tell you what we do to generate thousands of leads every month.

Small Business Local Marketing: Where Do We Start?

Our first action is to develop a marketing strategy, and then we always follow the steps below.

The level of your success online is subject to your strategy.

Our local business marketing strategies start with 7 basic questions:

  1. What is the value of your customer (Life Time Value)?
  2. Who is your customer?
  3. Where is your customer?
  4. What does your ideal customer/patient need?
  5. What services do you provide and what is each worth?
  6. How many customers can you handle?
  7. How much would you pay to get a customer?

local marketing strategy - Lifetime Value of Customers

What Is the Lifetime Value (LTV) of Your Customer: What Does This Mean?

Below I use an example of a dentist and a commercial roofer to show you how LTV compare. You can apply the exact same formula to your business.

Local Marketing Examples: The Dental Practice Example

Let’s say you are a dentist. If your ideal new customer is a young family of 4 and each family member spends an average of $500 per year, then the value per year is $2,000.

If the family sticks with your practice for 10 years, the value is $20,000.

If the dental practice attracts one (1) new family of 4 per month, then in year 1 (12 months), the practice creates $24,000 of income in year 1 or revenue of $240,000 over 10 years. If each family refers one (1) new family over 10 years, the income jumps exponentially.

The Commercial Roofer Example

The commercial roofer follows a very different strategy than a dentist. Where a family of 4 could be worth $2,000 per year to a dentist, a commercial roofing project could be $200,000 or more.

marketing strategyWhere Is Your Customer Located?

For many dental practices, their patients are likely within a 5-mile radius of their office.

The commercial roofer’s geographic target may be a 100-mile radius or more.

What Services Do You Provide and What Is Each Worth?

People search for their problems, needs or as I call them, niches within their business.

Generally, these are specific services. For a dentist. it could be teeth cleaning, teeth whitening, clear braces, toothaches, dentures or crowns.

Each of these services provides a different value. Teeth whitening could be $200 whereas, dentures could be $10,000.

For a commercial roofer, their customers might be searching for installers, contractors or companies for flat roofs, asphalt roofs, metal roofs, single-ply roofs or many others. The value of each roof differs.

How Many Clients Can You Handle?

When you implement the right marketing strategy, the internet will consistently deliver many new clients.

I’ve seen leads come in for $100 to over $1 million depending on the type of business.

It’s important to be realistic about what you can handle. Can you handle 1 new client per month or 10? The answer to this question is subject to your offline fulfillment capabilities.

Keep in mind, if a dental receptionist misses a phone call or email lead from a client worth $20,000, that’s an expensive missed call.

If a commercial roofer misses a call from a lead worth $200,000, well, that’s really expensive! Unfortunately, I see this happen all the time.

How Much Would You Pay to Acquire Your Ideal Customer?

If you’re serious about growing your business, this is an important question.

One of the myths about the internet is that it’s free. Five to 10 years ago it was less expensive than it is today.

Due to the extraordinary results business can achieve, online competition is driving up the costs for search engine optimization, Google AdWords and Facebook ads.

However, the right strategies implemented properly continue to produce extraordinary returns on investment of both time and money.

Extremely inexpensive and free channels are still available to promote your business.

Your Blueprint for Building a Customer-Generating Marketing Strategy

marketing strategyWe follow these steps for every project whether for our own lead-generating websites or for clients.

  1. Strategy – Your plan starts with “What Is Your Client Worth?”
  2. Keyword Research – After you outline your strategy, keyword research is the next step.
  3. Content – You will need content for your website.
  4. Website – Websites with 3 actions for your visitor to take including clear links to click thru website, subscribe or contact form, Call feature easy to find on desktop and mobile,
  5. Mobile – 57% of visitors search via mobile. Your website needs a mobile-friendly version.
  6. Google My Business – At the very least, you should have a GMB listing with relevant categories, images, videos and optimization.
  7. Social Pages – Set up your social business pages including Facebook, Twitter and Linked In.
  8. Reviews – Prospects will check out what others say about you.
  9. SEO,  Search Engine Optimization – strategic rankings for Google search is still the best source of new customers for local businesses.
  10. Paid Advertising – Paid advertising is available via Google AdWords, Facebook Ads and Display Ads. Without a solid strategy, you can easily overpay with zero results. I know, I’ve done it.

