Introduction to Best Practices by Industry
This guide is an essential toolkit for mastering local market dynamics through proven strategies tailored to diverse industries. It serves as your strategic partner in refining your online visibility and engaging effectively with local audiences across various platforms. From optimizing listings and adeptly handling reviews to capitalizing on organic posts and social media influence, this playbook encompasses all facets of local marketing.
Select your industry and learn from Uberall industry experts.
What vertical within Hospitality is your brand in?
Best Practices for Hotels:
- Precise Naming Conventions: The name of a hotel is crucial for brand recognition and searchability. Include specific details like the brand and the exact location to distinguish it from others in the same city, such as "Motel One Berlin Alexanderplatz." For hotels under multiple brands, display both the network brand and the local hotel's name, like "The Originals City, Hôtel Cartier," to enhance brand visibility and recognition.
- Utilizing Multi-Location Features: Hotels often house various services such as cafés, spas, and restaurants. Create separate locations for these services within the Uberall platform to provide detailed information and attract more visitors to each service.
- Attribute Optimization: Make the most of all available attributes to provide comprehensive information about your hotel's amenities.
- Specialized Attributes for Hospitality: Hotels have specific attributes on GBP that highlight features such as free Wi-Fi, parking availability, and pet-friendliness. Keep an eye on updates from Uberall regarding the integration of these specialized attributes to ensure your listings are as informative as possible.
- Integration with Niche Directories: Most countries have directories that play a key role in hotel’s visibility. For the German market, the HolidayCheck directory is vital. Ensure accurate hotel listings to benefit from targeted exposure.
Pro Tips:
- Driving Positive Reviews: Encourage satisfied guests to leave reviews by integrating QR codes and other direct links into your in-hotel branding and communications. Positive reviews can significantly boost your hotel's visibility and appeal.
- Strategic Review Management: Actively responding to guest reviews is essential in the hospitality industry. Potential guests often rely heavily on reviews when making booking decisions. Prompt, polite, and constructive responses can significantly influence perceptions and attract more customers.
- Real-Time Updates via API: Leverage the Uberall API to update critical information like room availability and special offers in real-time. This will help in maintaining accurate information across platforms, ensuring potential guests see the most current data when making decisions.
Best Practices for Restaurants:
- Regular Updates via Posts: Utilize the posting feature to regularly announce events, happy hour specials, and menu updates. This keeps your audience engaged and informed about what's new and exciting at your restaurant.
- More Hours: Clearly differentiate various operating hours for services like brunch, delivery, and takeout using “More Hours”. This clarity helps customers plan their visits or orders according to their convenience.
- Dynamic Photo Updates: Regularly refresh your photos to include images of the exterior, interior, staff, and dishes. This visual variety enhances your profile and helps attract customers by giving them a real feel for your establishment.
- Comprehensive Attributes: Fill out all relevant attributes to provide additional information and transaction links such as links to reservations or your menu. This helps customers find important details quickly and easily.
- Menu Promotions: Use postings to highlight new dishes or menu changes. This not only informs your customers but also entices them to try new offerings.
- Detailed Descriptions: In the long description section, emphasize the types of meals or cuisines you specialize in. This can attract customers who are looking for specific dining experiences.
- Variety in Imagery: Showcase a wide range of photos including both indoor and outdoor settings, as well as close-ups of your menu items.
Pro Tips:
- Highlight Services: Use the services within attributes section to detail different offerings such as delivery, order-and-collect, and onsite dining. This makes it easy for customers to understand all their dining options.
- Include a UTM Parameter for Tracking: If you're looking to track the source of your website's traffic more precisely, consider adding a UTM parameter to the URL in your posts. This will enable you to see exactly how much traffic is coming from your local posts.
- Menu Display via Collections: Utilize Collections to effectively display your menu and individual menu items. This organized presentation helps customers easily browse your offerings and make selections.
- Integration for Reservations: If using the locator feature, integrate tools like OpenTable (using custom HTML if necessary) to facilitate easy booking. This adds convenience for your customers, making it straightforward to secure a table.
- Use Your Own Ordering URL: Add your own ordering page in the order URL to replace third-party URLs.
What vertical within Fuel & Automotive is your brand in?
Best Practices for Gas Stations:
- Distinct Listings for Dual Locations: For gas stations located on both sides of a road, create separate listings for each. Although Google's algorithm may initially flag one as a duplicate, distinct listings are crucial for clarity and accuracy in navigation and customer convenience.
