local mobile app optimization
DESCRIPTION
The best apps to be a part of if a small local business wants to appear in mobile apps for local businesses like Yelp, Trip Advisor, FourSquare and more. Presented at PubCon Vegas 2011TRANSCRIPT
Be There
: Local on Mobile Apps
Kate Morris
I’m focusing on small local
businesses here.
WARNING:
Before You Start
1. Know Your Clientsa. Locationb. Favorite Appsc. How do you do this? Ask them.
2. Have Your Information and Media Handya. Store Locationsb. Store Imagesc. Videos
Use free online survey services like SurveyMonkey and your company’s email list to get quick feedback from clients.
Google and Bing
Winners for Most Used Application to Find Local Businesses
The key here is to ensure your listing is complete in Google and Bing Local. Add your website (mobile capable) and phone number at minimum.
The Secret to Local
1. Be There.2. Fill out the profile
information fully.3. Give more information
than you think.a. Hoursb. Specials
4. Interact with Customersa. Mayor/Duke/
Duchessb. Reviewers
Disappointed by the Big Secret? Sorry, but there is more coming, promise!
IT’S ALL ABOUT CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION
Guess what, it’s Not about YOU
That means the best way to get business is still word of mouth, remember that.
Best Non App = Friends
Everyone in the
Distilled NYC office said that Julianne was the best app for local
information.
In the Seattle
office, it’s Stephanie.
REVIEW APPS
YelpReview Format: 1-5 Stars Must be approved by reviewer online. Check-ins: YesImportant People: Duke or DuchessClaim Business:https://biz.yelp.com/
Trip AdvisorReview Format: 1-5 Circles based on varying measures including service, value, cleanliness, overallCheck-ins: NoImportant People: Senior ReviewersClaim Business:http://www.tripadvisor.com/Owners
RESTAURANTS
UrbanSpoonReview Format: Like or No, Critics reviews and Latest Tweets, Distinguishes between mobile and online reviewsCheck-ins: NoImportant People: CriticsClaim Business:http://www.urbanspoon.com/e/add_restaurant/329
ZagatReview Format: 0-3 based on food, décor and service plus comments, in addition to Zagat ratingsCheck-ins: NoImportant People: Zagat EditorsClaim Business:http://www.zagat.com/restaurant-owners
OpenTableReview Format: 1-5 stars based on overall, food, ambiance, service, noise levelCheck-ins: NoImportant People: ReviewersClaim Business:http://www.opentable.com/info/restaurateurs.aspx
GrubHubReview Format: 1-5 Stars, Not many just yet, Uses Yelp Reviews as wellCheck-ins: NoImportant People: Yelp ReviewersClaim Business:http://get.grubhub.com/sales/
GEOLOCATION
Four SquareReview Format: Tips left by people who check in.Check-ins: YES!Important People: Friends and MayorsClaim Business:https://foursquare.com/business/
WhereReview Format: From CitySearch, users cannot review via app. Check-ins: With FacebookImportant People: CitySearch ReviewersClaim Business:https://where.com/merchants (can claim in app as well)
SOCIAL MEDIA APPS
FacebookReview Format: Like Button and Recommendations on DesktopCheck-ins: YesImportant People: Check ins and Like-ersClaim Business:http://www.facebook.com
TwitterReview Format: TweetsCheck-ins: Tweets via FourSquareImportant People: Influencers in your areaClaim Business:http://www.twitter.com
Find Specialty Apps
• Hotels• Hotels.com
• Coffee Shops• CoffeeSpot Pro
• Happy Hour• HappyHours
• Local Areas• Whistler Blackcomb Live
Doesn’t that look YUMMY?
2D Barcodes
• Post in store• Check ins• Likes• Reviews• Information
Disclosure: I’m partial to Tags because they are a client. Any 2D Barcode does the job though.
Yelp Tip: Host an Elite Event
More Influential Reviews
Via Daniel Craig (The SEO not the Actor)http://www.danieledwardcraig.com
Think about it, when you want something from people what do you do? Feed them and give them alcohol.
Three Things to Try
1.Add a 2D Barcode to aid in getting reviews or check ins.
2.Contact your local Yelp Rep about hosting an event.
3.Add a special for mayors or for 5 check-ins on FourSquare.
Thank You!
@katemorris