How to Create a Short Link for a Google Review Using Bit.ly

Posted on April 21, 2019 by Brian Loebig

Create a Link for Google ReviewsOne of the best ways to build a positive reputation and a strong web presence for your business is to give some attention to your Google reviews. Pestering your customers or clients for reviews is not likely to yield a positive outcome, but a friendly request can go a long way. At the end of your service, you may want to say something like, “Thank you very much! It was great working with you. If you had a good experience with us, we’d love it if you’d leave us a review on Google.”

A visual request for reviews may be even more effective for bringing in some positive words about what you do. Provide a link on your web pages, in emails, and find other creative ways to share a link to capture your customer’s desire to say something great about you. Here’s how:

  1. Use google.com to search for your business.
  2. Click on your business listing. Find the “Write a review” button and click it.Loebig Ink on Google
    A “Rate and review” box will open.
  3. The web address for the “Rate and review” box will appear at the top of the page. It will be very long.https://www.google.com/search?source=hp&ei=Fbq8XNaVDaGq_QaN65vQBg&q=loebig+ink&btnK=Google+Search&oq=loebig+ink&gs_l=psy-ab.3..0.1690.3653..4312…0.0..0.81.756.11……0….1..gws-wiz…..0..0i131j0i131i10j0i10j0i22i30.NxL doFwaGk#btnK=Google%20Search&lrd=0x89b7ceca5e5fcd8b:0xeae7036204131d65,3,,,
  4. Log into to bit.ly, or follow the steps to open a free account if you don’t have one already.
  5. Click the “Create” button in the upper right corner.Search and Create at bit.ly
  6. The “CREATE BITLINK” window will open on the right side of the page.Create Bitlink window
  7. Copy and paste the long web address in the “PASTE LONG URL” box and click “CREATE.” A new, short web address will appear.Edit Bitlink
  8. Edit the end of the short web address to make it more memorable, such as http://bit.ly/Loebig. Click “SAVE.”Edit bitlink - Loebig URL
  9. Share the new short link to increase your Google reviews!
  10. If your business doesn’t show up on the map when you search google.com:
  11. Find it on maps.google.com.
  12. A window will open on the left side of the page.Loebig Ink on Google Maps
  13. Scroll down and click the “Write a review” button. A “Rate and review” box will open.
  14. Follow steps 3 – 9.

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Increase Visibility Using The Top Small Business Directories

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Brian Loebig

This article was published by Brian Loebig on 2/13/2014. It was updated by Stephen Rabil on 3/10/2021

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Increase your visibility image for small businesses in these local directoriesSmall business owners are always on the lookout for the lowest cost, highest value promotional opportunities on the Internet. Creating or claiming local business directory listings is a great way to expand ones digital footprint.

Many Internet service providers have identified the value of local directories which has spawned a bevy of mass listing services such as Yext.com, CityGrid and others. These services make it easy to claim a large list of directories that may or may not be relevant to a business. The listing provider’s monthly fees tie a business into a relationship with them for life since discontinuing their service will remove your business information from the listing en masse.  A more time intensive, but lower cost, approach is to claim ones business listings by hand with the top directories relevant for your industry.

The following list of directories are recommended for a wide variety of businesses and industries. Links to the business listing page of the directory will make it easier to begin creating or claiming your business listings.(*Note: Always be sure to search for your business listing in each directory before creating a brand new one. Removing duplicate listings in these directories is equally as important.)

