Title: World Stage, Local Advantage — Week 3: Be Easy to Find (and Easy to Choose)

If summer 2026 brings even a small bump in visitors — or locals hosting guests — the businesses that win won’t be the fanciest… they’ll be the easiest to find and easiest to choose.

This week’s focus is your online front door: what shows up when someone searches “coffee near me,” “BBQ,” “auto repair,” “boutique,” or “things to do” while they’re in (or passing through) our region.

This week’s goal (simple + high-impact)

Get your business “search-ready” in 30 minutes.

A) The 3 things people check before they decide

1. Hours (Are you open right now?)
2. Photos (Does this look legit / clean / inviting?)
3. Reviews (Can I trust this place?)

If any of those are missing, outdated, or confusing — customers move on fast.

B) Your Week 3 checklist (do this now)

1) Google Business Profile (must-do)

• Confirm address + phone + website
• Update hours (and add holiday/special hours if needed)
• Choose the right primary category (this affects search results)
• Add 3 new photos (exterior + interior + best-seller/service)

Pro tip: Add a photo that helps a first-timer feel confident: storefront from the street + where to park/enter.

2) “Visitor-proof” your info

Make it stupid-easy for a new customer to understand you in 10 seconds:

• What do you offer?
• Where do I go / how does it work?
• What should I order / ask for?
• Any key policies (appointment required, walk-ins welcome, delivery options)

Easy win: Add one short FAQ section to your website or pinned post:

• “First time here?” / “How it works” / “What to expect”

3) Reviews: ask the right way (and respond)

• Ask 3 happy customers this week:
  “Would you be willing to leave a quick Google review? It helps a lot.”
• Respond to new reviews with warmth + specifics
  (“Thanks for mentioning our brisket!” / “We’re glad the repair was fast.”)

C) Don’t accidentally get yourself in trouble (quick compliance reminder)

As you promote your business this season, keep it generic and community-focused:

• Use phrases like “summer soccer,” “global tournament,” “welcome the world,” “beautiful game”
• Avoid official tournament marks, logos, team logos, and official schedules in your marketing materials

Local spotlight: Save the date (Kearney)

A public watch party is planned for Friday, June 19 at Jesse James Park — part of the broader Go North KC series. We’ll share participation opportunities for businesses as details are finalized.

This week’s one action (do it today)

Search your business name on Google like you’ve never heard of it.
Then fix the first three things that look outdated, confusing, or missing.

Next week: Hospitality + customer experience (Midwest welcome, but make it efficient).