At PS Digital, we are committed to helping businesses build a strong online presence. On October 24th, we hosted a virtual workshop in collaboration with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with local businesses throughout the Bronx community and share essential insights about the significance of a robust digital marketing foundation.

Brian LeDonne kicked off our 90 minute workshop beginning with logos and branding.

It All Starts with the Logo

When it comes to establishing a memorable brand identity, it all begins with your logo. Your logo is your business's first impression to the community and to the world wide web, and ensuring it's well-branded is crucial before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey.

The Power of Google Business Profile

One key takeaway from our workshop was the importance of a well-maintained Google Business Profile. Posting regularly (at least once a week, ideally four times a month) keeps audience engagement high. Sharing updates relevant to your industry is an excellent way to keep your business in the spotlight.

Understanding the Value of Reviews

Our discussion also delved into the intricate world of online reviews. We highlighted that sometimes, a 4.9 rating is more relatable to potential customers than a perfect 5.0. Imperfections show authenticity and humanity.

When responding to negative reviews, patience is key. It's advisable to let emotions settle, sleep on it, and then engage in a constructive conversation with the reviewer the next day.

Additionally, flagging phony reviews or those posted by disgruntled employees is an option to maintain the credibility of your online presence.

Website: Your Digital Hub

Your website is the nucleus of your online presence. It houses your social media platforms, services, and reviews. Ensuring your website is up-to-date and user-friendly is paramount. Make sure you showcase the areas you serve so that potential clients understand your reach.

Effective offers and promotions are a game-changer. Make these promotions enticing, placing them prominently on your website's first page. Tailor these promotions to resonate with your target audience and don't be afraid to adapt them as your business evolves.

Visuals matter, too. High-quality photos and videos that authentically represent your work can breathe life into your website. Before-and-after images, in particular, are excellent for showcasing the transformation your business can deliver.

Google Ads: The Digital Advertising Powerhouse

Google Ads have been a marketing staple since Google's inception. First released to the public in 1998, Google is constantly evolving their platform and algorithms. Google Ads first appeared in the year 2000 as a self-service AdWords portal for small businesses who wanted to manage their own campaigns. Today, Google Ads thrives on relevancy, making your choice for keywords, metrics, ad copy and landing page experience critical. These ads thrive on relevancy, making your choice of keywords and metrics critical.

The main metric to monitor when running Google Ads is your cost per lead (CPL). It's not just about clicks; it's about getting real, valuable leads. Your website's mobile optimization and conversion rate are pivotal in determining the success of your

Google Ads campaign.

We also discussed Local Services Ads, which require a certificate of liability and background checks. These ads emphasize the importance of listening to calls to ensure they are relevant to your business to be considered a qualified call. Calls that are not qualified can be disputed and you will not be charged for those calls.

There are many ranking factors for LSA. A few top important ranking factors are listed below.

1. Reviews - both having positive reviews and responding to reviews
2. Responsiveness to Customers - how quickly you reply to your local ads.
3. Location - make sure your business address is correct in your Google Business Profile.
4. Business Hours - make sure your business hours are up-to-date on your Google Business Profile
5. Complaints - has Google received serious or repeated complaints about your business?

The best way to improve your ranking for Google Local Services Ads is to start by making sure your Google Business Profile is optimized and up-to-date with information such as service area, business hours, photos, videos and any special offers.

Q&A

Question: Oscar asked the group what the Green check mark is next to business on Google?
Answer: That green check is the Google Guarantee Check Mark. If you qualify as a business that Google offers LSA for, you can get the Google Guarantee green check mark

Question: Kathya asked the group what to do when someone leaves you a negative review and they post a picture that is unrelated to the work your business.
Answer: You can flag the picture and report it to Google. From there, Google will look into the review to make sure it's false and doesn't pertain to your business. If all checks out, Google will remove the picture.

Click here to watch the recorded version of our workshop and get some helpful tips and tricks to enhance your digital marketing footprint!

Our virtual workshop with the Bronx Chamber of Commerce was a fantastic opportunity to share our expertise in digital marketing with local businesses. PS Digital remains committed to helping businesses build and maintain a strong online presence. If you have any questions or want to explore how PS Digital can help your business, feel free to reach out. Thank you to all who attended, and we look forward to our next event!