  1. Google My Business : *Domain Authority 90
    1. This is the first and arguably the most important directory a local business should list their business. Google My Business is key for local SEO to ensure customers can find your business on Google Maps.
      1. Your first step will be to sign in using an email account associated with Google. If you don’t have one that is connected to Google, you will need to set one up. Click here for to for a quick how to guide . A Gmail account is an easy choice, but you can also associate a non-Gmail account with Google.
    2. There are usually several quick verification options (e.g. via a business email or telephone number) to get your profile published immediately. However, in certain instances, post-card verification is required and can take up to two weeks to be mailed and received.
  2. Yelp for Business : *Domain Authority 94
    1. Yelp has become one of the most popular and important directory and review sites for a business due in part to the rigid system of controlled reviews on the site. Yelp works tirelessly to ensure reviews submitted are by real people and customers through a series of algorithmic controls that filters questionable reviews out of site.
    2. Like most directory sites, you will be guided through a search process to see if your business is already listed. If it is, you will “claim” the listing. If not, you will be able to create a new Yelp listing.
  3. Four Square: *Domain Authority 92
    1. Foursquare, is a local search-and-discovery mobile app which provides search results for its users. The app provides personalized recommendations of places to go near a user’s current location based on users’ previous browsing history and check-in history.
    2. There are three  steps to create a listing in this directory:
      1. First create an individual user profile.
      2. Next create your business listing.
      3. Lastly, claim your business listing.
    3. Upon claiming your business listing there is a one-time $20 fee to get your listing published in the directory.
    4. Claims to be “Trusted by over 150,000 partners and developers worldwide.”
  4. Angie’s List for Business : *Domain Authority 91
    1. Angie’s List is a popular directory and review site of service companies and health care professionals in over 550 categories. Angie’s List customers pay an annual subscription fee to access business listings and reviews from their local area.
    2. Categories include business description, service area, operating hours, services, payment options, 24 hour emergency service designation, etc.
  5. Crunchbase : *Domain Authority 91
    1. Crunchbase is a platform for finding business information about private and public companies. Crunchbase information includes investments and funding information, founding members and individuals in leadership positions, mergers and acquisitions, news, and industry trends.
    2. There are three steps to be aware of when setting up a free listing with this directory:
      1. First, create an individual user profile.
      2. Next, create a company profile.
      3. Lastly, you must use at least two social media account credentials (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn) to verify each profile. 
    3. Paid listings afford you the opportunity to perform searches for investors, perform competitive analysis of other companies, and perform data analysis of your company’s performance.
  6. Manta : *Domain Authority 87
    1. Manta claims to be the largest online community dedicated to small business. Owners can list their business in the Manta directory for free and take advantage of networking, articles and numerous small business resources.
    2. Free listings include contact information, website link, business description, 3 business categories, products/services, years in business, state of incorporation, NAICS and SIC codes, etc.
    3. Enhanced listings range in price from $49 to $99/mo and include more prominent listings, competitor ad removal, multiple search keywords, etc. Compare plans here: Listing Upgrade Options
  7. Merchant Circle : *Domain Authority 87
    1. Merchant Circle claims to be “the largest online network of local business owners, combining social networking features with customizable web listings that allow local merchants to attract new customers.”
    2. Free listings include address, phone, embedded Google Map, up to three categories for listing the business, customer reviews and compliments as well as the ability of Merchant Circle members to “follow” your business on Merchant Circle.
    3. Paid listings include top search result positioning, business logo thumbnail image, social sharing buttons, website link, payment types, hours of operation, a simple blog, product descriptions, offers and recent news updates.
  8. Hot Frog : *Domain Authority 77
    1. This directory allows for a user to build a really robust business profile. You can list all products and services, create coupon offers, talk about news and updates with your business, and even share a portfolio of projects.
    2. Claims that “1.6 million people are making more than 372,000 inquiries to businesses on Hotfrog every month.”
  9. Next Door for Business : *Domain Authority 75
    1. This directory is great for local SEO because it targets the local neighborhood and surrounding local neighborhoods where businesses operate. You can also create events to go along with your listing.
    2. Recommendations have always been one of the biggest uses of Nextdoor. Members truly value their neighbors’ opinions about businesses, products, and services available in their communities on this platform.
  10. Bing places for business : *Domain Authority 53
    1. Bing Places for business another top-notch directory for local SEO. Many existing businesses are already listed in the Bing places for business directory. If your business is listed you just need to “claim” your business and update the listing.
    2. Free listings include address, phone, website link, hours, Bing map, customer reviews, and the ability for visitors to share the listing via email, Facebook, Twitter, and mobile phone.

*Domain Authority is a ranking metric (based on a 100 point scale) established by the SEO experts at Moz.com. It determines the power of a domain and how well it will rank in Google search results using a  multi-factorial algorithm.