Tip: 20% of your efforts will produce 80% of your results. Keep this in mind as you implement your strategy.

How to Create a Local Marketing Strategy: Summary

Google My BusinessAfter building hundreds of websites and online advertising & marketing strategies for both small and large businesses, we discovered that simple steps, systems and cheat sheets are critical to online success.

If you spend a few minutes to develop your strategy, you’ll have a long-term plan for not just your website, but Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, YouTube and your offline sales.

It always starts with the development of a simple marketing strategy based on the value of your client.

Need help developing a successful online strategy? Give us a call or send an email here.

GDPR 101 Frequently Asked Questions

GDPR 101 FAQs

Why create GDPR 101 Frequently Asked Questions?

Well mainly because we started getting questions about GDPR from nervous companies, agencies and clients. What is it? Does it apply to my business? Can I ignore this or do I need to do something?

So NicheQuest partnered with a veteran IT Consultant to learn more. We read all 88 pages of the law as well as articles, reports and synopses.

Then we started asking our own questions and searching for questions others were asking online. Our research included hours of discussion and took us to websites like Quora and (of course) Google.

It didn’t take long to discover that LOTS of people were asking ALOT of questions. . . and not just about the basics.

The results of our research are below, and while we are not legal experts, we can corroborate and validate our answers based on MANY sources.

As you read through the questions, you will find links to many of the most relevant sources we found. Our goal is to make this GDPR information page a valuable resource for you and those you send here.

Underlying all of this information is one burning question. . . Will GDPR or similar regulation be coming to the United States? Scroll down to answer 101 and there’s a link to an article that will provide an answer.

Thanks for visiting.

1. What is GDPR?

General Data Protection Regulation or GDPR is a comprehensive set of regulations pertaining to the storage and use of electronic data.

2. What does GDPR stand for?

GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation.

3. Where is it applicable?

GDPR is applicable whenever you are using electronic data for business in any of the 28 member countries of the European Union (EU).

4. Is GDPR applicable for businesses outside the EU?

Yes. GDPR is applicable to any business anywhere in the world that does business with natural citizens and/or businesses located in the EU.

5. Do businesses in America have to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations?

Yes, when they are doing business with natural citizens and/or businesses located in the EU.

6. Do these EU regulations also regulate my web page?

Yes, if your web page collects data or tracks visitors from the EU.

7. What countries are in the European Union?

Currently, there are 28 member countries to the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom (until 3/29/19).

8. Why is the UK in the EU only until March 29, 2019?

On June 23, 2016, England held a national vote to determine whether the country should stay or leave the European Union. Subsequent to the vote, there have been questions raised about whether Cambridge Analytica – the bankrupt British company that took the personal data of 87 million Facebook users to help target political ads during the 2016 United States Presidential election – “might” have influenced the Brexit vote.

Resources

9.  Once the UK leaves the EU, will they be obligated to comply with the General Data Protection Regulations?

Yes, when a British company does business with a natural person or company in the European Union (EU).

10. What is a “natural person”?

GDPR defines a natural person as someone who can be identified (in a variety of ways) and is in residence in an EU member country.

11. What are some of the potential identifiers?

There are many different identifiers. . .name, identification number (like a drivers license or US Social Security number), location data (like GPS information or an IP address) or cultural, economic, genetic, mental, physical, physiological, sexual or social attributes that could reveal the identity of a natural person.

12. Is there a specific GDPR descriptor for these identifiers?

All of these are collectively known as PII – Personally Identifiable Information – and are protected by GDPR.

13 What kind of PII might be gathered on a website?
There are many kinds of personally identifiable pieces of information…name, address, social security number, credit card number, medical information; to name just a few.

14. Are there certifications for data protection?

Yes, but they are voluntary. (Article 42 – 3)

Resource

15. Are there any specific softwares that I need to buy, license, or use?

No. GDPR is about best practices, contractual and technological obligations and codes of conduct.

16. Are there levels of best practices, contractual and technological obligations and codes of conduct?

Yes. It varies depending on the size of the business with the “cut off” at 250 employees.

17. Does GDPR have a single supervisory authority?

No. There is an “EU” supervisory authority as well as individual member country supervisory authorities.

18. How do I get GDPR compliance certification?

There are companies that offer this certification, but it isn’t a requirement of these regulations.

