177. Local SEO Simplified with Matt Diamante from HeyTony

10/02/23 • 37 min

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

Show Notes:

Let’s talk about LOCAL SEO for retail. Today on the podcast I’m talking with Matt Diamante, owner of a Canadian digital marketing agency called HeyTony, about all things LOCAL SEO. If you aren’t sure where to start with SEO, this podcast episode is absolutely it. Matt and I talk through the basics and the small steps you can take today to get your retail business and website optimized on Google.

“[People use Google] with intent: they are looking to buy, they are looking for more information, maybe they are looking to do research to buy later. And if you are not showing up higher on Google, you aren’t going to make that sale.” -Matt Diamante

Simple Tips to improve local SEO on your website and Google Business:

1. The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.

2. Delete duplicate content from page to page on your website (this doesn’t apply to the footer). If more than one page on your website explains the same thing, rewrite it.

3. The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.

4. Ensure everything is updated on your Google Business page: your business name, address, phone, description, services, photos, etc. Make sure you list ALL of your services.

5. Remember that social media isn’t necessarily used by people who have an intent to purchase (except TikTok sometimes). Use social media for instant feedback from your customers (likes, comments, etc.) SEO, on the other hand, gives us delayed gratification. It can take time to see that it’s working; however, locally, it can work fast if you put in the work.

6. Use Google Search Console. Google Search Console is a free service offered by Google that helps you monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot your site's presence in Google Search results. It helps you learn and use your data.

7. Blog as often as possible as long as you are putting out good pieces of content - at the very least, one time a month for retail shop owners. Answer the questions your customers have inserting your keywords, it doesn’t always have to be selling.

About Matt and HeyTony:

Hi! I'm Matt! I run a digital marketing agency called HeyTony. I've helped my clients get over 55M+ website visitors through my organic digital marketing efforts. Oh, and I love talking SEO. Don't get me started, cause I won't stop!

Check out my free course, Understanding SEO.

Follow along with me on Instagram @heytony.agency and on the HeyTony Website.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble

Episode 97: 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

About your host, Wendy Batten

In case we haven’t met yet, I’m Wendy, a small business coach and founder of the Retailer’s Inner Circle, where I help other independent shop owners learn how to gain the right business skillsets to see more profits, paychecks, and joy as they navigate running their retail business.

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. my signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am proud to have been featured in several major publications, including my own business column in What Women Create magazine. I have been privileged to be a guest on top-ranked podcasts and sought-after as a guest speaker and teacher for several brands, associations, and communities that are passionate about the success of independent retailers.

When I’m not coaching, you will find me either DIYing and renovating my very imperfect old crooked cottage by the sea in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, NS, or blogging about our travel and RVing adventures and the weird fun things we get up to in our coastal village. I’d love to invite you to check out one of my free resources for real retailers at https://wendybatten.com/free-resources/...

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/177/

Show Notes:

Simple Tips to improve local SEO on your website and Google Business:

1. The footer on every page of your website should have your business name and logo, your address, and a contact phone number.

2. Delete duplicate content from page to page on your website (this doesn’t apply to the footer). If more than one page on your website explains the same thing, rewrite it.

3. The more reviews you have on your Google Business, the better you will rank. Ask your customers to leave reviews on Google.

4. Ensure everything is updated on your Google Business page: your business name, address, phone, description, services, photos, etc. Make sure you list ALL of your services.

About Matt and HeyTony:

Check out my free course, Understanding SEO.

Follow along with me on Instagram @heytony.agency and on the HeyTony Website.

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 95: Tips to Tame the Admin and Stay Ahead of Business Trouble

Episode 97: 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Website

Episode 160: Simplifying Social Media with Guest Expert Leanne Pressly

About your host, Wendy Batten

Previous Episode

176. Retail Marketing for Gen Z to Boomers

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/176/

Show Notes

We all know that differences exist across generations, but have you given any thought to how those differences could impact your marketing? Today on the podcast we are going to dive into just that: generational differences among our customers and how we can market differently to ensure we are serving all of our customers without leaving money on the table.

This question came up in my Level Up Mastermind retail group recently and as a group we did some digging. Today I’m sharing some research and findings with you all. If you are interested in learning more about the group, you can check out my website here.

How to Market to Different Generations

Here are some notes about each generation: where they are in life, what they respond to, what they are looking for, etc.

