A monthly newsletter from the
Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce December 2016
Get Your Business on Google! Google is no longer just a search engine, it’s a business strategy; or it should be. During a recent workshop, the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce demonstrated a variety of social media platforms, with a focus on Google My Business. We are strongly encouraging all local businesses to claim their Google My Business space. If you Google search your business name and the text to the right of the page says “claim this business” that means you have not yet claimed your Google search space. It is absolutely free and in order to make sure your business information is accurate in a Google search, you must claim that space. Click the link that says “claim this business” and follow the directions. Why is this important? For about 2-trillion reasons! That’s how many Google searches are done annually. Over 100-billion Google searches occur each month, and the Google market share for US searches is 75%, depending on which study you look at. In addition, more than half of all Google searches are done on mobile devices. Google is how your business gets found online. If your business is a member of the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, we are already helping to boost your Google search. Google mapping is embedded in the Chamber’s online business directory listings, so anyone searching for your business on our site can already easily find your location. In addition, each Chamber membership provides an extra “hit” in online searches, since the business name is embedded in that search. That gives Chamber members a boost in search engine optimization. The Chamber’s website is also mobile friendly, so it’s easy to search for local businesses directly from your phone. Once you have claimed your Google search space (again, it’s free!) you’ll be able to note your business hours, add photos to help attract searchers to your business, and keep your information easily updated online. You don’t have to babysit your Google presence constantly, but you should check it periodically to find out if comments have been left about your business. In an area such as Chautauqua County where tourism is big business, you’ll want to be sure that your store or restaurant or other service industry is easily located. Getting on Google will ensure that you are appropriately represented and that customers can easily find you. Even if you already have other social media feeds such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, we strongly recommend a Google presence. Hundreds, if not millions, of potential customers await you.
Calendar of Chamber and Chamber Member Events
NOTICE The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting which was canceled on 12/9 has been rescheduled for Friday, January 20, at noon at Shorewood Country Club. If you were previously registered, please call us to reconfirm your attendance. Thank you.
12/13 - Fredonia Chamber Mixer, 57pm, The Brick Room 12/14 - 7:30pm, Jamestown Concert Association presents the Western New York Chamber Orchestra Poinsettia Pops, Reg Lenna Civic Center 12/15 - 4:30pm, Northern Chautauqua Young Professional and Entrepreneur Holiday Networking, Merritt Estate Winery 12/15 & 16 - 7pm, Christmas in OUr Hometown, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 12/17 - 7:30pm, Wits'n Giggles Stand-Up Comedy at Northwest Arena 1/7 - Live from the Met, Nabuco, 1891 Fredonia Opera House 1/14 - Grapes & Hops Festival, Northwest Arena 1/21 - Doors Open Jamestown, a FREE day at local attractions and museums, 10am-4:30pm For a year-round list of festivals and events, check the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau Calendar
For a complete list of courses through JCC Continuing Ed in Jamestown and Dunkirk, check the online course catalog