20. Why is it so important to be prepared for GDPR compliance?

It is important to be prepared for GDPR only if your company is located or does business with people or companies in the EU because the fines for non-compliance are steep.

21Does the GDPR affect testimonials being used on a website?

GDPR would effect testimonials on a website if the testimonial contained PII (Personally Identifiable Information). ie: “XYZ Company does great work.” – Bob S., has no PII. “XYZ Company does great work.” – Bob Smith, Fargo, ND, has PII and would cause GDPR issues.

22.  How do I get my side project to be GDPR compliant?

That would depend on what your “side project” is.

23. What if American Internet corporations simply refuse to comply with GDPR?

They will either face fines or more probably, like many nations in the world that regulate internet traffic, American companies that do not adhere to the policies and procedures of GDPR, they will probably be blocked.

24. Should I be wary of online companies I formerly subscribed to sending me emails asking me to click on a link to accept their new privacy policy?

That would depend on the company sending the link. If you’re familiar with the company and you’ve done business with them before, they are probably conducting business in the EU and trying to adhere to the new regulations. If you get a “privacy link” from a company you don’t know, proceed with caution.

25. How can a website owner comply with GDPR policy of 2018? If I have a site running Google AdSense and Google Analytics, how can I make sure I am complying with GDPR according to the new updates of 2018?

GDPR is a collection of rules and regulations about the privacy and security of the personal data your company collects and stores – and explaining to those whose data you’ve taken in simple, understandable ways. Seek professional help to amend your data use statements as well as your website and business infrastructure.

26. How will the GDPR 2018 regulation affect street photographers and posting photos on Instagram?

Since before the internet, professional photographers have needed model and property releases in order to sell images without legal liability. If the images posted on Instagram are for the purpose of selling a person, place or thing in the EU. . . and the image contains PII (Personally Identifiable Information). . . and you want to avoid legal issues. . . get a release.

27. How do I become GDPR compliant on a simple website with only email/password for registration purposes?

You will need a “simply worded” Privacy Policy stating the SPECIFIC use of the email. If other PII is collected, that use must be specified as well. To be safe, add a checkbox with “defined use” of the PII on the registration page that the user must click.

28. Will people abuse the GDPR law similar to patent trolls now that it is into effect and many organizations aren’t yet compliant?

There is a very high probability of this occurring for a while.

29. Is there a software solution for GDPR compliance?

GDPR is a process, not a product.

30. What data must be exported to comply with GDPR Article 20?

Whatever PII you have gathered: name, address, shoe size, weight, EVERYTHING you have collected about the person

31. Is it okay if we mention in our TOS that we are not a GDPR compliant?

Post-GDPR, companies will have to reassert opt-in on a periodic basis (e.g. once a year) or does opt-in last forever?

32. Is it “ok” to not be GDPR compliant PROVIDED you are not doing business with any people or businesses in the EU.

GDPR isn’t an “opt in” or “opt out”. GDPR is a set of policies and procedures that must be followed if you do business with people or businesses located in the EU.

33. In light of the upcoming GDPR requirements, how do you embed a Vimeo video on a website with no cookies?

It MIGHT be possible with a paid Vimeo account.

34. With GDPR looming, I want to remove all cookies on my WordPress site. If this is possible, how do I set this up so that the future WP and theme updates don’t reinstate them?

If the WordPress site is using Google Analytics, cookies cannot be turned off permanently.

35. How can I find and appoint a GDPR officer for my G Suite?

My G Suite is for my personal use and is not attached to any company.

36. Google has a DPO (Data Protection Officer). . . Do All Businesses Need a DPO?

A DPO is required if your company has over 250 employees and your company is doing business with people or businesses located in the EU. A DPO isn’t required for personal internet use.

37. Will GDPR kill off all salespeople?

If anything, GDPR will create opportunities for salespeople as outbound digital marketing will face more stringent requirements under GDPR.

38. Under the GDPR if a customer asks to delete their personal data, does that also include email interactions (via helpdesk + personal emails)?

It can because email includes PII. However, “archiving (Article 89) in the public interest” lists some exceptions and parameters subject to legal interpretation

39. Under the GDPR, if someone creates an account on your website, do they need explicit opt-in to receive even basic e-mails that relate to their activity? Like receiving activity updates on Quora?

Under GDPR, a company’s outbound data activity to people and businesses in the EU needs to be specifically defined for both use and length of time.

