Without any doubt at all, the internet has become the most commonly used source of information. Companies are becoming more and more aware of the benefits to having an online presence. With this comes the importance of a business listing.

Google Places offers companies a quick, easy and free listing. This Google feature produces search results for local businesses that are listed. The marketing benefits of Google Places for any business offer numerous uses for both viewers and listed businesses.

Business information feature

• Post business information: hours, contact details, photos etc
• Customers can print out company coupons and win rewards
• Build a relationship with customers online through posting detailed business information

Photos

• Offers a transparent look into the business
• Provides extra products and services information
• Builds a trust with clients; a more solid business relationship

Customised code feature

• Google Places generates a customised code for each business
• Code can be placed on business cards
• Clients scan code into Smartphones
• Client is then directed to company’s Google Places page

Analytics feature

• Find out who is searching for your business and how they are doing so
• Find search terms customers are using to locate the business
• Using those search terms in other online features, such as websites, social media, blog, will create traffic
• Find out where customers are coming from based on Google Places search

Despite the fact that your business may already have an online presence and show up on Google, verifying your business listing ensures accurate details of the business location etc. Listing through Google Places is a convenient way of ensuring that your online presence is maintained at all times (even if you don’t have a website.)

Businesses are able to change information at anytime and keep track of how many people have seen and clicked on your business listing.

With Google Places being practical and easy to manage, this listing tool should be an integrated part of all businesses. Whether you understand the importance of having an online presence or not, Google Places will certainly allow customers to interact with your business and further develop their relationship with the company, online. This in- turn will assist in translating this online relationship into an off- line experience.

Sub- domain vs. Sub- directory; the argument has been brewing for as long as SEO has been practiced. Of course there are many a personal preference around this topic, all influenced by experience. The biggest difference between the two is that sub- directories explain what pages are about and sub- domains describe individual sites.

Sub- directory

• Additional directory within root domain
• www.example.com/addition.php
• Folder within a site
• Used for better organisation of content

General traits of a Sub- directory

• Better for smaller sites
• Builds dominance in one place over time
• Easy to manage (less technical)
• Basic geo- targeting
• Considered part of the same domain by search engine
• Beneficial to use for a blog (hosted on the same domain)
• Numerous sub- directories can be created per domain
• Indexed quickly by search engines
• Organisation (arrange content into descriptive URL’s)

If quality content is missing, it is always better to use the sub- directory route. It is important to try and think like the search engine. Do not use low quality content as search engines will always generate quality results for the user. This means that should the sub- domain feature a lack of work or low quality content, it will not rank as it is suspicious content.

Sub- domains

• Requires generous and quality information and content (different content)
• Better for sites that are competitive in various related arenas
• Targets different cities etc more effectively
• Treated as separate website by search engines (including Google)
• Able to add new niches to a domain
• Considered a sub- extension of current domain
• Gain benefits of website (without costs of registering  and hosting)
• Hosted on same account as normal domain (shown in a different folder)

It is necessary to create backlinks for sub- domains, as you would for a new site. If the sub- domain becomes banned, it will in- turn, affect the main site as they are linked.

There are benefits and drawbacks to using sub- domains but in the long run and for the most part, there is nothing wrong with using them. Both of the above are useful, In fact using sub- directories on each sub- domain works well too.

Talooma was given the opportunity to take part in 702 Talk Radio’s initiative to provide a platform to small businesses looking to fill a specialised and particular post within their company.

Ceri James, Talooma’s Business Development Director spoke to John Robbie about our available job post. Being a known and reputable Digital Marketing Agency within the industry, Ceri explained our recent available post for an Online Marketing Professional.

With experience in the industry, this person needs to have a thorough understanding of three particular points.

• Understanding website optimisation (Google friendly)
• Ability to set up AdWords to run effectively
• Understand social media and how to use it to market a business

If you would like to listen to the ad clip click here

If you think that you are a suitable candidate, please send your CV to careers@talooma.com

Talooma would like to thank 702 Talk Radio and John Robbie for the opportunity.