How to Attract More Calls to Your Local Business

Local search ads are particularly effective at driving calls because of their click-to-call functionality when viewed on a mobile device. If a mobile user wants to call your local business, he or she can click the phone icon in the local search ad. On the other hand, desktop users will still see your local business’s phone number, but they won’t be able to click it.

More Calls to Your Local Business via Creating Traditional Search Ads With Call Extensions

In addition to local search ads, you can attract more calls using traditional search ads with call extensions. Google prohibits the use of phone numbers in the ad copy of traditional search ads. However, the good news is that you can still include your local business’s phone number in traditional search ads using call extensions.

Call extensions are similar to local search ads. Both ad formats show a click-to-call button for mobile users and a textphone number for desktop users. The difference is that local search ads are essentially sponsored Google My Business listings, whereas call extensions are used with traditional search ads.

When a prospective customer performs a Google search for one of your selected keywords or a variation thereof, he or she may see your search ad. Assuming you’ve enabled call extensions, the prospective customer will also see your local business’s phone number.

More Calls to Your Local Business via Adding Phone Number to Social Media Profiles

Updating your local business’s social media profiles with your phone number can result in more calls to your local business. Not all consumers use Google to find information about local businesses. Some consumers prefer using social media networks, the most popular being Facebook.

To attract more calls, update your local business’s Facebook Page with your phone number by clicking the “About” tab, followed by the link titled “Enter phone number.” Once saved, prospective customers will see your local business’s phone number when visiting your Facebook Page. In addition to Facebook, consider adding your local business’s phone number to your Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn profiles.

More Calls to Your Local Business via Distributing Business Cards

Contrary to popular belief, business cards are still relevant. According to Adobe, the number of sales a business will generate increases by 1.25 per cent for every 1,000 cards it distributes. If you distribute 9,000 cards, that’s over an 11 per cent increase in sales.

When you encounter a prospective customer, use this opportunity to distribute to one of your business cards. If the prospective customer wants to learn more about your local business, or if he or she is ready to make a purchase, they can reference the business card to find your phone number.

More Calls to Your Local Business via Avoiding Using an Automated Response System

As a local business owner, you might be tempted to use an automated response system so that you don’t have to answer each call manually. After all, talking to dozens of prospective customers can consume a significant chunk of your workday. While using an automated response system will undoubtedly save you time, you’ll experience better results by manually answering and responding to calls.

According to Think With Google, consumers contact businesses via phone rather than other methods because they want to talk to a real person. If a prospective customer encounters an automated response system, he or she probably won’t call back.

More Calls to Your Local Business via Exploring Traditional Advertising Channels

Don’t limit your local business’s marketing strategy to modern advertising channels like Google Ads and social media. When used correctly, traditional advertising channels can be just as effective at attracting calls. Local TV and radio commercials, for example, can yield a high return on investment (ROI) for your local business’s advertising expenditure.

Alternatively, direct mail can help you reach more prospective customers and drive more calls to your local business. Available to purchase from the USPS, as well as private companies, it allows you to target households in specific locations. Regardless of which advertising channels you use, remember to use narrow targeting. In other words, only consumers who are likely to purchase your local business’s products or services should see your ads.

For over a century, local businesses in all industries have relied on calls from prospective customers to sell their products or services. Even with the advent of the internet in the late 20th century, countless local businesses still recognize the importance of calls. Each call offers a new opportunity for local businesses to nurture a prospective customer into a paying customer.

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