40. How does the GDPR affect websites that use the Facebook pixel to deliver ads and does a website need to give the option to not execute any pixel activity?

GDPR requires businesses doing business with people or businesses in the EU to provide specific use of personal data and have them “opt in.”

41. What exactly does GDPR require a small business, small organization, or sole trader to do?

Regardless of business size, GDPR requires entities (governments, organizations, sole proprietors, public or private businesses) doing business with either people or businesses in the EU to respect and protect the privacy of personal information and define how the data is being used and stored and get specific “opt-in” permission from the individual data provider for each use.

42. Concerning GDPR, for a website that uses tools (ex: Analytics or else), what changes are needed since you are not the one storing data?

Your privacy policy must clearly define in simple terms each use of PII. “Anonymous” data (400 page views) does not require permission. Personally Identifiable Information (20 page views from 192.168.1.4, 22 page views from 10.11.24.3) in your tracking requires a privacy statement to let people know of this use as well as a way for visitors to “opt-in” and allow you to use their data in this way and get confirmation of this from professional legal counsel.

43. Has anyone posted bounties for reporting GDPR violations?

44.  What is the extent of GDPR penalties upon small businesses? Receiving a €10M fine, when a company can have an annual turnover of, let’s say, €100k, clearly does not seem reasonable.

Regardless of size, GDPR fines can go up to 4% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the preceding financial year.

45. Under what authority can the EU impose GDPR-related fines on companies with no presence or assets located within the EU?

If you’re in “their house” – and that includes a website opening on a computer in the EU – it’s their rules. Or what will probably happen is that like other countries in the world that restrict internet access, the EU will block non-compliant websites.

46. What is a practical solution for a business to continue using data of existing dormant customers who had given implicit consent at the time of registering?

They can give explicit consent only on next login which may not be in near future.

If the customers are located in EU member countries, GDPR requires businesses using PII to both define the data usage and get consent for each data usage.

47Is SAP software GDPR compliant?

48. Is the 1-month limit for Article 17 of the GDPR counting time for deletion or just response time?

Article 17 states, “Without undue delay.”

49. Can GDPR consent requirements be made open only to EU & UK country users based on their IP addresses?

GDPR consents are required within the EU member countries and need to specify every data use

50. How do Ethereum projects comply with GDPR?

GDPR compliance is about accounting for how PII (Personally Identifiable Information) is safely stored and specifically disseminated. One of the concepts of blockchain is the safety of data through “distributed computing”; no single machine has all the information. As a “blockchain variant”, it would seem that data within an Ethereum project – provided a privacy policy clearly states each specific use of PII – could be compliant, but like the Ethereum project itself, the creation of an easy-to-understand Privacy Policy and specific “opt-ins” could be onerous. . . but seek out professional legal counsel.

51. Is the GDPR self-contradictory in that article 17 requires processors to implement the right to be forgotten, but article 30 requires processors to maintain a record of all categories of processing activities carried out?

PII is the Personally Identifiable Information (ie: Bob Smith, 34 West Lane, Liverpool, England) of those in the EU. Mr. Smith can “choose to be forgotten” by a data processor. If the processor “forgets” categories like. . .”People (or males) in England” or more specifically, “People (or males) in Liverpool”, the data has been “pseudonymized”, and no PII has been disclosed.

52. Does GDPR allow me to process phone numbers from real estate ads without the persons’ consent?

If the phone number belongs to a person or business outside the EU, yes. For people or businesses inside the EU, a phone number would be considered PII.

53. What steps do I need to take to not comply with the GDPR? I am more than happy to not deal with EU customers. I’m a small non-EU business and this is a massive cost burden for me.

As we learn more about how our personal information was used and disseminated across the “old wild west” of the internet, it is apparent that GDPR “variants” are coming everywhere.

Resources 

54. How do I become GDPR compliant on simple website with only email/password for registration purposes?

Write a “simple” privacy policy, clearly, state each specific use of PII and have a clearly defined method for “opting in”

55. Post GDPR, will companies have to reassert opt-in on a periodic basis (e.g. once a year) or does opt-in last forever?

GDPR is a set of policies and procedures about the storage, use and dissemination of PII (Personally Identifiable Information) of people and entities in the EU. If you are conducting “data driven” business in the EU, it isn’t an “opt-in” or “opt-out”. . . just like you wouldn’t “opt-in” or “opt-out” of stopping at a traffic light.