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How to Add an Administrator to Your Facebook Page

Posted on March 13, 2019 by Brian Loebig

This article was published on 12/20/2012. It was updated on 8/14/2015 and 3/13/2019.

How to Add an Administrator to your Facebook PageAs a small business grows in size and complexity, it will often begin enlisting others to help support its efforts. Social media management is a natural area of any business to benefit from a professional marketing consultant. To that end, it may be become necessary for someone else to act as an administrator of a business Facebook page.

The first step in giving someone access to a Facebook page for page management purposes is to assign them an Admin role. Facebook allows a business to provide up to six different roles. The Admin role provides page administrators with the highest level of access available. The Analyst role has the lowest level of access. This step-by-step guide describes how to give a person access so they can set up and manage a Facebook page.

  1. Choose the role you would like to assign. The six administrative roles, described by Facebook in detail, include Admin, Editor, Moderator, Advertiser, Analyst, and Jobs Manager.Facebook page admin roles chart
  2. Navigate to your Facebook Business page.
  3. Click “Settings” on the top right side of the page.Facebook settings link screen shot
  4. On the next page, click “Page Roles” in the column on the left side of the page.settings column - Facebook business page
  5. In the space below the heading that reads “Assign a New Page Role,” type in the name of the person you want to add as an admin. If you are Facebook friends with the person, their name will pop up. Click on the name to choose it. If you are not Facebook friends with the new admin, type in the person’s email address.Assign a New Page Role
  6. Next, select an admin role for the person from the drop down menu.Assign a New Page Role - Editor
  7. Click “Add,” then click “Save.”
  8. Done!

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How to Post an image to Instagram from your Desktop Google Chrome Browser

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Brian Loebig

Social Media Ninja Hack for 2019: Posting to Instagram from your Desktop in Google Chrome

By Stephen Rabil and Angela Martinez of Loebig Ink, LLC


Follow these steps (*Note: This only works on one Instagram profile at a time):

1. Open Google Chrome Browser.

2. Login to the Instagram account you want to post to.

3. Right-click  on your mouse, press control+shift+i (on a PC) on your keyboard, or command+shift+i (on a mac) to open the menu below then select “Inspect.”

4. In this view, HTML developers screen appears on the right, click the toggle device toolbar icon with your mouse (circled in red).

5. Refresh  the page:

6. The Instagram toolbar (red highlight) will appear at the bottom of the window similar to the mobile app.

7. Click on the plus button icon. This will access your computer’s hard drive to add images.

8. Select the photo you want to use to begin a new post.

9. Then choose “Next” and type in a caption and any hashtags you want.

10. Hit share and Voila! It’s posted to your Instagram account from your computer!

Did you find this article helpful? Comment below and share with your family and friends!

 

 

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How To Add a Linkedin Page Administrator

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Brian Loebig

This article was updated on January 21, 2019.

LinkedIn logo with add a person iconCreating a LinkedIn business page is a key component of a complete local business internet marketing strategy. LinkedIn is the top social media site for business professionals and LinkedIn business pages provide a unique opportunity for a business to showcase its products and services in a professional manner. Regular updates can be shared with followers on a business LinkedIn page and built-in analytic tools allow page owners to measure the impact they are having on this social media platform.

Here are the simple steps to giving additional people access to your LinkedIn business page. There can only be one page owner, so giving someone admin access is a safe and effective way to involve others in helping to manage the page.

  1. Log into LinkedIn.
  2. Go to your Linkedin business page.
  3. Click the “Admin tools” arrow on the top right side of the page.

Admin tools arrow, LinkedIn

  1. The Admin tools menu opens. Click “Page admins.”
  2. The Manage admins window opens. Start typing the name of the new admin in the box. (You must be connected to a LinkedIn member to make them a page admin.)

Manage admins window detail, LinkedIn

  1. The name will appear in a drop down menu. Select the name and click “Save changes” in the lower left corner.
  2. Done!

