Maximising your salon's visibility online is a necessary part of business ownership, and in this episode, we dive deep into how to leverage Google Business Profile and your Apple Business Showcase to make that happen. As a salon business, it’s an essential part of your client journey to ensure potential clients can easily find you, and these platforms are game changers for this task. We explore how setting up these profiles not only boosts your local SEO but also enhances your credibility and engagement with clients, all at no cost. I’ll walk you through the steps to get started, share insights on optimising your listings, and highlight the importance of keeping your information fresh and relevant. Tune in to discover strategies that can transform your online presence and attract more clients to your salon.

Sue Davies provides a wealth of insights into maximising online visibility for salon businesses through Google Business Profile and Apple Business Connect and the Apple Business Showcase. The episode highlights the importance of these platforms in the digital marketplace, where potential clients are primarily searching for services through Google or Apple Maps. Sue stresses that if a salon is not listed or listed but not optimised on these platforms, they are likely to miss out on numerous opportunities, as clients will gravitate towards competitors who are more visible online or have completed and are maintaining this shop window.

Sue gives an in-depth analysis of Google Business Profile - formerly known as Google My Business - and breaks down its functionalities. She explains how it serves as a vital tool for local SEO, enhancing a salon's online presence by providing essential information such as contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews. Sue shares specific strategies for optimising these listings, including the significance of using high-quality images and creating a welcoming business description that resonates with potential clients. The ease of interaction that the platform offers, such as booking appointments directly from the profile, is highlighted as a major advantage.

Transitioning to Apple Business Connect/Showcase, Sue reveals the significance of being present on this platform as well. With a large number of clients using Apple devices, having a presence on Apple Maps can significantly boost business visibility. Sue discusses the similarities and differences between the two platforms, encouraging salon owners to utilise both to extend their reach. She concludes the episode with a sneak peek into her upcoming course aimed at helping salon business owners navigate these digital tools effectively, underscoring that this knowledge is essential for anyone wanting to thrive in the salon industry today.

Takeaways:

• Utilising Google Business Profile effectively can significantly enhance your salon's online visibility and client engagement.
• Apple Business Connect & Showcase offers a new opportunity for salons to reach clients on Apple Maps and increase trustworthiness.
• Both Google and Apple platforms provide free tools that can help attract warm clients who are already interested in your services.
• Regularly updating your business profiles with fresh content is crucial for maintaining an active online presence and credibility.
• SEO strategies are important in optimising your profiles and relevant keywords will help potential clients find your salon first.
• Being listed on both Google and Apple platforms increases your chances of being discovered by clients searching for your services.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sue-davies.com
• askthepublic.com
• buymeacoffee.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Jena
• Google business.google.com
• Apple businessconnect.apple.com
• Pinterest
• YouTube
• Clubhouse