56. How does the GDPR track down individuals who may not be complying with their regulations?

The EU supervisory authority as well each member country’s supervisory authority will have reporting methods.

57. Is it okay if we mention in our TOS that we are not a GDPR compliant?

Sure. Just don’t take any data or do business with any people or businesses located in a member EU country or you could be open to legal issues.

58. What limits does GDPR put on web scraping?

If you are scraping the data of people or entities in the EU, you need a privacy policy explaining in simple terms what you do with the data, and you will need a method of allowing anyone providing PII to opt-in for each specified use.

59. On my website I have both a social sign-up button and a social log-in button (FB and Google). What is the best way to make sure that the social log-in and sign-up forms are GDPR complaint?

If you are processing the data of people or entities in the EU, you need a privacy policy explaining in simple terms what you do with the data, and you will need a method of allowing anyone providing PII to opt-in for each specified use, as will Facebook and Google who are already facing GDPR issues.

Resources

60.  Why does GDPR make finding domain owners harder?

Under GDPR, domains owned by EU residents have the right to be forgotten (hidden).

61. If I choose to not comply with GDPR, have no property or assets in the EU, but continue to do business in the EU, what can they do to me?

Because of the seamlessness of the internet, it is easy to forget how “interconnected” our planet is. I’m here. They’re there. They can’t touch me might not be the case. Don’t be so sure …

Resource story from Bloomberg  – Click This Link Russian Loses $492 Million Yacht in Divorce

62. GDPR Frequently Asked Questions – Are There Other Resources?

Here are a few more sources with questions and answers

63. What’s a DPO?

The Data Protection Officer (DPO) can be either an employee or outside service provider who acts as the “point person” for a company’s GDPR policies and procedures.

64. What Are The Responsibilities of a DPO

“A DPO has formal responsibility for data protection compliance within an organization.” Click here for more info

Here’s another source related to responsibilities of a DPO, controllers/processors and staffing. Click Here 

65. What Kind Of Companies need a Data Protection Officer (DPO)

Here is a resource on the Nortal website. You’ll see an example of a cookie policy when you click here

66.  What rights will individuals have under GDPR?

Broadly speaking, individuals in the EU member nations will have several rights:
The right to know how their personal data is used,
The right to agree or refuse to any use of their data
The right to transfer their data to another controller or processor
The right to be “forgotten” on the internet

Read more at Skillcast 

67. What effect does Brexit have on GDPR?

Before March 29, 2019, none. The UK is still part of the EU. After 3/29/18, like the home of any other foreign company doing business in the EU, businesses located in the UK will be required to comply with the policies and procedures of GDPR when they are involved with people and entities located within the EU.

68. Where Can I Find a GDPR Glossary of Terms?

Here’s a list of 35 terms at the eugdpr glossary

69. What’s the background to the GDPR?

It has taken about 4 years to craft the GDPR. It is based on the EU’s recognition that people in the EU have a right to know and grant permission as to how their personal data is being used by a company. GDPR gives people the right to know their PPI (Personally Identifiable Information) is being stored safely as well as having the right to be forgotten by the “internet” or have their data moved to another data processor or controller.

70. When does the GDPR take effect?

It took effect May 25, 2018.

71. I believe the GDPR makes extra provisions for children?

Yes. GDPR requires that the data of children be VERY simply explained, be VERY well protected and in some situations, get parental permission.

72. As the UK voted to leave the EU, does the GDPR still apply?

Yes. Before their departure date of 3/29/19, as a member of the EU, and after that date, UK companies doing business in the EU will still need to comply with GDPR with people in the EU.

73. What are my main responsibilities under the GDPR?

The main responsibilities under GDPR are for your company to protect and secure the personal data of people living in the EU. Also, you are now obligated to define and get permission for every use of the personal data of the people living in the EU.

74. What’s the definition of ‘Personal Data’ under the GDPR?

As implied by the GDPR’s operative phrase, “Personally Identifiable Information”, the personal data that needs to be safeguarded under GDPR is information by which an individual in the EU can be recognized.

75.  What are the key things I should consider when handling personal data?

The main things to consider about the data of people in the EU under GDPR are to keep it safe and define its use.