- Separate Listings for Diverse Services: If a site offers multiple services with different branding, such as EV charging stations, car washes, or food and drink shops, create individual listings for each. This helps customers find exactly what they need quickly and enhances search visibility for each service.
- Regular Updates and Offers: Post regular updates about services, promotions, or new facilities like upgraded pumps or added services (e.g., a new tire repair shop). Regular communication keeps your customers informed and engaged.
- Monitor and Respond to Reviews: Actively monitor and respond to customer reviews to address concerns and highlight positive improvements. This not only improves customer relations but also positively impacts your online reputation.
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Visual Content for Engagement: Use photos to showcase your facilities, including specific services like car washes, convenience stores, and new charging stations. Visual content can significantly enhance user engagement and attract more customers.
Pro Tip:
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Leverage Sentiment Analysis: Utilize our sentiment analysis tools to identify and address facility issues promptly, such as non-functioning gas pumps. This proactive approach not only improves operational efficiency but also boosts customer satisfaction by ensuring all amenities are in good working order.
Note: Uberall Sentiment Analysis is only available in English
Best Practices for EV Charging Stations:
- Real-Time Data: Use your Uberall partnership to allow customers to see real-time data and availability of charging stations to reduce wait times and improve user experience.
- Detailed Location Information: Provide precise location details, accessibility features, and navigation assistance to help drivers find your charging stations easily.
- Pricing Structure: Clearly outline the pricing model for charging, including any tiered rates or special discounts for members or off-peak usage.
- Operational Hours: Clearly state if your charging stations are available 24/7 or if there are specific hours, especially for stations located in restricted areas.
- Add High-Quality Photos: Upload clear and high-quality photos of the charging stations, including any relevant signage that helps users identify the station. Photos can include close-ups of the chargers, the parking area, and any on-site facilities.
- Use Relevant Categories: Make sure to categorize your business accurately. For EV charging stations, you might use categories like “Electric Vehicle Charging Station” along with any other relevant categories like “Electric Vehicle Service” or “Battery Store” if applicable.
- Highlight Amenities: List any additional amenities available at your charging stations, such as Wi-Fi, coffee shops, restrooms, or waiting areas. These can make your location more attractive to drivers who might need to wait while their vehicle charges.
- Accessibility Information: Provide details about the accessibility of your charging stations, such as wheelchair accessibility, to accommodate all users.
Pro Tips:
- User Reviews and Feedback: Encourage and manage user reviews to gather feedback and improve services. Addressing concerns in reviews can also enhance credibility.
- Mobile App Integration: If applicable, promote a mobile app that can enhance the user experience by allowing customers to manage charging sessions, payment, and station feedback.
- Community Engagement: Engage with the local and online communities through educational posts about EVs, participation in environmental initiatives, and offering special events or promotions.
- Use Google’s Q&A Feature: Monitor and answer questions in Google’s Q&A section proactively. This not only provides valuable information to potential users but also demonstrates customer service commitment.
Best Practices for Parking Brands:
- Use of "More Hours": Clearly indicate the hours during which consumers can exit the garage. This is particularly helpful for 24-hour access facilities or those with specific overnight policies.
- Detailed Visual Content: Utilize photos to clearly show important details such as pricing information, entrance locations, ceiling heights, and payment machines. This helps customers know what to expect and can reduce confusion.
- Comprehensive Long Description: In the long description, explain how the parking system operates. Include any unique features or systems, such as automated parking, valet services, or eco-friendly initiatives.
- Registration Details: Also include in the long description the necessary steps for registration, where to register, and any specific requirements (e.g., app downloads or office visits). This information prepares customers in advance.
- QR Code Systems: For facilities that use QR codes for entry, exit, or payment (like Vienna Airport), advise clients about this system beforehand through postings or on your profile. This ensures they are prepared and can streamline their entry or exit.
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Information on Parking Type: Clearly state whether the parking is inside or outside. This detail is crucial during extreme weather conditions and for customers with preferences regarding covered versus open-air parking.
Pro Tips:
- Multiple Profiles for Multiple Entrances: If your parking facility has multiple entrances on different streets and is large enough, create separate profiles for each. This helps in guiding drivers more effectively and improves the usability of navigation systems.
- Promote Special Offers and Discounts: Use postings to promote special offers, discounts for early booking, or loyalty programs. This can attract more customers and encourage repeat business.
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Accessibility Information: Provide information about accessibility options, such as spaces for disabled drivers, electric vehicle charging points, and family-friendly spots. Ensuring your facility meets diverse needs can broaden your customer base and enhance satisfaction.
