Are Google Reviews on Your Business Helpful?

ByNAAAP Houston

Google reviews are one of the things businesses are always unsure about. Some think that allowing reviews will also increase the chances for bad reviews to surface. While we understand the reservations about these, we want you to know that reviews are critical to increasing your rankings both in SEO and Google Maps.

How Do Google Reviews Help Your Business?

There are many ways Google Reviews can help you. Even if they can be risky, we recommend that you give it a try so that you can get to reap these benefits below.

1. Increase website traffic.

As an e-commerce company or a local business with a website, you want people to visit your site. SEO can definitely help you increase website traffic, but remember that SEO through an SEO agency in Houston is a long process. You won’t have your ideal website traffic right after a few days.

This is why people flock to Google Maps in the hopes of increasing their rankings there. When a business has a lot of good reviews, Google will increase your rankings eventually leading you to the top spot. It’s not going to be that instant, though. Nonetheless, having reviews will make people want to visit your site especially if those reviews are compelling and excellent.

2. It provides Google with more information.

There’s no doubt that Google loves information. In order for it to do its job ranking sites and listings, you have to provide them with the right information about your business. Filling out your business’ main information is not going to cut it as everyone else will be doing that.

What will set you apart is the number of high-quality reviews that are organically made by your customers. The more reviews you have, the more Google understands the credibility, legitimacy, and the quality of your business. Needless to say, you need to have a lot of good reviews if you want Google to rank you higher.

3. Know more about your own customer service.

This is a little bit off SEO and digital marketing, but we believe that you should know this. Aside from increasing your Google rankings, reviews will help you understand more about your customer’s needs and expectations. That way, you are able to improve on your service so that you can get better reviews.

We know that dealing with bad reviews can be difficult, too. However, these reviews, once you know how to manage them, will also be helpful to your rankings in the long run. You’re not only learning your areas for improvement; you’re also showing Google that your business is committed to give high-quality products and services. That’s just like hitting two birds with one stone!

4. Convince customers through social proof.

Social proof is one of the most powerful marketing strategies that was ever invented. Even you can attest that when you see a five-star review on a restaurant, you are most likely to try it out or recommend it to other people. When you see former customers giving good reviews, you’re most likely to follow suit.

As a business owner, these reviews will be helpful in increasing your sales. What’s even better is that these are organic and free. You don’t have to spend a single cent to boost your conversion rate and sales.

5. Level the playing field with big companies.

Have you ever competed with a big company in marketing efforts? There’s a high chance that you would fail when you compete against them simply because they have more budget than you. While this is a harsh way to put it, it’s how it is.

Fortunately, Google Reviews somehow level this playing field. This time, your ranking in Google Maps doesn’t depend on who’s got more marketing budget, rather, it depends on who has better reviews. Even a big company with a not-so-good review will fall short of the top three listings. In fact, Google won’t even care if you are a big company because they will heavily rely on the information you provide and the reviews that your business gets.

6. Increase sales fast.

Every business wants sales. At the end of the day, this is one of the metrics that will matter. Building from the social proof mentioned a while ago, more Google Reviews will also increase your sales.

It’s a lot like word of mouth. When you go to Google Maps SEO and type ‘restaurants’, you already have an intent to consume food; you already know that you’ll be visiting a restaurant soon. When you see that a certain place has good reviews, you will be convinced that it is a good place to eat in.

As a business owner, this is what you want your Google Reviews to do. You want them to generate sales without you paying for it. Trust us, if you know how to manage your reviews well, you can make a lot of sales just with them.

Johnny Chen Media
SEO Agency in Houston
9908 Spring Shadows Park Cir, Houston, TX 77080
+18325984855

The 3 Most Difficult Obstacles to Starting a Business

The 3 Most Difficult Obstacles to Starting a Business

ByNAAAP Houston

The establishment of a new business is a challenging task. It is essential that you recognize the difficulties you face and come out with a strategy for overcoming them.

There are a plethora of compelling arguments in favor of launching a new venture. Being your own boss, increasing your income, benefiting from a more adaptable work schedule, and broadening your skill set are all things that fall into this category.

