Has Google gotten lazy?

Slow indexing of websites and an intriguing option.

Yours truly has forever proclaimed the Google Business Profile as the best/most underutilized SEO resource for the small business owner (check out my eBook). Especially if you can get your business listed in the three-pack. You know, the three items on a search listed below the ads:

Based on what SEO expert Brian Jones of Krushit Online Marketing, that option looks better and better. He recently attended an SEO conference in Dallas. One common complaint was the slowness of Google in indexing sites. It has been taking three to four months for Google to index—AKA list those sites in searches—for new sites. Brian noted one workaround: posting photos to your Google business profile.

Workaround might be the wrong word. Adding photos to your Google Business Profile shows activity and helps in your ranking, in addition to other variables like 5-star Google reviews.

Unfortunately, many small business owners don’t take advantage of their Google Business Profile. Some haven’t even claimed theirs. I admit, I have to Google to find the page where I can access mine. Here’s the link if you need it.

Posting photos does require Google’s approval of the photo. They prefer your photos, no stock photos, and no screen shots. Here’s a link to Google’s criteria for photos and videos.

As for what photos to post, anything having to do with your business is great. Even better if you can get customers to do video testimonials. All make great fodder for your Google Business Profile—not to mention your other social media sites.

For additional small business marketing ideas—including for your Google Business Profile—you can download my eBook 7 Marketing Essentials for Small Business Owners by clicking the button below.

My HOHs are chatty

Last week, we mentioned Substack’s new chat function. This past week, yours truly started the first chat, asking “What’s on your gift list for your home office”. You can check out the conversation by clicking here. You will need to download the Substack reader to have this function and be able to join the conversation. Depending on your phone, you can do that at the Apple Store or Google Play.

What’s on your gift list for your home office…Logitech Logitech Pebble i345 Wireless Bluetooth Mouse for iPad – Graphite

Adi from Overoptimize shared in our chat that she wants a Logitech Bluetooth mouse for her iPad. Here’s a thought, Adi. Let us know what you end up getting.

Inspiring quote of the week

“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” –Dolly Parton