allerlayAlso, I do not know many people yet here in the USA where I live, whom I could simply ask for tips and recommendations. But what replaces friends and acquaintances nowadays if you are looking for a new business, a service provider or a purchase recommendation for a product? Exactly! We ask Google, Yelp or Facebook.
Local reviews on Google
I can’t find anything on Yelp, which doesn’t surprise me. After all, we don’t even have Uber or Lyft here. You could almost say that we live a little rural here. It looks better on Google. Google lists ten hairdressers in Danville and one is even within walking distance. Seven reviews on Google, only 5-star ratings. Gloss Beauty Bar. I’ve often walked past it, but I was never really sure whether the Beauty Bar is a hairdresser’s or a nail salon.
I visit their website. This is a website created with Google Business Site. The information on it is poor, but I’m interested in the pictures anyway. And these tell me in this case actually more than the words. I use the “Get Quote” button. But since it’s the weekend, I assume I won’t hear anything so quickly.
Chat instead of phone
On Monday morning the owner writes me an e-mail and apologizes for the delayed reply. She tells me that they are already booked out on Tuesday and asks me about my other options this week. There is no answer to my answer. Bummer.
I therefore call, but only get to hear the answering machine. On to Facebook, I think to myself. Here I find an actively maintained page. And even more pictures! I use Facebook messenger and can actually make an appointment for Friday lunchtime.
Google’s assistant is part of the team
My visit to the hairdresser then continues digitally: As soon as I enter the salon, I notice a chalkboard that draws attention to the team’s social media profiles. On the mirror, I find the Instagram name of my hairstylist Kate. She then asks me if she can take before/after photos for social media. And already at this moment I know that I feel comfortable and will be satisfied with the result. Because she speaks my digital language. Gadgets and digital solutions naturally have their place here. Kate and her colleague Jen have their hands full, but want different music? – No problem. They simply use Google’s language assistant to change the music channel. And at the end of my visit, I enter my PIN on an iPad. It’s made possible by a little thing called Square Reader, which I find here in many small shops and restaurants, by the way.
How can local companies use social media?
What does that mean for you if you have a local business? Make sure they find you. Show your skills. I would be happy to tell you more about how you can use social media for your local business in initial consultation.