Google my Business: Grow Local Search with 80% y/y
Having largely overlooked social media, navigation, and directory platforms previously—aside from occasionally noting new store openings or closings on Google Maps—there was significant potential to enhance the use of online tools to increase foot traffic to their 175 stores. Most location data, even on popular platforms like Google, depended on users of Google Maps to update it. Consequently, many store listings on Google were poorly managed and performed inadequately in local search results. With 175 stores, PPBB faced challenges in keeping information current on Google My Business, the primary platform. As they planned to open additional stores, managing their Google (Maps) presence became increasingly complex. Their goal encompassed overseeing store listings across all pertinent social, navigation, and directory networks, not just Google, with Facebook stores and Apple Maps as the top priorities. PPBB explored various market solutions, seeking one that provided clear reporting on optimization opportunities and accurate insights into results, along with practical support for their marketing team. They needed to consistently justify investments and priorities to a skeptical franchise network. The ability to conduct straightforward A/B testing was also greatly valued as it enabled precise measurement of the impact of these changes on local visibility. The results were impressive, achieving an 80% increase in impressions in local search despite COVID-19 significantly reducing the total volume of local queries. Additionally, the time spent on maintaining listings and reporting results decreased from twelve hundred hours to just sixty minutes per week. PPBB CEO Ard Malenstein commented: "The pace of change in operating our physical stores is faster than ever, and our customers expect accurate and timely information. Up Analytics’ tools help us fulfill this need and stay ahead of the competition."