Best Practices for Car Rental:
- Accurate Vehicle Listings: Provide detailed descriptions and high-quality photos of available rental vehicles, including key features and pricing. Make sure the inventory is regularly updated to reflect current availability.
- Customer Reviews: Actively encourage and manage customer reviews to build trust and address any concerns promptly.
- Promotions and Special Offers: Regularly post promotions, discounts, or loyalty program benefits to attract new customers and reward repeat business.
- Emergency Support: Provide clear information on how to get support in case of vehicle breakdown or accidents, including 24/7 customer service contacts.
Pro Tips:
- Local SEO Optimization: Utilize local SEO strategies to appear in searches by travelers and locals alike, especially targeting keywords related to car rentals in specific cities or locations.
- Partnership Highlights: Feature any partnerships with airlines, hotels, or travel agencies, which can be a decisive factor for customers planning their travel.
What vertical within Retail is your brand in?
Best Practices:
- Dynamic Posting: Utilize posting features to regularly highlight new campaigns, special offers, and upcoming events. This keeps your content fresh and encourages repeat visits from customers.
- Enhanced Product Showcasing: For locator and local pages, implement Collections to effectively highlight key products and new arrivals. This visual representation helps customers easily discover and browse your offerings.
- Precise Location Details: When your retail space is located within a larger complex, like a shopping mall, always add detailed location markers such as 'located in'. Specify the wing, floor, and suite number to guide customers directly to your doorstep.
- Decentralized Management: Empower store managers or regional managers with the ability to manage reviews and posts directly. This localized management leads to faster response times and more personalized customer service.
- Detailed Address Information: Always provide a full address in your listings to avoid any confusion. Include specifics such as shopping mall wing, floor, and suite number. This is crucial for customers navigating through GPS or maps.
- Local Inventory Accessibility: Showcase available product stock levels using local inventory tools. This transparency allows customers to check availability before visiting, enhancing their shopping experience and boosting in-store sales.
- Review Generation Strategies: Employ the review generation feature by posting QR codes in-store. This tactic makes it easy for customers to leave positive reviews immediately after their purchase or visit, increasing the likelihood of favorable feedback.
- Frequent Photo Updates: Regularly update the photos of your store, products, and promotional displays to keep your online visuals appealing and relevant. This not only increases engagement but also helps in improving the conversion rates as customers feel more confident about what to expect.
Pro Tips:
- Real-Time Data Integration: Connect your systems with the Uberall API to publish real-time updates, particularly for critical information like opening hours. This ensures your customers receive accurate information at all times, reducing frustration and missed visits.
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Mobile Accessibility for Managers: Enable location managers to use the Uberall mobile app to respond to reviews, add photos, and update store information on-the-go. This flexibility improves engagement and allows for immediate attention to customer feedback.
Best Practices:
- Dynamic Posting: Regularly use the posting feature to announce current promotions, seasonal offerings, or special discounts. This keeps customers informed about the latest deals and encourages frequent visits.
- Product Tiles for Promotion: Utilize product tiles to showcase top-selling items or new arrivals. This visual feature can attract attention and direct customers to high-margin or priority products.
Pro Tip:
Strategic Use of Keywords: Employ keywords effectively to highlight the variety of products and special options available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, or vegan alternatives. This helps customers easily find specific items through search.
What vertical within Finance is your brand in?
Best Practices:
- Provide Complete Address Details: Ensure full address details are included, especially for locations within larger complexes, such as shopping malls. Specify the wing, floor, suite, etc., to guide customers accurately.
- Implement Appointment Scheduling Links: Add links for appointment scheduling both in the Google Attributes and on any locator pages. This facilitates easy booking for customers needing personal consultation or specific banking services.
- Specify ATM Opening Hours Separately: Whether using API or on the Uberall platform, add separate opening hours for ATMs, particularly if they differ from the bank's main operating hours.
- Optimize for Search with Keywords: Include relevant keywords in your business description and posts to improve search visibility. Focus on services like "mortgage loans," "business banking," or "investment services" that potential customers might search for.
- Regularly Update Photos: Include up-to-date photos of the bank's exterior and interior, as well as any key features like ATMs and accessible entrances.
- Use Posts to Communicate Updates: Regularly use posts to inform customers about new banking products, changes in operating hours, or special promotions. This keeps your profile active and engaging.
Pro Tips
- Monitor and Respond to Reviews: Actively manage customer reviews by responding promptly and professionally. This shows that the bank values customer feedback and is committed to improving service quality.