Even with all of the benefits, starting your own business comes with its fair share of challenges. Sometimes the difficulties we face appear much greater than they actually are, and other times they prevent us from pursuing an idea to its full potential.

However, as the owners of the vast majority of small businesses will tell you, the rewards typically justify the risks and difficulties. It is worth putting in the effort to find answers to these problems and strategies to deal with the risks in order to make your goal a reality.

Consider these three key barriers to starting a business, and if you haven’t already, started the process of developing a personal plan for overcoming them.

1. Finding funds for the new business venture

Figuring out how to finance the venture is one of the most difficult obstacles you will face when you first start a business.

Although starting a business may not always need a big financial outlay, you should always make certain that you are able to maintain profitability over the course of the enterprise’s lifetime.

When beginning a business from scratch, you have three options for obtaining funding: you may apply for small business loans or lines of credit, you can use your own personal funds to finance the business, or you can try to acquire cash.

Entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business or grow one they already run can take advantage of the Small Business Administration’s loan programs for small businesses and loan guarantees.

Microloans, which are often for amounts of less than $50,000, are yet another possibility. Because it is for a lower sum than a traditional bank loan, qualifying for a microloan is easier, and it presents financing alternatives that you might not have had access to otherwise.

There isn’t one set of guidelines that applies across the board when it comes to making use of the money you get from a microloan because each lender has its own criteria for determining who is eligible for funding.

It is of the utmost importance that you immediately begin practicing your sales presentation. Regardless of whether you are trying to pitch your ideas to a potential investor, a bank, or another lender, those who make the decisions will want to comprehend your goals for the future.

The more clearly you can describe this idea, the greater your chances will be of obtaining the necessary money.

2. Achieving a work-life balance

Every successful business owner will tell you how tough it is to strike a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives.

If you are just getting started and working out of your house, it is easy to find yourself working on the computer from six in the morning until dinner and then staying up for a few more hours after dinner to finish up the remaining items on your to-do list.

On top of that, you can all of a sudden find yourself becoming obsessed with your job and the various responsibilities that are connected to your business, to the point where you ignore your obligations in other aspects of your life.

The benefits of physical activity, quality time spent with friends and family, and enough sleep are frequently disregarded.

It is essential to establish an unmovable routine that establishes clear boundaries between time spent working and time spent relaxing or with family, notwithstanding how challenging this may be.

Everyone organizes their days in a different way, but if writing “run three miles at lunchtime” on your calendar helps you keep the commitment you made to yourself, then you should absolutely do that.

If you’ve finished everything on your list, you shouldn’t jump right into the duties for the following day. Spend that extra time with your loved ones, or give some thought to retiring to bed earlier than usual. Both your body and your mind will be grateful to you.

3. To be the only one in charge of everything

It might be overwhelming to be responsible for all aspects of a company.

It is not necessary that you are exceptional in all facets simply due to the fact that you are an entrepreneur and are beginning a firm.

When you start a new company, you take on various responsibilities, such as those related to sales and marketing, accounting, etc.

When you operate a business, you need to appreciate the value of your time and be honest with yourself about your capabilities, including both your strengths and your flaws.

When it comes to the areas in which you struggle the most, it may be best to look for assistance from others, such as a virtual assistant.

You are free to investigate the possibility of expanding your abilities through training, but you also have the option of seeking assistance from others.

 

Small Businesses in Houston Thrive Amidst Economic Downturn

Small Businesses in Houston Thrive Amidst Economic Downturn

ByNAAAP Houston

As the economy continues to sputter, small businesses in Houston are managing to not only stay afloat but thrive.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 2.2 million small businesses in the Houston area, accounting for more than 80% percent of all businesses in the region.

And while large businesses have been shedding jobs, small businesses in Houston have actually been creating them. Between 2018 and 2021, small businesses in Houston added more than 45,000 jobs, while large businesses cut nearly 9,000.

So how are small businesses in Houston managing to succeed while the rest of the economy is struggling?

For one, the city’s strong energy sector has been a major boon for small businesses. Houston is home to more than 5,000 energy-related companies, ranging from exploration and production to refining and marketing.

And while the recent slump in oil prices has led to layoffs in the energy sector, it hasn’t been as severe as in other parts of the country. And that’s because Houston’s energy companies are generally more efficient and have lower costs than their counterparts elsewhere.

