Key Takeaways:
Understand the importance of quarterly digital reviews to your small business’s vitality.
Learn the basics of evaluating your business’s digital footprint to make sure that you’re ranking where and how you want.
The digital world is a marathon, not a sprint. As a small business owner, staying ahead requires consistent effort. A quarterly digital checkup is like a runner’s check-in with their coach, ensuring you’re pacing yourself effectively, staying healthy online, and on track to cross the finish line strong.
Not sure where to start? Let’s break down the key areas that can have a major impact on your business.
Your Local Footprint – Are You Showing Up Where It Counts?
Your business’s local footprint has to do with how easily customers nearby can find your business on maps. Many businesses assume that being listed on Google Business is enough. But different smartphones and navigation apps pull from different data sources. You need to make sure your business appears (accurately!) across: Google Business, Bing Business, Apple Maps, and Waze.
Claim & Update Your Listings
Pull up each of these platforms on your phone and search for your business. If you’re not listed, claim your profile. If you are, check for accuracy—especially your business hours, service areas, and product or service listings.
Leverage Your Listing Data
Each platform tracks different insights. Google Business tracks directions, calls, website clicks, messages, bookings. Bing Business, on the other hand, tracks things like views, clicks, and calls.
Check these analytics to learn where your customers come from and which platforms they prefer. You can then use these insights to refine your content and marketing strategy.
“Your business’s online presence isn’t just limited to maps. It extends to high-traffic directories and review sites that you may not even know are listing your business.”
– Technology Therapy® Group
Beyond Maps: The External Forces Shaping Your Digital Footprint
Your business’s online presence isn’t just limited to maps. It extends to high-traffic directories and review sites that you may not even know are listing your business.
It’s important to review online directories.Platforms like Yelp, Nextdoor, and industry-specific directories often pull business information automatically. If your details are outdated or incorrect, it could cost you potential customers. Do a quick Google search of your full business name to see where your business is listed. Use tools like Moz Local and *BrightLocal to check and manage these listings, ensuring that your phone number, address, and business details are accurate everywhere.
Search & Local Discovery – Are You Ranking?
Feeling clueless about how your website is performing in search? We recommend usingGoogle Search Console (or Bing Webmasters if your audience skews older) to track your website’s performance and troubleshoot ranking issues.
Remember, a strong local footprint is only valuable if your customers can find you in search. And they are searching. For every 60 seconds, there are 5.9 million Google searches, according to recent data from Statista. Per Bright Local, Google still ranks as the most trusted platform for obtaining information about local businesses. Here are a few tips to improve your search visibility:
You Need a Website
If your business isn’t searchable online, you’re missing out on potential customers. A website is a must.
Content Drives Traffic
Regularly add blog posts, FAQs, and updated product pages to help search engines recognize your business as an authority.
Technical SEO Matters
Google prioritizes fast, mobile-friendly websites. (So, make sure that yours falls into this category!)
We recommend usingGoogle Search Console (or Bing Webmasters if your audience skews older) to track your website’s performance and troubleshoot ranking issues.
Your Website – More Than Just a Digital Business Card
Your website is more than a collection of static page. It’s an active sales tool for your business! Here are three ways to keep it working for you:
1. Ensure That You Own Your Domain
Use a “Who Is” search (could be through GoDaddy) to confirm that your business owns its website domain. This prevents issues if you ever switch developers or hosting providers.
2. Check Your Domain Authority
Moz offers a free domain SEO analysis tool to check your domain authority, top-ranking keywords, and which pages perform best. A higher domain authority means Google sees your website as a trustworthy source.
3. Is Your Site Indexed Properly?
Want to know what Google is actually indexing from your site? Type “site:yourwebsite.com” into Google’s search bar. This lets you see what’s being indexed and if any new content is missing from search results.
Site Performance – Speed & Analytics Matter
A slow website drives customers away. Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights (https://pagespeed.web.dev/) to check your mobile and desktop site speeds.
Every website also tracks data, but it’s only useful if you’re looking at it in the right context. Google Analytics or Microsoft Clarity show where visitors come from and what pages they engage with the most. For local businesses, turn on “users by region” filters to see if you’re reaching the right audience.
“If you have an abandoned social media platform, check and see if you have the login to get onto that platform. You don’t want someone else to use your handle and pretend to be you.”
– Jennifer Shaheen, President and Founder, Technology Therapy® Group
Social Media – Are You Using It Effectively?
Take Inventory of Your business’s Social Presence. Ask yourself the following questions as you do your social media review:
- Which platforms are you most active on?
- Have you abandoned any accounts?
- Do you have full login access to all platforms?
- Is 2-step verification enabled for security?
If you have an abandoned social media platform, check and see if you have the login to get onto that platform. You don’t want someone else to use your handle and pretend to be you. Also, if you’re no longer active on certain platforms, consider noting on your website where customers can best connect with you.
Update Your Business Information
Each social platform offers different tools for businesses. Double-check that your business details (hours, address, contact info) are accurate and that you’re using available business features — like Meta Business Manager’s user access controls.
“46% of Gen Z preferred social search rather than traditional search engines like Google.”
– Statista, 2024
Use Social Insights to Guide Your Strategy
Each social platform provides valuable data. Regularly review engagement metrics, audience demographics, and post performance to understand what content resonates most with your customers.
Don’t forget that your socials, not just your website, play a huge role in how shoppers discover your brand. According to a recent survey from Statista, 25% of U.S. adults prefer social media as their primary choice for online search compared to search engines. And 46% of Gen Z preferred social search rather than traditional search engines like Google. So, prioritize reviewing your social strategy as much as your web strategy during your quarterly review sessions.
Final Thoughts: Keep Pacing Yourself for Digital Success
Think of your digital presence as a marathon, not a sprint. It’s an extension of your business that requires consistent effort and strategic check-ins for long-term success. Quarterly digital reviews offer a vital edge. They enable you to anticipate and resolve problems, while also sharpening your marketing approach. The goal? A sustainable digital presence that carries you across the finish line strong.
Need a Guide for Your Marathon “Check-Ins”?
Connect with a TTG pro! We’ll be happy to audit your website and/or socials to see where your digital footprint could be improved.
*DISCLAIMER: Links included in this article might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide, TTG may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