 

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How to Claim a Google My Business Listing that is Already Verified

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Brian Loebig

Google My Business ChecklistUpdated 12/27/2018

One of the most important directory listings on the Internet for a small business is the Google My Business listing. This online directory integrates the Google Maps listing with the Google Knowledge Panel, Google Reviews and even YouTube. It is critical for small businesses to claim or create and optimize their Google My Business account to improve ranking in a Google search result and for increased search engine visibility.

When embarking on this local SEO strategy, many businesses find that their Google Maps listing has already been claimed by someone unknown to the business. In this case, there are a series of steps that need to be taken to claim a Google listing that is already verified. Good luck and have patience on your quest to enhance this important digital footprint!

  1. You must first decide what email address you want to use to ‘claim’ the business listing. It is recommended that an email address be used that is connected to the business domain name such as webmaster@mywebsite.com.
  2. Google requires that the email address being used to claim the local business, be connected to a Google Apps account. If the email address being used is already connected to Google Apps, go to step 4. If it is not connected to Google Apps, you will need to create a Google account and choose the option “I prefer to use my current email address.”
  3. Go to Google My Business and click “Start Now” http://www.google.com/business and either login, if using an existing email address connected to Google or select ‘create an account’ and associate a new email address with Google.
  4. Type in the address of the business you want to claim. 

Google-My-Biz-Claiming-existing-profile-Step-3.jpg

5. You will see a message that says, “Someone else manages this business on Google”

Google-My-Biz-Claiming-existing-profile-Step-4-e1545171612894.jpg

6. Select “Share your info with the current owner to continue”

7. Select Appropriate response for “What level of access would you like?” (e.g. 3rd party marketing company would choose “Management”)

8. Select Appropriate Response for your  “relationship to the business” (e.g. Owner of the business would choose owner)

9. Input information in all the  fields provided (e.g. Contact name, telephone number, and Agency name) and “Submit”

10. A response will be sent to the gmail account you are using to claim the profile (Reference image below). Make sure to keep this email in a place you can easily locate it, as it will be necessary for the next steps.

Google-My-Biz-Claiming-existing-profile-Step-5.jpg

11. Then, the waiting begins.  Once the allotted time, 7 calendar days, has passed, it is now possible to manage the profile without permission from the current owner. Locate the email you received from Google 7 days ago and click the  “ok” button at the bottom of the message. Next, fill out the required information for the Google business listing. Lastly, you will be asked to “verify the account” with one of the following methods (e.g. Phone call, business email, or postcard by mail).

  1. (The screenshot below is for reference only and may not accurately reflect all of the verification options you will see on your screen.)

Ways to Verify Image

12. The person who verifies should expect to receive either a 5 or 6 digit code (e.g. via by phone, business email or postcard). Once the code is received, locate the verification needed (reference image below) under the Home section of your profile, click verify and input the code to gain control of your Google My Business profile.

Verification Image.png

13. Done!

Need help with claiming your Google My Business account? Contact Loebig Ink to help expedite the process.  Fill out our Google My Business Questionnaire after speaking with one of our account managers!

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How to Create a Free Facebook Offer

Posted on November 25, 2018 by Brian Loebig

This article was updated on November 25, 2018

How to create a facebook offerAs Facebook continues to evolve new advertising options for business owners, several free options have been eliminated including the easy to use, but discontinued, “check-in deal.” One lesser known option still remains and is highly effective as a free promotion tool for small businesses. The “Facebook Offer” is an advertising option that has outlasted its predecessors. The fact that this offer can be created without a budget and instantly posted on a page is very useful. The following steps are used as a resource by my own social media crew.