Best Practices:
- Craft Trustworthy Descriptions: Ensure that descriptions are well-crafted and convey trustworthiness, reliability, and respectability. Detailed descriptions should clearly communicate what makes your service stand out and why a client should choose your insurance offerings.
- Display Contact Options Prominently: Include all possible contact options prominently, such as phone numbers, email addresses, and particularly links for scheduling appointments.
- Utilize Appointment Links: Use the appointment link attribute to streamline the booking process. This feature facilitates scheduling for consultations or claims discussions.
- Showcase Certifications and Awards: Utilize posts and image uploads to showcase test certificates, awards, or recognitions your company has received. These endorsements are powerful in building credibility and trust with prospective clients.
- Maintain Defined Opening Hours: Avoid listing no opening hours. Even if your agency operates by appointment only, define business hours to avoid appearing closed when compared to competitors who display their hours.
- Regular Updates and Posts: Keep your clients informed with regular updates about new policies, industry changes, or helpful tips through posts. This maintains client engagement and positions your agency as a helpful resource.
Pro Tips:
- Highlight Service Areas and Longevity: Clearly define the service areas to target clients more effectively. Additionally, include your company’s founding date (e.g., "Serving since 2002") to emphasize stability and experience in the industry.
- Leverage Structured Services: Highlight the types of insurance offered by your company in the services field, as these are often showed to customers by Google.
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Enable Effective Management at Local Levels: While central headquarters may manage key data like name and address, enable local managers to edit certain fields and manage the location's reputation. Provide regular training, refreshers, and ongoing communications to empower these managers effectively.
What vertical within Healthcare is your brand in?
Best Practices:
- Utilize Messaging for Guidance: Implement direct messaging features to guide patients to the appropriate departments and assist them in scheduling appointments. This direct line of communication helps clarify patient questions quickly and increases satisfaction by making their process easier.
- Regular Updates on Innovations: Post regularly about new medical devices, advancements in healthcare technologies, and innovative treatment options. This positions your facility as a leader in adopting new healthcare solutions.
- Direct Links for Appointments: Use attributes effectively to provide direct links for appointment bookings. Ensuring that these links are easy to access simplifies the appointment process for patients, enhancing their experience.
- Showcase Staff Expertise: Highlight the qualifications and specialties of healthcare professionals working at your facility. Profiles that include credentials, areas of expertise, and personal introductions can build trust and confidence among patients.
- Update Operational Hours: Clearly state the operating hours for different departments, including special timings for labs, imaging services, and emergency care.
- Highlight Facility Amenities: Use photos and descriptions to showcase the facilities and amenities available, such as advanced imaging equipment, patient lounges, and specialized care centers. This helps set patient expectations.
- Accessibility Information: Provide detailed information on facility accessibility, including wheelchair access, parking options, and entry points. This is crucial for patients with mobility challenges and enhances the inclusiveness of your care.
- Promote Wellness Programs: If your healthcare facility offers wellness programs, support groups, or community health seminars, promote these regularly. This encourages patient participation and community engagement, further establishing your commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
- Monitor Insights: Regularly check Insights & Analytics to understand how patients are interacting with your profiles and what actions they are taking. Use this data to refine your strategy and improve your profiles’ effectiveness.
Pro Tips
- High-Quality Photos and Videos: Upload high-quality images and videos of your facilities, including interiors, exteriors, staff at work, and products or services materials. Regularly update these images to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
- Monitor and Respond to Reviews: Actively monitor and respond to patient reviews. Addressing concerns and thanking patients for positive feedback are crucial in maintaining a good reputation and can influence prospective patients' choices.
- Patient Education through Posts: Use posting features to share health tips, preventive healthcare information, and awareness on common health issues. Educating patients about health maintenance and disease prevention promotes a healthier community.
- Google Business Profile Q&A: Monitor and answer questions in the Q&A section of your profile. This not only provides valuable information to potential patients but also helps control the narrative around your practices.
Best Practices:
- Services and Specialties: List all dental services offered, such as general dentistry, orthodontics, cosmetic services, and emergency dental care.
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Before and After Gallery: Display before and after photos of dental treatments to showcase work quality and outcomes.
Patient Education: Provide educational resources about common dental procedures and oral health maintenance. - Online Scheduling: Allow patients to book appointments directly through the digital profile.
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Emergency Dental Services: Clearly indicate availability for emergency services and how to access them.
