Absolutely. Without giving away the secret sauce, let's just say that whatever "local" means for you, we're confident that after we speak with you, we'll be able to do just as much for you as we would for a Lafayette, Indiana business. Local search is in large part formulaic; it's just a matter of asking the right questions to find the right variables to make it equal "found." We have the experience and knowledge necessary to do just that.

Short answer: Maybe.

Long answer: Both Google and Yelp have processes in place to handle false or malicious reviews. Yelp's is an automatic filter, while Google only responds to user-generated reports of inappropriate content. However, it can be very difficult for a third party not familiar with your business to tell whether a review is fake or real. Both sites have their own guidelines for determining what reviews are appropriate and what are not; however, if you ever come across a review that you feel is fake or which is deliberately malicious, always report it.

More information on removing Google Places reviews

More information on removing Yelp reviews

A keyword is any word or phrase that customers might use in a search engine to find your business, products, or services. We ask about them because you have insight into your customers and industry that we do not. Once we talk about possible keywords, our writers have a better idea of how to optimize your listings.

You will be listed under the business address you give us; this will enable your business to be found in your own local area.

We can add other localities to your keywords if you wish, and try to optimize for area outside of your locality. Please note, however, that it takes considerable time and often extra measures to get a business listed in a geographical area in which it is not physically present.

Google Places allows for a wide variety of information in different formats. You can include your business logo and up to 9 other photos, as well as up to 5 videos. Basic contact information is also included, as well as hours of operation. You may also include frequently asked questions, lists of products and services - really, just about anything you can think of relating to your business!

You also have the option of not including any of the above information. Keep in mind, though, that a more complete business listing tends to be ranked higher by Google

Negative reviews can damage your ranking - and more importantly, they can damage your business. It can be hard for business owners to deal with negative reviews: it's your business and it means the world to you, and it's all too easy to fire off a snappy response to the complainant to defend yourself.

That's why Find8 offers a reputation management service. We encourage you to call us before handling a nasty review or a dissatisfied customer. We have trained experts who can craft a response and try to repair the damage. Often, a negative review can turn into a positive one if the complaint is handled in the proper manner, which leaves an even better impression on future customers!

That depends. If you created your Google Places listing, or if you have owner-verified it, that's fantastic! We can optimize it for you. If you have a Google Places listing that you did not create, and which is not owner verified, that's fine too - but call us quick because that type of listing is at high risk for hacking.

In the event that your business is listed in Google Places, and has been owner verified, but not by you, beware! Check the information. If it's wrong, your business may already have been hijacked. If that's the case, give us a call and we'll try to help you rectify the situation.

Possibly - but it's not likely. The services offered in the bundle work with each other to generate the traction you need to get found in search engines. By purchasing only one, you are getting only a small fraction of your full potential for getting found.

That depends primarily on two things: your competition, and Google itself. If your competitor launches an effective SEO campaign of their own, this could dislodge you. It is also possible that Google will change the formula it uses to determine rankings. These things are outside of our control; there are steps you can take to be prepared, like keeping your business listings updated and watching out for any of the aforementioned changes, but ultimately there are no guarantees.

Yes! However, there may be a small service charge: changing your business' phone number or address can cause the sites on which you are listed to re-validate.

The effectiveness of customer reviews is not dependent solely on number. Factors such as the quality of the review, recency of the review, and frequency of reviews all contribute to the effectiveness of reviews in boosting your business. It is better to have one or two good reviews a month, every month, than to have ten reviews at once and then nothing for several months.

That depends. For a major push - getting you listed in hundreds of sites and mobile services - the listing can take 60 to 90 days to appear. For Google Places, though, it will appear within days of validation, though it may take a few weeks to gain traction.

While our methods have very high, proven success rates, because of outside factors, such as established competitor presence or starting point of your business in results pages, we can not guarantee that your site or business will be the first listing to appear for any search. In addition, we have no control over Google's "formula" for determining business ranking; it can change often, but we do guarantee that we will always be knowledgeable in the changes and that our strategy will change to reflect them. 

Overall, there are too many factors outside of our control and no reputable SEO consultant would make such a claim. However, it is very likely that we can improve your ranking.

No. Businesses that do not have a website can still appear in searches if they have business listings. Often, a business listing does link to a website, but this is not a requirement. All you need is a phone number!

That being said, it can be beneficial to have a website customers can visit to find out more information about your business. In many industries, most customers will check a website before calling a business - they find the website through the local business listing. A website can be beneficial, so if you'd like to know more, or just talk about whether or not a website is right for your business, contact Find8. We'll give you an honest, expert opinion.