 76. I understand I must have a legal basis to process personal data under the GDPR?

Obviously, you cannot use personal data for illegal purposes like blackmail or extortion. You must define and allow for “opting-in” on every use of personal data of people in the EU that you do.

77. I understand I must have a legal basis to process personal data under the GDPR?

Obviously, you cannot use personal data for illegal purposes like blackmail or extortion. You must define and allow for “opting-in” on every use of personal data of people in the EU.

78. Do I have to appoint a Data Protection Officer for the GDPR?

That depends on several factors.

Read the info here from the Information Commissioner’s Office 

Click This Link to view a chart from Insights Association

79. What is the role of a Data Protection Officer under the GDPR?

The DPO (Data Protection Officer) is an assigned role in a company as the “point person” for “all things GDPR”.

Visit this page for details at https://goo.gl/ssPL63

80. Is there “certification” for DPO?

While there are companies offering certifications for DPO, it is not required by GDPR.

81. What is Article 39 of the GDPR?

Article 39 of the General Data Protection Regulation defines the tasks of the data protection officer (DPO).

82. What rights do individuals have under the GDPR?

GDPR grants individuals living in the EU several important rights regarding the personal data they have provided to a company. They include the right to be forgotten, know how their data is being used, opt in or out to every usage, transfer their data to another processor or controller, and be notified of any data breach.

83.  What Is The Accountability Principle and How Does It Relate To GDPR?

Read This From Dropbox Business “The General Data Protection Regulation has now explicitly codified the accountability principle in Article 24, which requires that organizations implement “appropriate technical and organizational measures” to be able to “demonstrate” their compliance with the Regulation.” Click Here for more information from Dropbox Business

84. What is Privacy by Design?

Privacy by Design is a conscious effort throughout the engineering process rather than an “afterthought”.

Click Here for a Privacy By Design Cheat Sheet

85. I’ve been told I need a privacy notice for the GDPR – is this correct?

Yes. The General Data Protection Regulation not only requires an easy to find privacy policy, but it must be simple and easy to understand.

86. Do I have to do a Data Protection Impact Assessment under the GDPR?

A DPIA will depend on the size of your company and the uses of the data you gather.

Resource Links

87. What Is a Subject Data Request?

Subject Data Requests go to the heart of GDPR’s individual rights.

According to DPOrganizer,  “The Data Protection Directive and its replacement, the General Data Protection Regulation (in short GDPR) grant citizens rights regarding the personal data that is being processed by organizations.

One of the most important rights established that individuals have the right to access the personal data that an organization is processing about them.” Read More 

88.  What happens when personal data is breached under the GDPR?

Lots of problems for the breached company, and lots of requirements – the most important being that the DPO must notify EVERYONE whose data might be compromised within 72 hours of discovery.

89. What are the penalties for non-compliance of the GDPR?

Potentially up to 4% of the violator’s previous year’s worldwide revenue.

90. What is the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party?

The Article 29 Data Protection Working Party is a group that is establishing standards, definitions, policies and procedures for GDPR.

91. What’s the difference between a Controller and a Processor under the GDPR?

Under GDPR, a Controller decides what data is to be used to do what works, while a Processor actually does the work. They can be the same or different entities.

92. Are there any circumstances where the GDPR does not apply?

Within the EU, no. The question is akin to, “Are there times when I don’t need to stop at the traffic light?”

93. What about personal data I want to transfer outside the EU or to international organizations?

One of the stipulations of GDPR is the ability to transfer data between both companies and countries. For the transfer of data to countries outside the EU, GDPR requirements stand. Here’s an article that might help you if you need more info on this topic. Click Here 

94. What are the GDPR Recitals?

The Recitals are the reasons that these laws were enacted.

95. My organization is compliant with ISO 27001. Will this help with my data protection compliance?

ISO 27001 Is an information security standard. Compliance with ISO 27001 can help towards compliance with GDPR, but one does not equal the other. Check with your legal and IT teams to find the overlaps and the holes.

96. My organization complies with NIST. Does this give me a head start with GDPR compliance?

The National Institutes of Standards and Technology, like ISO 27001, can help towards compliance, but one does not equal the other. Check with your legal and IT teams to find the overlaps and the holes.

97. I’ve heard that if I comply with PCI-DSS 3.2, I’ll meet the European Union data protection requirements. Is this correct?

The Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC) like NIST and ISO 27001, can address aspects of compliance with GDPR, but one does not equal the other. Check with your legal and IT teams to find the overlaps and the holes.

98. What is happening in the US related to GDPR?
If you are an American business, and you do not conduct any business with anyone in the EU, GDPR will have no direct effect on your business. . . yet. Currently, GDPR is only for the data of people in the EU. However, “variants” of the GDPR are starting to become laws in various states. Such as the Vermont data broker law. . .

or California’s privacy law. . .

99. How Do You File a GDPR Complaint?

If you’re a complainer visit the European Data Protection Supervisor.

100. How Will the EU’s Data Regulations Change The World?

You might want to check out an article by Shelley Palmer in AdAge …

“Depending on your field of work, you may be impacted by GDPR more than others may be. For instance, email marketing now requires proof of opt-in. You can no longer pre-check boxes to automatically sign members up for newsletters, or have a box to opt out; instead, you’ll be able to collect and use email addresses only if members opt-in. You must also have proof of opt-in (as defined in the regulations).” Click here for the full article .

101. Will GDPR or a similar regulations be coming to the United States?

GDPR is a major change to the internet regarding privacy and personal data. While these regulations are European Union (EU) law, on June 28, 2018, California passed a privacy law to take effect on January 1, 2020. Read The Article here in the Washington Post.

Feel free to leave feedback and other questions on the NicheQuest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NicheQuest/

 

How To Convert Leads Into Sales & Solve the #1 Problem Businesses Face Online

Lifetime Value of Customers

How to Convert Leads into Sales and Avoid The #1 Problem Online

For years I’ve seen businesses share a particular problem no matter what their size or industry. It’s what I see as the #1 problem business owners face, and it’s time to finally bring awareness to this issue. By doing so, businesses will recognize what’s wrong and finally solve it once and for all!

What is the #1 problem? The issue involves how businesses answer phone calls from potential customers, especially those who find the company website online and call the business.

In my experience, success (or lack of) online starts with understanding the Lifetime Value of Your Customer.

That’s where the internet starts.

Your marketing is a communication tool just like your phone and phone answering. Today we are evaluated by potential customers who view our websites, reviews, social sites and who we associate with before they call us.

As you read through, take a look at the images. They are the sequence to build your digital exposure ultimately leading to a phone call from a new prospect.

I hope you find this valuable.

How I Uncovered the Online Lead Conversion Breakdown

Call Answering for LeadsSimply, we use SEO (and social media) as a channel to generate profitable leads for our customers.

For years, all we looked at were traffic stats to a website. We never knew exactly what was happening on the clients end. We just assumed our clients were getting new customers based on conversations with them or by seeing leads come in via contact forms.

As our SEO skills increased, so did leads and new customers for our clients. Our happy customers were referring us. Business was growing. All seemed good.

The Call That said “You’re fired”

The call came in, “I want to cancel our SEO service with you. Don’t bill us anymore.” Wow, that’s a brutal call to get.

I said “why, your website traffic is excellent, you rank at the top of the Google searches for hundreds of keywords plus Google Places/Maps?”
The client said he wasn’t getting any business online. All the calls coming in were from people he already knew. “They use Google as their rolodex to call me.”

Generate LeadsI looked at Google Analytics to see what people searched before clicking to his website. No one was searching his name or company name. I knew something wasn’t right.

So I suggested we add a call tracking number to his website, then we would revisit it in a few months. If leads are not coming in, then I guess we’ve lost a client.

It didn’t take long to figure out the problem.

Immediately, I could see 20 calls per week (80 per month) coming in. This was in a legal niche market. So I asked the client if it was OK to listen to the calls. He said no problem, so I started listening.

I was shocked.

I found the problem.

First, many of the calls were from lawyers around the country who were looking for an attorney to refer their client to. They Googled the keyword and geographic area. They clicked through to the website finding a site full of great information, the partners’ pictures, name and phone number.

The referring lawyers now had a name and background. They knew who they were calling. When the calls came in, my client assumed these lawyers knew him. They didn’t. But he ranked #1 on Google so he got the call.

The other calls that came in were from potential clients who needed help. You could hear the sound of desperation in their voice. They needed help.

They were treated like cold callers. These people were faced with rude and uncaring call answering. They were left on hold and hung up.

No wonder they weren’t getting new clients.