Gen Z - (ages 12-26 currently) - Gen Z spans a wide age range, but the older bunch is at the age where they are getting their first apartment, buying their first home, getting married, etc. They will tell you that they have a short attention span. This group (more than others) responds to short form video (TikTok)
Millennials - (ages 27-42 currently) - Millennials have a busy lifestyle. They are often parents of young children. A few things that characterize their shopping experience are frictionless buying, connection to community, loyalty to brands they love, driven by peers (reviews). Surprisingly, Millennials are still listening to the radio. They love curbside pickup and Instagram buying - anything that makes life easier.
Gen X - (ages 43-58 currently) - Gen X shares characteristics of both Millennials and Boomers. They are totally loyal to brands they love and expect great customer service. Traditional marketing typically still works amongst Gen X (value added, coupons, discounts etc.) They are a very nostalgic bunch and often purchase from Facebook ads.
Boomers - (ages 59-75 currently) - Surprisingly, Boomers are the best at opening emails. They are very brand loyal and not motivated by FOMO, meaning last minute or exclusive deals won’t speak to them. Boomers love online ordering and still purchase gift certificates.

How to Make Sure You are Serving Multiple Generations

Some follow-up questions to think about as you listen:

1. Who in your community does your shop serve?

2. Who do you want to serve?

3. Who actually lives in your community?

4. Who is buying for whom and how does that affect your marketing?

5. What can you offer in your shop that crosses multiple generations?

6. If you serve a specific generation, what can you do to serve the generation coming up behind them?

Be sure to stay open and curious about your marketing strategy and how you can market your business across generations. For example, if your ideal customers are primarily Gen Z, how are you reaching Boomers when they are looking to purchase gifts for this younger generation?

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 31: 7 Tactics to Attract Foot Traffic to Your Brick and Mortar

Episode 79: Your Competitive Advantage Over Amazon

Episode 82: 5 Steps to Simplify Your Content Planning

Episode 101: Making Email Marketing Fun with Kate Doster

About your host, Retail Coach Wendy Batten

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

Next Episode

178. 3 Top Success Mindset Musts for Retailer Owners

With host retail coach Wendy Batten

https://wendybatten.com/178/

Show Notes

Running a retail business doesn’t have to be so hard, but sometimes it can be, right? You want your business to be successful, but sometimes as your business grows you face more challenges and bumps in the road. Today I’m going to share 3 must-have mindset shifts you need in order to keep growing your successful retail business. I promise today’s episode can change your retail business for the better.

Before we get started, I wanted to shout out my Retailer’s Inner Circle. The retailers in this group are doing the work, supporting each other, and growing so fast - and there is always room for more! If you need support in your retail business, join me and a community of heart centered, like-minded retailers who are working on bettering their retail businesses. Joining comes with access to countless masterclasses (some I mention in today’s episode) that you can work through at your own pace. We meet at least monthly via Zoom and our Facebook group is active pretty much daily! If you’ve been hesitant, ask yourself why? The monthly investment is low and the rewards are so high. It’s a vibrant space because of retailers like you who want to grow their businesses, make more profit, and have more time in their lives.

Together we are always working on mindset.

Successful retailers need these 3 mindsets.

What we cover in the podcast this week.

Three Mindset Shifts You Need for Success

1. Circumstances happen so you need to build your resilience muscle. We have all had bad things in our businesses: bad buys, bad reviews, a good team member leaves. How do you react when these things happen? Following the CTFAR model will help you control your thoughts, your feelings, and your reactions. I talk about the CTFAR model at length in Episode 172. It makes your resilience muscle stronger; and therefore you can show up for your team as a better leader. As your resilience muscle grows, it gets easier to be proactive when things go haywire.

2. You need to understand the mechanics of your retail businesses. You need to make decisions based on your data, to know where your money is going, to know how the risks you are taking will affect your retail business etc. The numbers can be scary especially to a lot of us who run creative businesses, but it is crucial to have a grasp on them. There is a masterclass called Money Matters that you’ll have access to with your membership to the Retailer’s Inner Circle. The masterclass breaks it down for you so you can be confident when talking about money and your numbers.

3. You need to be open to growing, learning, and changing. You cannot stay still in retail. Even if things are going great for you in your business right now, it likely won’t stay that way if you aren’t open to evolving and growing in some way. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? Growth can only happen when your mindset is open to what is possible for your retail business. What exciting opportunities have you said “no” to because you were nervous? Could you have made it work? Have you shot down the idea of business coaching because you didn’t think you needed it? Let’s change your mindset around change and see what magic can happen in your business!

Related podcasts we think you’ll like:

Episode 172: Solve Any Problem and Get Better Results With This!

Episode 157: Best of Series: Growth Mindset with Inner Circle Member Jeff Lee

Episode 128: 5 Ways to Recreate That Disney Cash Flow Magic in Your Shop

Episode 89: Money Talk and Mindset with Profits First Coach April Stroink

About your host, Wendy Batten

Through online classes, business coaching programs, speaking, and a top-ranked podcast, I’ve helped hundreds of retailers around the globe reclaim their dream and see the success they want from their beautiful shops. My signature private coaching community, The Retailer’s Inner Circle, has helped retailers around the world build their retail business skill sets and confidence.

I am pro...