Relocating is a big step for any business, regardless of the reason for the move. And updating your business’s online information should not be overlooked.
It’s easy to forget to update your business listings until you’re settled. However, an address change can negatively affect your digital performance. The sooner you make updates, the better.
To help you prepare, we put together this blog with several tips for before and after the relocation!
Let’s first dive into what digital marketing aspects you should focus on before your move:
Tip #1 – Inform Your Customers You’re Moving
Whether you’re moving a couple of blocks, across town or out of the state, it’s important that you let your customers know you’re relocating!
Sending out emails and engaging your followers on social media are two great ways to start spreading the word that your business is moving.
It’s important to include your new address, an open date and if there are any days your business will be closed during the move. Of course, not everyone engages with your business through email or social media, so it’s crucial that you reach people in other ways as well, which brings us to our next tip!
Tip #2 – Update Your Content Marketing Strategy
Moving can be a lot of work. You may feel the need to pause your content marketing strategy, but we encourage you to keep pushing out content!
Whether you post blogs or construction/design updates, this will bring readers to your website so they can learn about your business and stay up to date on the move.
During your relocation, you can focus your content strategy on the services your business offers and explain the benefits that come with choosing your business.
By continuing your content marketing efforts during the transition, you maintain the connection with your audience. That way, you won’t have to start from scratch once you’re in your new location (and remember, marketing all year is essential).
Tip #3 – Search Engine Optimization
Having correct and consistent information about your business online is one of the most important steps of your marketing strategy, especially before you move.
Make sure you claim all your listings on directories like Facebook, Google, Yelp and the Better Business Bureau.
Just because you didn’t create the listing, doesn’t mean there isn’t one for your business. Sometimes listings are automatically created and remain unclaimed without you knowing.
Working with a marketing agency can help you make sure all your listings are claimed and are being monitored (we’ll talk more about this in the next set of tips).
Congrats! You’ve moved to your new business location. Although you may want to get settled and have a grand opening, it’s important that you take the time to update your website, email templates and other marketing materials.
Tip #1 – Update and Verify Your Business Information Online
As soon as you are able to receive mail at your new location is when you should update your address online. It’s likely you’ll need to reverify your listing by sending a postcard to your new address.
To learn about the Google My Business (GMB) verification process, check out step three of our infographic.
After you take the reverification steps, it’s essential to go back in and verify that everything went through correctly (keep in mind that you should be doing this periodically).
If you haven’t updated the business info (address, business hours, etc.) across the web, it’s possible that GMB will revert back to old information.
Tip #2 – Create a New Digital Marketing Strategy
Relocating gives you a great opportunity to update your marketing strategy! Take the time to analyze your current strategy and decide what’s working and what isn’t.
After you’re officially settled and planning a grand opening, consider utilizing paid advertising to reach new consumers.
Keep in mind that you also want to reach customers from your previous location (retaining customers provides more value in the long run compared to only focusing on one-time customers).
Tip #3 – Work With a Digital Marketing Agency
I understand that updating your online presence sounds like a lot of work on top of getting your business physically moved and prepped for customers.
But guess what! You can work with a digital marketing agency that will help you with all your online needs.
You can take care of getting your business moved while your marketing expert updates your listings, creates social media posts and optimizes your online presence before and after the move.
If you aren’t sure what digital marketing agency is right for your business, check out our blog that discusses the pros and cons you should consider.
Although relocating is stressful and time-consuming, it can give your business new opportunities!
Remember to keep your customers informed, make sure your business information is consistent online and that you have a digital marketing strategy in place.
At RevLocal, our team of experts is here to handle all your digital marketing needs! Whether you’re opening a new business, relocating or rebranding, we are here to tackle whatever comes your way.
We have consultants who live and work in your local community who can help you decide what services are best for your business.
At our home office, we have dedicated strategists who will monitor your online presence and help you strategize what type of marketing plans are best based on trends, best practices and data.
Head to our website to learn how we helped several businesses in various industries find success through digital marketing.
If you have any questions or are ready to let us handle your digital marketing needs, click here to get in contact with one of our local consultants.
This post was created in collaboration with RevLocal's Sales Support Specialist, Sierra Hess.
Lauren Snyder, Content Contributor
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