How People (and AI) Decide Which Local Business to Call | San Jacinto College SBDC

Most local businesses aren't losing customers to better marketing; they're losing them in the few minutes someone spends deciding which business to call, visit, or drive to.

This session covers how people actually search for local businesses today using Google, Google Maps, and increasingly, AI-generated answers. You'll learn what makes Google and AI recommend your business over the one next door, why your business can be open for years and still be hard to find, how newcomers and long-time residents search in different ways, and why customer reviews may be doing more work than you realize.

Everything covered is something you can do yourself, using free tools and without a marketing budget.

Highlights:

• Understand how customers find and compare local businesses across Google Search, Google Maps, and AI answers
• Fix your Google Business Profile and website details that determine whether you show up at all
• Learn why being open for years doesn't make you easy to find
• Use customer reviews to build credibility and improve visibility
• Spot the common issues quietly costing you calls and walk-ins
• Leave with a 15-minute self-audit and a 30-day plan you can run yourself

This session is intended for small businesses seeking to enhance their online discoverability and digital presence.

Speaker:

       Wendell Jordan, SEO Specialist, Jordan Marketing Consultants

Special Instructions:

Refreshments will be provided.

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It is imperative to add centeric@ic.sbdc.uhbauer.org to your approved senders' list to be able to receive event confirmations and links.

Please Note:

• Each person attending an event must have their own account. Multiple people may not register under one account.
• The SBDC reserves the right to cancel a class for insufficient enrollment, weather emergencies, and other unforeseen circumstances. Should a cancellation occur, we will use the email you provided to contact you.
• Preregistration is highly recommended. If an event is canceled or postponed and you have not preregistered, we will not be able to contact you.
• If you choose to register at the door, you will need your mobile device to complete your registration otherwise you will not be allowed to attend.
• Satisfactory meeting room temperatures are difficult to maintain. Always bring a sweater or jacket to ensure comfort.
• No children under the age of 16 are allowed in the workshop.
• Only service animals allowed - If you need to bring a service animal with you to a workshop please contact us ahead of time.
• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the San Jacinto College SBDC at (281) 485-5214 for accommodations, or if you have questions about this class.