Another factor working in Houston’s favor is the city’s diversified economy. While the energy sector is a major driver of the local economy, it’s far from the only one. Houston is also home to a large healthcare sector, as well as a thriving port and manufacturing base.

All of this has helped to insulate Houston from the worst of the economic downturn. And it’s also helped to create an environment that’s conducive to small business growth.

Indeed, Houston has been ranked as one of the best cities for small businesses in recent years. In 2015, Houston was ranked as the fifth-best city for small businesses by Forbes. And in 2016, Houston was ranked as the seventh-best city for small businesses by WalletHub.

3  more reasons to start your business in Houston 

1. Tax Benefits

There was a time, not too long ago, when the majority of people who wanted to start their own businesses went to the states of Delaware and Nevada.

Due to the fact that Delaware has corporate tax rules that are favorable to businesses, the state is sometimes referred to as “the incorporation capital of the world.”

Because of these regulations, the state is now the legal home to more than one million different business entities. Due to the fact that Nevada does not impose any taxes on either personal or corporate income, the state is commonly known as a tax haven.

In addition to Delaware and Nevada, a growing number of states are implementing tax policies that are favorable to local firms of all sizes.

One state that deserves close attention is Texas. According to the findings of the 2019 State Business Tax Climate Index published by the Tax Foundation, the state of Texas does not impose an income tax on either individuals or corporations.

Texas is a desirable destination for new businesses to launch because the state does not impose an income tax and the economy is booming here.

2. Affordable cost of living

Houston is ranked second in terms of the most inexpensive housing among the top 20 metropolitan regions in the United States.

The cost of living is almost 5% lower compared to the average throughout all of the United States. Companies that have the goal of recruiting the most qualified individuals from all around the country will find this to be very encouraging news.

What’s not to like about a metropolitan area that’s both prosperous and reasonably priced?

When you consider that Texas does not impose a tax on residents’ personal income, the location of your new business headquarters immediately becomes more appealing to the skilled workers you are trying to hire.

3. Home to People from different backgrounds 

When looking at cities from a commercial perspective, variety is one of the most important indicators of productivity, creativity, and prosperity.

People who are interested in starting a competitive and profitable business will find that Houston, with its reputation as a highly diversified city, is an appropriate location.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking about starting a small business, Houston is definitely worth considering. The city’s strong economy and favorable business environment make it an ideal place to launch a new venture.

And even if you’re not planning on starting a business, Houston is still a great place to live and work. The city’s strong economy and diverse job market offer opportunities for all types of workers.

6 Small Business Resources in Houston Available to You

6 Small Business Resources in Houston Available to You

ByNAAAP Houston

The process of starting your own business might be difficult, but you don’t have to go through it by yourself if you don’t want to.

Small business owners just like you have access to a wealth of local and national business resources that can assist you in getting your company off the ground and achieving your goals of profitability.

You will find a wealth of local business resources to assist you in Houston, Texas. Make use of the organizations that are local to you and are equipped with the resources and the capability to assist you in taking your company to the next level.

In the following paragraphs, we will provide you with an overview of the best local business resources that Houston offers. So let’s get started.

1. Houston Business Development

The Houston Business Development Inc (HBDi) is a charitable organization with the mission of fostering the expansion of local small enterprises.

They hope that by assisting new business owners in getting off the ground, they can make a contribution to the expansion of the local economy.

Bridge finance is provided by this institution, which also offers loan programs and borrower services, and works closely with banks and commercial lenders.

2. SCORE

SCORE is the most extensive network of free business consultants in the United States.

Because the Houston office will point you in the direction of professional mentors who are both inside your field and in the surrounding area, you won’t have to travel very far.

You can also participate in workshops that are either free or offered at a low cost in your area and obtain access to the templates and tools provided by SCORE.

3. Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a national institution that was established to assist individuals in establishing their own businesses by providing them with access to the tools they require.

The Small Business Administration will assist you in finding consultants, as well as provide funding programs and local training.

Their website also contains a wealth of useful information, such as a comprehensive guide to running a business that explains how to conduct market research, how to compose a business plan, how to decide on a name for your company, how to obtain the appropriate licensing, and everything else there is to know about managing your company.