  1. Go to your Facebook Business Page.
  2. Click the Offers link on the left side of the page.Business Page left
  3. The Offers page will open. Click “Create Offer.”Create Offer
  4. The “Create an Offer, Discount, or Deal” popup window will open.Create an Offer, Discount_ or Deal
  5. Under “Offer Type,” choose the kind of offer you wish to make. Choose from “Spend X Get Y Off,” “Free Shipping,” Discount Percent,” “Buy X Get Y Discount,” Discount Amount,” and “Customized.”
  6. Upload an image. Use an image with little or no text.
  7. Specify the type of offer under “Discounted Items and/or Services.”
  8. Set an expiration date by clicking today’s date and then clicking a different date in the future.
  9. Under “Where can people redeem this?” click the box next to “In-Store” or “Online.” If your offer can be redeemed online, type the complete web address where it can be redeemed.
  10. Add a promo code (optional).
  11. Add a description that will become the headline for your ad. Use a strong, clear headline for your offer such as “Buy one pair of socks, get another pair free!”
  12. Review your offer.fake offer filled out
  13. Publish or schedule your offer using the button in the bottom right corner of the window. If you’d like to schedule the offer to begin at a later time, click the arrow next to the “Publish” button. The “Schedule Offer” window will open. Set the date and click “Schedule.”If you’d like to publish the offer right away, click “Publish.”
    Publish-Schedule

For more Facebook and other related articles visit our How To posts. Feel free to contact us for more specific requests for service.

 

 

 

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BNI Policies 2018-2019

Posted on November 5, 2018 by Owner and CEO, Philip Day Communications

Networking takes time, effort and money. For some business owners, it can be a sacrifice even though they know it’s beneficial.

So, BNI (Business Networking International) has policies that respect the time and sacrifice of its members. These policies reflect the mission of this respected Global Networking group, and sets it apart from its competitors. 

BNI meeting BNI Capital Business Alliance

The BNI Policies for 2018-2019 are the following:

  • Policy #1: Only One Person from Each Professional Classification.
  • Policy #2: Members represent their primary occupation.
  • Policy #3: Meetings last for 90 minutes. Be Early and Stay Late (~15min)
  • Policy #4: A member can belong to only one BNI Chapter and no other “Closed Networks”
  • Policy #5: Attendance is critical to the group. If a Member cannot attend, you may send a substitute (not a Member of the Chapter) to the meeting. This will not count as an absence.
  • Policy #6: Members are required to bring bona-fide referrals and/or visitors to their Chapter of BNI. Chapters may establish a minimum number of referrals and/or visitors that is acceptable.
  • Policy #7: Visitors and subs may attend Chapter meetings up to two times.
  • Policy #8: Speakers must bring a door prize. Only Members bringing a visitor or referral are eligible for the door prize.
  • Policy #9: There are no leaves of absence except for medical leaves. A Member may take up to eight weeks medical leave with the Membership Committee’s prior approval.
  • Policy #10: It is the Member’s responsibility to file a concern with the Membership Committee of their Chapter if a visitor “who submits an application in any way conflicts with their c
  • Policy #11: Members who wish to change their classification must submit a new Membership Application and get approval from the Membership Committee for that classification change.
  • Policy #12: In case of problems with a Member, Membership Committees may, at their sole discretion, put a Member on probation relating to the Member’s business practices or co
  • Policy #13: A Member’s classification may be opened for failure to comply with the BNI Policies and/or BNI Networking Code of Ethics. Membership Committees of the Chapter may
  • Policy #14: If the Leadership Team fulfills all responsibilities throughout their term, they will receive as consideration an exemption of participation fees during their tenure as a Leader.
  • Policy #15: In the absence of a Membership Committee, the Leadership Team may act as an ad hoc Membership Committee until one is established.
  • Policy #16: All BNI membership lists are for the purpose of giving referrals and not for soliciting (via email, direct mail or other means) BNI Members or Directors without their prior approval.
  • Policy #17: All new members must attend the Member Success Program (MSP) training in their region within the first 60 days after their induction. Only after attending the MSP training.
  • Policy #18: Policies are subject to change. All proposed policy changes need to be reviewed first by the Board of Advisors.
  • Policy #19: Other than normal BNI printed materials, members may not use the BNI Intellectual Property (e.g. logos, trademarks, names, slogans, copyrighted materials, etc.) to manufacture their own promotional materials.
  • Policy #20: There is an initial application fee. Fees are paid annually or biennially. Contact the local Secretary/Treasurer for amounts. Fees may be paid with VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER.

If you are not a member of a local BNI Chapter, we encourage you to find one in your area. Contact Brian Loebig of Loebig Ink, LLC and president of BNI Capital Business Alliance in Bethesda, MD for more information at (301) 244-8324 or brian@loebigink.com.           

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