Google yourself too frequently is the tell-tale sign that you could be suffering from the early stages of ‘egosurfing’.

However, in the quest to gain more recommendations and referrals (always the best type of new enquiry) there’s actually a very good reason why you should be searching online for your business.

Here’s why…

When an existing client passes your details to a friend, family member, or work colleague, there’s a fair chance that potential client will carry out some rudimentary due diligence before getting in touch. Incidentally, the same may also be true of potential clients who found your details through another route; Unbiased, VouchedFor, for example.

That usually means Googling your business name and making decisions based on what they find.

The easier you are to find and the more positive an impression you make, the more likely the potential client is to get in touch. Conversely, if they can’t find you, or what they do find creates doubt and worry, the more likely they are to go off and look for another adviser.

Remember too, most people who reach your website via Google have searched for your business.

A few years ago, Google Analytics rather annoyingly stopped reporting the keywords used to find your website. However, if you have a Google My Business profile (more of that in a moment) it will confirm the percentage of people who found your website ‘direct’ that’s to say searched for your business name or address.

When we look at our results, 84.3% of Yardstick’s organic traffic find us this way.

What should you see?

Ideally, you should dominate the homepage for brand searches. Your visitor should see:

• A link to your website
• Website sub pages which Google may decide to display
• Your Google My Business profile (the information shown to the top right of the page)
• Links to the FCA Register
• Social media links
• Links to other online coverage

The most important link is of course to your website.

However, your Google My Business profile is massively important too. Not only does it contain a link to your website, and eye-catching images, it’s also an easy way for a potential client to get your contact details.