Google My Business
Brand equity is that wonderful thing that happens when the name of your business becomes synonymous with the product or service you provide. Have you asked for a Kleenex when you actually wanted a tissue? If I search for something online, I will just “Google it.“
Very few brands achieve this kind of equity, where their name recognition and value is so high that it becomes part of the lexicon.
The best way to start on that journey as a business owner is to google your business. Literally. I want you to type the name of your business in Google and see what pops up. Go ahead. I’ll wait…
It goes without saying that the first result in Google should be the name of your business followed by “.com,” but for most companies, that’s not the case. The second part of this exercise is to see if your business profile is on Google.
A surprising number of companies have not taken this important step. Three reasons why you should do this today; 1) it’s easy. 2) it’s free. And 3), it will greatly increase your odds of being found by customers. In fact, customers are 2.7 times more likely to view your business as reputable if you have a Google Business Profile. And 70% are more likely to actually visit your business if you have an accurate Google Business Profile.
A lot of search engine optimization (SEO) needs to be done by trained professionals — a webmaster, SEO specialist, or someone adept at link building. However, setting up your Google Business Profile account is a great first step that you can do yourself.
If you don’t believe me, type “Madison+Main” into Google and see what you get. We’ve been practicing what we preach for almost 17 years.
Before you start working on your Google Business Profile listing, check out the happenings at Madison+Main this week. Then you have homework to do. Let me know how it works out. I always enjoy your email replies.
MONDAY:
LABOR DAY
On Monday, the team enjoyed their extra day off by being as far away from all things work-related as possible. After all, the best way to celebrate Labor Day is with no labor at all.
TUESDAY:
VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!
ICYMI, our client A. Smith Bowman Distillery was recently nominated for USA Today’s 2022 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards in the “Best Craft Gin Distillery” category. We expect nothing less from their award-winning distillery in Fredericksburg. In the words of Oprah Winfrey, you get a vote, you get a vote, and you get a vote! They put A. Smith Bowman Distillery right at the top of the list just to make it easy for you to cast your vote. Pour yourself a glass of their Sunset Hills Virginia Gin to enjoy once you’re done!
WEDNESDAY:
RAISING THE ROOF
On Wednesday, some of the Madison+Main-iacs met with our client Dominion Roofing Solutions at their office to discuss the brand messaging we’ve been working on for their business. Last week, we discussed the importance of having a strong social media presence, including brand awareness. We’re excited to see how this project progresses so they can shout their business’s name and message from the rooftops — literally.
THURSDAY:
BRINGING OUT THE BIG GUNS
On Thursday, the team headed down Courthouse Road to deliver our Discovery presentation to our client Chesterfield County Police Department. It was a great meeting, and we’re always appreciative of quality face time with Chief Katz and the awesome leadership team at CCPD.
We also helped our client Green Top share some really big news through the magic of PR! Yesterday at 10 a.m., Green Top CEO and president Blaine Altaffer and Benelli USA GM Tom DeBolt unveiled the “Virginian” — a very limited edition shotgun that Benelli produced to commemorate Green Top’s 75th anniversary this year. Only 300 were made and you can only get them from Green Top!
FRIDAY:
50 YEARS OF PUPPY (AND CAT) LOVE
This week, we also helped spread the love about Holiday Barn Pet Resorts’ 50th anniversary! It’s a great family owned business with a great origin story, and we thank our friends at the Henrico Citizen for spreading the news! Check it out!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Campfire Talk Series – An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe
Bandstand at Continental Park
4 Fenwick Rd.
Fort Monroe, VA 23651
September 9 | 7-8 p.m.
Join Fort Monroe Authority for their Campfire Talk Series – An Evening with Edgar Allen Poe! They’ll be recreating Edgar Allen Poe’s last public recitation that happened at Old Point Comfort on this date 173 years ago. Get your free ticket!
Two-Year Anniversary Celebration
Compass Entertainment Complex
100 Entertainment Dr.
Irvington, VA 22480
September 10 | All Day
Celebrate the two-year anniversary of Compass Entertainment Complex in the Northern Neck! Join them for $2 draft beers, free hotdogs, and fun giveaways while 101.7 Bay FM does a live, on-site broadcast from 1-3 p.m. The Compass Eatz Food Truck will also be there dishing out delicious eats. Get ready for a day of playing and partying!
Green Top Outdoor Expo
10150 Lakeridge Pkwy.
Ashland, VA 23005
October 1 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October 2 | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Green Top is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with its biggest outdoor expo ever — the largest in the Mid-Atlantic! More than 225 vendors, product demos, live music, kids activities, a DockDogs canine aquatics competition, show specials, prize drawings, and much more. Free admission and parking! Check it out!
“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.” — Richard Branson