Happy Halloween

I recently met a vendor at a networking event who was selling online business identity protection and management. While that phrase sounds very official, confusing and a little bit scary, it basically boils down to what the web says about your business. Go to your favorite search engine (Google, Yahoo!, Bing) and search for your business name, your name, or any other variation that people may use to find you.

First your website should show up, but below that you'll see a whole host of business directory, review and social networking results. Here are some tips to managing these results:

1. Make sure the big boys are well fed with updated information. These include Google Places, Yahoo! Local, Bing Local, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. These large and powerful online brands are in a high-stakes competition to maintain the most accurate database of local business. Do them a favor and give them all the information they'll take (text, photos, videos etc.). Make an account with each of these programs and check back regularly for new features.
2. Beware of business directory sites that want you to pay to update, fix or enhance your listings. Most of these are scams that aren't worth the time, cost or effort to correct. Only be concerned if the profile for your business that is already visible has glaring errors.
3. Review local websites as well as national brands. Local chamber of commerce's, business networking groups, charities and other organizations may have information listed about your business. Many times calling, or emailing them and having the information updated manually is the only option.
4. Take note of where you don't appear. Don't see any results from Twitter or Facebook that mention your business? Do you see a lack of local business directories that link to you? These are areas where you can not only improve your overall viability, but links from these sites to your website are valuable rank boosters in Google, Yahoo! and Bing.

Lastly, bookmark or note these specific searches/websites, and make yourself a task to check this once a month/quarter to make sure there are no new nasty reviews or inaccuracies that may pop up.

October Giveaway - 5 Pack Handmade Halloween Greeting Cards

In the spirit of Halloween we would like to giveaway a 5 pack of handmade Halloween greeting cards. Inside says "Who needs Halloween to be freaky?". Great as a teachers gift, thank you card, just saying hello card or as a good old Happy Halloween card.

To enter our October Giveaway, please use the button below.

Congratulations to our September Nauset Disposal contest winner: Deb Sverid of Viking Shores Motor Inn

Company News

We were happy to co-host the October Eastham Networking event at the Schoolhouse Museum a couple of weeks ago. We had some great door prizes, excellent food and drink and great networking. We hope to see you all at the next event.

Follow us on Facebook! COLEwebdev is on facebook and we would like you to "like" us. Featuring new website launches, company news, tips, networking, giveaways and so much more!