Pro Tips:
- Patient Testimonials: Include testimonials/reviews to build trust and provide social proof of service quality.
- Regular Dental Tips: Post regular updates and tips for oral health, linking back to services offered.
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Responsive Interaction: Ensure quick and empathetic responses to online questions and reviews.
Best Practices:
- Product Catalog: Showcase a detailed catalog of eyewear products, including glasses, contact lenses, and accessories.
- Eye Health Services: Describe all eye health services provided, such as eye exams, vision tests, and specialty eyecare.
- Virtual Try-On: If possible, offer a virtual try-on feature for eyeglasses to enhance the shopping experience.
- Care Instructions: Provide care tips for eyewear and information on maintaining eye health.
- Appointment Booking: Enable easy online booking for eye exams and consultations.
Pro Tips:
- Educational Content: Share content that educates about common eye issues, latest trends in eyewear, and protective eyecare.
- Seasonal Promotions: Run promotions on products and services, especially during key times like back to school or end of year.
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Customer Reviews: Encourage and feature customer reviews to build trust and credibility.
Best Practices:
- Professional Profiles: Manage detailed profiles for all healthcare providers, outlining their credentials, areas of expertise, and personal approach to care.
- Appointment Flexibility: Provide flexible scheduling options, including virtual consultations.
- Insurance and Payment Information: Detail accepted insurance policies and other payment options.
- Accessibility Information: Ensure information about physical and digital accessibility is clear and comprehensive.
Pro Tips:
- Professional Development: Show ongoing professional development and certifications to demonstrate commitment to high standards of care.
- Community Involvement: Highlight involvement in community health fairs, seminars, or other outreach programs.
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Patient Reviews and Testimonials: Showcase patient reviews to provide insight into the quality of care and patient satisfaction.
What kind of services does your brand offer?
Best Practices:
- Comprehensive Service Listings: Include detailed descriptions of all services offered, such as plumbing, electrical, landscaping, or cleaning. This helps customers find exactly what they need.
- Before and After Photos: Showcase the quality of your work with before and after photos of completed projects. This visual proof can significantly influence hiring decisions.
- Appointment Scheduling: Provide a clear link or tool for online appointment scheduling to make booking services as convenient as possible for homeowners.
- 24/7 Emergency Services: If you offer emergency services, make this clear in your listings to attract customers who need immediate help.
- Promotions and Discounts: Regularly post about special offers, discounts, or seasonal promotions to attract new and repeat business.
- Mobile Contactability: Ensure your phone number is easily accessible for mobile users, as home service needs often prompt quick calls from smartphones.
Pro Tips:
- Licenses and Certifications: Highlight any licenses, certifications, or accreditations to build trust and credibility.
- Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and respond professionally to any negative reviews to manage your reputation effectively.
- Local SEO Optimization: Use local keywords and phrases that potential customers might use to find your services, such as “air conditioning repair in [City].”
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Educational Content: Provide tips and advice related to your service area, which can help establish your expertise and aid in customer decision-making. This would be valuable local posts to drive awareness.
Best Practices:
- Professional Branding: Ensure your branding reflects professionalism and reliability, which are crucial in B2B relationships.
- Detailed Service Descriptions: Provide in-depth descriptions of your services, including how they benefit other businesses.
- Case Studies and Testimonials: Publish case studies and testimonials to demonstrate your expertise and the results you’ve achieved for other businesses.
- Availability for Consultations: Make it easy to book consultations or meetings directly from your profile.
Pro Tips:
- Industry-Specific Keywords: Utilize SEO practices with keywords that are specific to the industries you serve and make sure these are added to your locations for maximum exposure.
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Expert Content: Publish articles, blogs, or videos that position your business as a thought leader in your field and share them as local posts.
Best Practices:
- Current Listings: Regularly update your profile with current property listings, complete with high-quality photos and detailed descriptions.
- Client Testimonials: Feature testimonials from buyers and sellers to build trust with potential clients.
- Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours of properties to attract remote buyers or those who prefer digital first impressions.
- Open House Announcements: Use posts to announce upcoming open houses or special events.
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Mobile-Friendly Contact Options: Include easy-to-use contact options, especially for mobile users, such as click-to-call buttons.
Pro Tips:
- Local Market Insights: Provide insights and updates on the local real estate market, demonstrating your expertise in the area.
- SEO for Local Search: Optimize your content for local search terms, such as “homes for sale in [Neighborhood].”
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Agent Profiles: Highlight individual agent profiles with their expertise, sales history, and personal connection to the community.