#Japan #Tokyo #Google Maps #Local Businesses #MEO

The New Normal for Attracting Customers: MEO Strategies

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer behavior has undergone a significant transformation. People have developed new habits, frequently searching for phrases like "nearby stores," "business hours," and "takeout options" before heading out. The use of Google Maps has surged during this time, with studies indicating that approximately 73% of users who conduct map searches actually visit the businesses they find. This shift highlights how critical it has become for local businesses to optimize their online presence, particularly in terms of providing up-to-date information about hours of operation and any temporary closures.

The Expanding MEO Market

Given these changes, the market for Map Engine Optimization (MEO) is experiencing rapid growth. The numbers reflect this trend:

• - 2020: Approx. 8 billion yen
• - 2023: Approx. 19 billion yen (over twice the size)
• - 2028 (Forecast): More than 30 billion yen

Many sectors, including food service, beauty, healthcare, retail, and real estate, are increasingly adopting MEO as a digital strategy essential for effective store management.

The Impact of MEO Supported by Statistics

MEO often brings quicker results compared to traditional Search Engine Optimization (SEO), making it invaluable for local businesses. Here are some compelling stats:

• - 85% of users who find a business via Google Maps take action, whether that’s visiting or calling.
• - Businesses with rich photo content see a 42% increase in route searches and a 35% increase in website clicks compared to those without photos.
• - Approximately 70% of businesses implementing MEO have reported increases in customer visits and sales.

Clearly, MEO is tightly linked to attracting new customers, increasing revenue, and generating positive reviews.

The Distinction Between SEO and MEO

While SEO focuses on elevating the overall visibility of a website, MEO targets local search specifically. To illustrate:

• - SEO: Effective for broad information dissemination and attracting wide audiences.
• - MEO: Excels in capturing users looking for “now” and “nearby” solutions.

With mobile searches becoming the norm, a business's position on the map can dramatically affect customer visits. Thus, utilizing both SEO and MEO complementarily is the key to maximizing customer engagement.

Success Stories from Local Salons Utilizing MEO

A prime example of MEO's transformative effects can be seen in a local grooming salon that has been serving the community for five years. Though originally well-loved, customer acquisition dropped to 1-2 new clients per month following their relocation in January. Upon implementing a reliable MEO strategy, the results were remarkable:

• - New customer influx increased by five times (from 1-2 to about 10 per month)
• - Revenue grew to 1.5 times compared to the months immediately after the move
• - Google Maps views jumped by 79% (from 359 to 949 views)

The salon maintained a stellar rating of 4.9, with an increase in visitations prompted by positive reviews.

Furthermore, the impact extended beyond just customer numbers and sales. The positive reviews boosted their reputation, especially for clients with senior pets needing specialized care. This reputation led to expanded clientele, reaching beyond the local area.

The Broader Implications of MEO

This salon's accomplishments are not isolated occurrences. They reflect a broader pattern seen among various businesses such as restaurants, beauty salons, and clinics. This cycle includes:

• - Positive word-of-mouth leads to increased visibility.
• - High reviews boost trust on digital maps.
• - Expanded market reach results from enhanced reputation.

Additionally, increased views on Google Maps contribute to strengthening one’s brand online, attracting repeat customers, and creating a desire for new patrons to visit even from distant locations.

The Necessity of MEO in the Post-Pandemic Era

In a post-COVID world, engaging customers without considering map searches is increasingly untenable. MEO is no longer an optional strategy; it has become essential for driving customer visits. As demonstrated in the success stories, the right blend of well-executed MEO strategies and effective support can yield substantial growth in sales and customer numbers within a remarkably short period.

Invitation for Partnership

Assist is looking for sales partners (agents) to help us propagate MEO strategies that are necessary for thriving in the new era of business visibility. As Google Maps searches become ingrained in everyday life, this effective customer acquisition tool is now more vital than ever. We encourage agents with a commitment to delivering tangible results to join us.

Three Reasons Why Assist's MEO Stands Out

1. Result-Oriented Design: Our approach extends beyond mere visibility optimization; we strengthen reviews, manage photo strategies, and analyze search keywords comprehensively. Our systems allow us to clearly explain to customers why they achieve results.
2. Competitive Edge: We possess unique performance data unavailable to competitors, enabling us to visualize improvements post-implementation, lending credibility in a competitive market.
3. Building Sustainable Revenue: MEO typically operates under a monthly contract, ensuring stability and predictability in revenue as long-term contracts continue.

Now is the Time for Entry

With advertising costs elevating and competition for social media exposure intensifying, the demand for MEO strategies that integrate low-cost and high-impact solutions has surged. Already, partners across various sectors (food service, beauty, healthcare, etc.) are witnessing substantial growth in new revenues.

For further information, please feel free to contact us or request materials here: Assist Contact

About Assist Corporation

Company Name: Assist Corporation
Address: 3-11-13 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 102-0072
Phone: +81 3-6866-7521
Contact: Assist Inquiry
Press Contact: Shiozaki (Press Release Section)

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