Help Local Customers Find Your Business Online
When someone in town needs a local service, whether it’s finding a great lunch spot, hiring a plumber, or finding an accountant right here in Austin, where do they look first? Almost every time, they open their phone and look on Google.
We recently caught up with Whitney West the Marketing & Design Director from Tulip Tree Marketing, one of our local Austin Area Chamber of Commerce members. She broke down simple, approachable ways small businesses and local shop owners can make the most of Google without getting lost in technical jargon.
Here are the key takeaways from our chat that any local business owner can start using today.
1. Think of Google as Your Digital Front Door
Social media is great for staying in touch, but Google is where people go when they are ready to buy or hire. Whitney pointed out that using Google’s free business tools is one of the easiest ways to get in front of local customers. Taking time to keep your information up to date on Google ensures that when someone searches for what you do, your business actually shows up.
2. Set Up and Fill Out Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile is the listing that pops up on Google Maps and at the top of search results. It’s completely free, but simply having a page isn't enough. To make it work for you need to:
Keep your info accurate: Make sure your business name, phone number, website link, and store hours are correct.
Add photos regularly: Share photos of your storefront, team, products, or job sites. People like seeing who they are doing business with!
Post quick updates: Use the update feature to share upcoming events, specials, or news.
3. Ask Customers for Specific Reviews (It Helps AI Find You!)
We all love getting five-star reviews that say, "Great job!" or "Love this place!" But Whitney shared a great insider secret: what people type in the review matters just as much as the rating.
When asking happy customers to leave a review, ask them to briefly mention what you actually did for them. For example:
"They fixed our air conditioner on a hot summer afternoon."
"Helped us pick out new flooring for our home in Austin."
Why does this matter? Search engines and new AI search tools scan these descriptions. When someone searches for a specific service, Google reads those review details and knows your business is a great match.
4. Keep Your Website Easy to Read
You don't need fancy, complicated language on your website to impress search engines. In fact, simple is better!
Whitney recommends writing in a warm, natural style, just like you were talking to a customer standing right in front of you. Answer the common questions people ask when they walk through your door and avoid industry jargon. Clear, friendly text keeps visitors on your site longer.
5. Double Check Your Info on not only Google Maps but Apple Maps and Bing too
While Google gets a lot of attention, plenty of people use iPhones (Apple Maps) or Windows computers (Bing).
Make sure your business name, address, and phone number match across Google, Apple Maps, and Bing Places. If your address or phone number is listed differently on different sites, it confuses customers and makes search engines less likely to highlight your business.
6. ALWAYS Complete the Business Verification Step: It’s Worth the Effort
"If Google gives you a chance to verify your business, DO IT!" Whitney stressed. Google’s verification process can sometimes feel tedious. It may require postcard mailings, video walkthroughs of your premises, or official documentation to prove your business legitimacy. Because of these extra steps, some business owners delay or abandon the verification process altogether.
Skipping or delaying verification is a missed opportunity. A fully verified business profile unlocks critical features, builds immediate trust with potential clients, and signals to Google’s algorithm that your operations are legitimate, active, and worthy of top-tier search placement. The temporary effort required to complete verification yields long term dividends for your digital reach.
7. Go Direct When Running Ads
If you decide to pay for online ads, Whitney recommends running them directly through Google Ads rather than going through third party platforms that charge extra fees and limit how many people see your business.
Because advertising tools can feel a bit overwhelming to set up on your own, working with a Google Certified Professional makes a big difference. Tulip Tree Marketing has certified experts on staff who know how to set up local ad budgets so every dollar goes toward reaching real, local customers.
We’re Here to Help Our Local Business Community Grow
Marketing your business online doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. By taking a few simple steps to update your Google info, ask for detailed reviews, and keep your website friendly, you can help more neighbors find and support your business.
We want to extend a huge thank you to Whitney and the team at Tulip Tree Marketing for taking time out of their day to share their expertise with our community!
Are you a local business looking to elevate your marketing, refine your SEO, or build a winning digital strategy? Connect with Tulip Tree Marketing and discover how our vibrant community of Austin Area Chamber of Commerce members can help your business grow.
Tulip Tree Marketing is a full-service marketing, advertising, and creative agency serving businesses in Austin, Stewartville, Rochester, and throughout southeastern Minnesota.
Their experienced team provides strategic marketing solutions, website design and development, branding, graphic design, SEO, digital advertising, social media marketing, copywriting, print design, content creation, and Google Ads management.
They partner with businesses of all sizes to develop customized marketing strategies that increase brand awareness, generate qualified leads, and drive measurable results. Whether you need a new website, a complete brand refresh, ongoing digital marketing, or targeted advertising campaigns, our creative professionals combine innovative ideas with proven marketing strategies to help your business grow.
At Tulip Tree Marketing, they believe in building long-term relationships through exceptional service, creative excellence, and results-driven marketing solutions tailored to your goals.
