ClientCircle blog

Have you ever wondered how your business listing ended up on search sites such as Google or Yahoo without ever lifting a finger? It’s like an invisible feed of data is pouring directly into the search engines, providing them with a wealth of data about all the local businesses in America. But where the heck is it coming from?

Answer: Data aggregators.

The responsibility to be found on Google rests firmly on the shoulders of the local businesses themselves. Of course, Google tries to make it as easy as possible for businesses.

One of the most important factors Google considers with search results is your current location. And they’ve gotten pretty good at knowing where you are, too. Search engines study your computer’s IP address or GPS location to pinpoint your location. They understand that where you’re standing plays a big role in what information you’ll find relevant when performing a search—especially when looking for local establishments, like a restaurant or laundromat. Not long ago local consumers would type the name of their city alongside the search term (e.g. car insurance Atlanta) to get local suggestions. But anymore, Google is smart enough to know where you are without asking.

Insurance agencies with multiple locations should list their offices separately on Google. According to the universal laws of internet physics, local business listings are only effective if they’re… you guessed it, local. So by grouping all offices under one digital roof you’re significantly damaging your chances of becoming discovered online.

Referral incentives are one of the ways companies inadvertently introduce market norms in a relationship that hurt their chances for referrals rather than help them. There are better alternatives that cost you less financially and result in stronger social relationships that generate more referrals.