one supremely simple way to get Google love

Anyone who knows me is aware that I’m a huge fan of my local Chamber of Commerce and VCB: Vistor and Convention Bureau . . . VCB or CVB  — whichever way you prefer. Here’s why.

My job is to help small businesses prosper.  I’ve spent a lot of time learning Google’s mysterious ways — and have even visited the Google offices to get the real story on How Google Works.

There’s probably no better way to give your business a boost in customer acquisition and retention than by joining your local Chamber. Let me say that again without the 4-syllable words: Join the Chamber  to get new customers and keep the current ones.

Here’s the kick-all reason you should join the Chamber:

Links! That big popularity contest in the sky

Your local Chamber or VCB  lists all members on its website. Your business listing contains a link to your website, which is dynamite in helping your site rank better on Google searches. Google has hundreds of criteria for determining who’s first on the search results page. One of the primary criteria is the number of links coming into your site. It’s a popularity contest.

But wait. There’s more. It’s not necessarily the number of links coming into your site….it’s the quality of those links.  Chambers typically have tons of visitors and excellent, relevant information on their sites. So, a link coming from this big, bold, active site is a vote of confidence for your business website. Google loves it, so they’ll give you a better rank in searches.

Of course if you own a small business, there are plenty of  other compelling reasons to join the Chamber, CVB, VCB or other local business group.

But for one supremely simple way to get Google love? Join the Chamber and/or VCB in your town.

PS. If you’re already a Chamber member, be sure your listing on their site is up-to-date!