4. Office of Business Opportunity Solutions Center

This site is a resource for owners of new businesses as well as owners of businesses that have been operating for some time and are searching for some additional assistance.

They offer information on local, state, and federal rules that could have an impact on your company.
In addition to this, they provide small businesses with programs and services that are completely free of charge.

5. LiftFund

LiftFund and the Office of Business Opportunity have collaborated to provide small businesses in the Houston area with assistance in gaining access to necessary finance.

LiftFund allows entrepreneurs of smaller companies to book one-on-one meetings with company representatives.

The objective of LiftFund is to lead the microlending sector in terms of both leadership and innovation, as well as to provide finance and services to small firms and entrepreneurs that do not have access to loans from conventional sources.

6. Houston Chambers of Commerce

Chambers of commerce are associations of business owners and other professionals who work together toward the common objective of fostering economic growth in the communities in which they are located.

The majority of chambers of commerce offer small businesses the opportunity to network with other proprietors of businesses, participate in local activities, access marketing resources, and receive recognition, among other benefits.

A word from NAAAP Houston – Important steps to take before starting a business in Houston

1. Plan your business: Write a business plan that includes your company’s goals, strategies, and financial projections.

2. Research your industry: Understand your industry and the competitive landscape.

3. Choose your business structure: Decide which business structure is right for your company.

4. Register your business: Complete the necessary paperwork to register your business with the state.

5. Obtain licenses and permits: Obtain any licenses and permits required to operate your business.

6. Get insured: Purchase the appropriate insurance coverage for your business.

7. Set up your accounting system: Choose an accounting system and set up your financial records.

8. Create a marketing plan: Develop a plan to market your products or services.

9. Hire employees: Recruit and hire employees to help run your business.

 

Effective Marketing & Advertising for Local Businesses you Should Know

Effective Marketing & Advertising for Local Businesses you Should Know

ByNAAAP Houston

In order to ensure your local business is successful, it is important to have an effective marketing and advertising strategy.

There are a number of ways to market and advertise your business, and it is important to choose the right mix of techniques to reach your target audience.

Some effective marketing and advertising techniques for local businesses include:

1. Get involved in your community

Local businesses have the advantage of being able to get involved in their communities in a way that national brands can’t.

Get to know your customers and what’s important to them. Sponsor local events, donate to local causes, and get involved in local politics.

2. Make use of local media

There are many local media outlets that can be a great way to reach your target audience. Support your local newspaper, radio, and TV stations. Advertise in local directories and on local websites.

3. Use word-of-mouth marketing

One of the most effective ways to market your local business is by word-of-mouth. Make sure your customers are happy with your products or services and that they know how to tell their friends about you.

4. Get creative with your marketing

There are endless possibilities when it comes to marketing your local business. Get creative and think outside the box. There are many low-cost or even no-cost marketing strategies that can be very effective.

5. Measure your results

It’s important to track your marketing and advertising efforts to see what’s working and what’s not. Keep track of your leads and sales to see how your campaigns are performing.

This will help you adjust your campaigns and ensure that you’re getting the most return on your investment.

Even the best campaigns need to be tweaked from time to time. Be prepared to test different strategies and tactics to see what works best for your business.

Remember, what works for one business may not work for another, so it’s important to test and measure your results to find what works best for you.

How does local marketing work?

When you advertise locally, you focus on reaching consumers in the immediate vicinity of your business. It targets potential customers who are geographically close to your business and within a reasonable driving distance to make a purchase at any time.

If you own a restaurant in Richmond, Houston, for instance, it wouldn’t do you much good if people in New York visited your website. Instead, you should focus on local marketing to make sure that most of your potential customers live within a reasonable driving distance or delivery radius.

According to John Davis, one of our marketing experts, the most important thing people should be doing is actually knowing who they’re trying to market to, and what advantage people may gain from the product or service, and then communicating that information upfront.

He then highlighted that this is true in all marketing, but more so for a local marketing plan. Telling your target market where you’re based is an important piece of information.

Investing in advertising and promotion on a local level is done so that more money can be put to better use.

To promote their products and services, companies of all sizes can benefit from utilizing digital marketing.

