Uncategorized

Celebrating Small Business Week: Why Local Support Matters

Small Business Week, celebrated from April 28 to May 4, 2024, is not about sales or promotions; it is a heartfelt celebration of our community’s lifeblood – our local small businesses.

Small businesses are a big part of the CSRA. From cozy cafes where we meet friends and coworkers for a cup of coffee, to the boutiques that offer unique finds, and the family-owned restaurants serving up delicious meals. These businesses are what make Augusta great.

Supporting local small businesses is more than just a trend; it is a commitment to the growth of the CSRA. Here are a few reasons why it matters:
1. Money spent at small businesses stays in the community, supporting jobs and livelihoods.
2. Local businesses often offer products and services that you will not find in big-box stores.
3. Small business owners and their staff take pride in getting to know their customers, providing tailored recommendations and excellent customer service.
4. Small businesses are deeply rooted in our community. They sponsor local events, support charities, and participate in initiatives that benefit everyone.
5. Shopping locally can also have environmental benefits. With shorter supply chains, small businesses often have lower carbon footprints compared to larger corporations.

At Richardson Professional Solutions, we help small businesses, nonprofits, and family estates in Making Time for What Matters. ™ This Small Business Week, take the chance to discover a local business in the CSRA.

Celebrating Small Business Week: Why Local Support Matters Read More »

The Importance of Google My Business and How to Set It Up

Computer with Google Search Engine up

In the digital age, establishing a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. One powerful tool that businesses can leverage is Google My Business (GMB). In this blog post, we will delve into why Google My Business is important and provide a step-by-step guide on how to set it up effectively.

The Significance of Google My Business:

1. Visibility and Exposure: Google My Business ensures your business is visible to potential customers when they search for products or services you offer. Your business information, including contact details, opening hours, and location, is prominently displayed on Google Search and Google Maps, increasing your visibility.

2. Credibility and Trust: A well-optimized GMB profile adds credibility to your business. Users are more likely to trust a business with detailed information, customer reviews, and accurate location data. Positive reviews on your GMB profile can significantly impact a potential customer’s decision-making process.

3. Local SEO Boost: GMB is a powerful tool for local search engine optimization (SEO). Google favors businesses with complete and accurate information, making them more likely to appear in local search results. This is especially crucial for attracting customers in your local area.

4. Customer Engagement: The platform allows businesses to engage with customers through reviews, Q&A, and posts. Responding to reviews, addressing customer queries, and sharing updates keep your audience engaged and demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction.

5. Insights and Analytics: Google My Business provides valuable insights into user behavior. You can track how customers find your business, where they are located, and what actions they take. This data can inform your marketing strategy and help you make data-driven decisions

Setting Up Google My Business:

Now that we understand why GMB is crucial, let us walk through the steps to set it up:

1. Create a Google Account: If you do not already have one, create a Google Account for your business. This account will be used to manage your Google My Business profile.

2. Go to Google My Business: Visit https://www.google.com/business/ and click on “Start Now.”

3. Enter Business Details: Provide accurate and complete information about your business, including name, address, phone number, website, and business category.

4. Verify Your Business: Google will send you a verification code to the provided business email? address. This step is crucial for confirming the legitimacy of your business.

5. Optimize Your Profile: Add high-quality photos, a compelling business description, and relevant keywords. Complete every section of your profile to enhance its visibility and appeal.

6. Monitor and Engage: Regularly update your GMB profile with current information, respond to customer reviews, and utilize the posting feature to share updates, events, or promotions.


7. Utilize Additional Features: Explore and make use of additional features like messaging, Q&A, and insights to further enhance your GMB presence.

By following these steps, you will not only establish a robust online presence for your business but also unlock the full potential of Google My Business in driving customer engagement and boosting your local visibility. Embrace the power of GMB and take a significant step towards business success in the digital era.

The Importance of Google My Business and How to Set It Up Read More »