If they were aware of the value of each client, I think they would have treated each call differently.

Call Answering Problem #2

Leads and SalesThis next one is similar to the case above. Different service but same problem.

I get the call, “I want to stop your SEO Service, it’s not producing any new patients”.

Having received this call before, I knew immediately there was a call answering problem.

So I suggested to our client to allow us to put a call forwarding number on the website. Give it 30 days, and let’s see if there is a problem.

In this case, the owner had purchased his practice and along with it the receptionist of 25 years.

After 30 days I could easily see there were many calls coming in. Then I started to listen to the call recordings.

Again, shocked.

The receptionist was horrible. Rude and uncaring. Left people on hold for long periods of time.

I had the tell my client to be prepared for what he was going to hear when listening to the calls.

Immediately it became clear, he had been losing business for 5 years without knowing the problem. Call tracking revealed why.

My client terminated the receptionist then hired someone new. He worked with his new receptionist to develop scripts. They became sensitive to what the clients wanted and the value of each.

Today, their business is growing. Phone calls are answered professionally. The professional, caring customer experience continues from the initial call, to scheduling, to first meeting and well after that first visit.

Today, my client’s practice is growing.

Do You Have a Call Answering Problem?

I can tell you many cases just like the 2 mentioned above. It’s a national epidemic that few want to face.
It’s not just a call answering problem, it’s a business message and operating problem.

Here’s where the problem starts.

Most of us are programmed to hunt for leads and new clients.

Ways to find new clients?

  • Convert Leads To Sales With WebsitesCold Calls
  • Networking
  • Business Cards
  • Direct Mail
  • Newspaper Ads
  • Magazine Ads
  • Trade Shows
  • Websites
  • Social Media

Then, once we get a lead, we try and impress the prospect. We start to sell.

This is what Seth Godin refers to as interruption marketing. The process of interrupting people enough times over and over to get their business.

Marketoonist, has a cartoon of a huge billboard on the side of a building that says “stop whatever you’re doing and pay attention to this Ad, Dammit” Click here to see ad 

That’s how interruption marketing works. It’s like standing on top of a mountain, shaking our fists, how can you not buy from us?

What is Demand Driven Marketing and How Does It Affect Your Call Answering

Demand Driven Marketing has created a powerful paradigm shift. It’s created a mindset shift.

It has changed the way people do business. It’s empowered clients to find what they want. It’s created a sense of entitlement.

Understand Demand Driven Marketing and you’ll understand how the internet works.

Understand how the internet works and you’ll understand your clients.

Understand your clients and you’ll know how to answer the phone. If someone does a search online and they call you, they want something. It’s a big step to make that call. They are likely a buyer, not a tire kicker.

Listen to what they want, give them what they want.

Don’t think it’s because you are so great. It’s because they found you online. Remember – Customer options are 1 click away.

Understand How The Internet Works and You’ll Get New Clients Calling You

Generate Leads With Blog PostThe case I mentioned above about the lawyer getting tons of calls from people he thought knew him is an interesting one we can all learn from.

He and his office never thought about all the calls that were coming in and why. The calls were coming in from people searching for someone to help them solve their problem.

They searched keywords, keyword phrases (queries) and Geographic terms on Google.

They click one of the Google results that catch their eye and land on your webpage.

Frequently, it’s not the first time they landed on the website. If the website message connects with the consumer, if it’s relevant to what they want, they may call.

When a prospective customer calls, it’s highly likely they have searched many results online before they called you. Before they call, they may have looked at your online reviews, your Facebook page, your Linked In page.

When they call, they have a pretty good idea what they want and know a little about you.

In fact, they may have already called your competitors and had a bad experience. Now they are calling you. They may know what a bad phone experience is like.

3 Tips to Converting Leads into New Clients

1. Be aware clients Search For What They Want
2. Listen To What They Want
3. Know The Lifetime Value of Your Customers

Converting Calls To New Clients – Summary

I hope this has you thinking and helped you on your road to many new clients, patients or even product sales online.

One of the biggest changes we see with local business online marketing is increased competition. As competition has increased for attracting new customers online, converting website visitors to new customers is a result of understanding demand driven marketing.One thing we see when someone does contact you from your website, they are a hot buyer.

They are educated and know what they want.

Just listen and give them what they want.

Lifetime Value of Leads and Customers