But if you run a local business and can’t attract customers in your area, all your marketing efforts will be for naught. Not all potential customers are created equal, which is why it’s important to develop a local marketing plan.

Wrap up
In order to be successful, local businesses need to make sure their marketing and advertising are effective.

There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to marketing and advertising for local businesses.

First, it is important to target the right audience. This means understanding who your target market is and what they are looking for.

Secondly, local businesses need to stand out from the competition. This can be done by having a unique selling proposition or offering something that the competition does not.

Lastly, it is important to be consistent with your marketing and advertising efforts. This means having a plan and sticking to it.

By following these tips, local businesses can ensure their marketing and advertising are effective and helps them achieve their goals.

Reasons to Support Small Businesses and Shop Local

Reasons to Support Small Businesses and Shop Local

ByNAAAP Houston

But despite their importance, small businesses often struggle to compete against large corporations. That’s why it’s important to support small businesses and shop locally whenever possible.

Here are four reasons to support small businesses and shop local:

1. Small businesses help boost the local economy

In 2020, small businesses employed 61.7 million Americans or 48% of the private workforce.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. They create jobs, spur innovation, and help drive economic growth.

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses account for 69.7% of all employer firms in the US. They also create about two out of every three new jobs in the country each year.

In addition, small businesses are responsible for more than half of the private sector’s output and have generated 64% of net new jobs since 1995.
The SBA also reports that small businesses make up 97.3% of all export-oriented firms and produce 30.2% of the country’s exports.

Furthermore, small businesses are often the driving force behind innovation. In fact, they are responsible for about 60% of all new patent applications.

2. They Boost local economies

Putting money back into the local economy is as simple as making a commitment to shop local or supporting local businesses. Many people in the United States, including yourself, probably prefer to shop at a huge chain store.

If you’re looking for anything specific, you’ll definitely want to check out these stores, and you might even feel obligated to do so. Nonetheless, there are a number of financial and social benefits to supporting local businesses.

Local government is sustained by sales taxes paid by local businesses. This is subsequently reinvested back into the neighborhood.

However, local governments frequently provide tax incentives to big box stores that aren’t available to small enterprises. Communities won’t gain from an out-of-town investment in a mega-chain retailer.

3. They Boost Job Growth

“The 2019 Small Business Profiles show that small firms added 1.8 million net new jobs in the United States over the most recent year reviewed,” states the Small Business Administration (SBA).

There are 30,7 million small firms in the United States, and together they account for 47.3% of the workers in the private sector. Our economy relies heavily on the success of its many small enterprises.

They help propel economic growth and the local economy by providing employment options locally to people who may not wish to be employed by large box stores, which is one of the ways in which they contribute to economic progress.

4. Small businesses offer unique products and services

One way small businesses can offer unique products and services is by customizing their offerings to meet the specific needs of their customers.

This could involve creating a new product or service that is not readily available from larger businesses or tailoring an existing product or service to better suit the needs of a particular customer base.

Additionally, small businesses can often provide a more personal level of service than their larger counterparts, which can be a significant selling point for many consumers.

5. Local companies contribute to the local community

It is common knowledge that small businesses play a big part in the financial support of local community charities and causes.

Because it is obvious that local businesses benefit from a healthy community, the owners of those businesses tend to be more actively involved in the community themselves.

Local nonprofit organizations and community causes receive donations from small businesses that are 250% more than those received from large enterprises. This helps to create a good cycle of giving back to the local community.

This covers local charitable organizations, youth organizations, local service groups, local first responder organizations, and more.

6. Better service can be expected from local businesses

In the eyes of a small business owner, every sale, discount, and glowing review counts.

Small business owners care about their customers and depend on them to keep their doors open.

Local establishments, as opposed to national chains, are more likely to employ employees who are experts in the products they offer or the operations they oversee.

As a result of the staff’s efforts to get to know their customers on a personal level, doing business here is a pleasure.

Moreover, you may rest assured that you won’t be discussing your problem with a machine.

Final word

While there are many reasons to support small businesses, these six are some of the most important.

Small businesses are vital to the American economy and contribute to economic growth, job creation, and innovation.

They also boost local economies and offer unique products and services. Finally, small businesses play a big role in supporting the local community.