Let’s face it. Google has its hands on every aspect of the digital marketing and advertising landscape. If you are wondering what Google My Business is and how to utilize it for our own business success, you’ve come to the right place.
There may already be plenty of resources online about what this Google product is. However, it wouldn’t hurt to add our own explanation, so more people can better understand what it is.
What Is Google My Business?
Formerly known as Google Places and Google Local, GMB is a business listing resource on Google. However, unlike other online directories like Yelp, Google My Business is an essential component in local SEO.
It’s a free program that business owners can take advantage of. The goal of it is to provide Google users with the information they need. In turn, Google will need to vet your listing as a reputable source of information for their own users.
If it is, you can place high on Google search results.
If you are a local business owner and you haven’t set up your GMB listing yet, it’s vital that you do so as soon as you can.
As you do so, remember to keep the information you list about your business well detailed. Google will incorporate the information – or no information – you register into different important online avenues with increased web visibility.
The standard details about your company, such as your business name, contact number, hours, and address, are fundamental. However, don’t disregard the other information when setting up your GMB listing.
Pay special attention to these features of Google My Business when setting up your listing.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Up to 97% of consumers turn to reviews and feedbacks as they formulate their buying decision. Google recognizes this trend, so they place a significant emphasis on a business listing’s customer reviews.
Aside from the overall rating of the reviews you get, Google also looks at how many reviews you have and how recent they are. Encourage your previous or current customers to leave you a review.
Ensure that you let your staff know how important it is to request feedback immediately after a positive dealing with a customer.
It’s also essential that you respond to these reviews – whether positive or negative. If you are worried about getting bad reviews – don’t.
Numerous studies have shown that customers don’t particularly trust a perfect rating on any review platform.
They view a perfect rating as unrealistic and misleading, which will make them unlikely to give their business to companies with a perfect review rating. The important thing for consumers is your responsiveness and quality of customer service – which they can deduce by how you respond to Google reviews.
Post Photos
We are naturally visual creatures. We tend to gravitate towards captivating and engaging imagery. When it comes to your GMB listing, posting pictures attract engagement, which can then impact your SERP rating.
You can represent your company, services, and products by posting pictures in your profile. Of course, it’s always going to be quality over quantity. The sweet spot is uploading photographs at least once a week.
And it’s not as simple publishing pictures. Make sure that every photo you put up has a purpose.
Google My Business: Key Takeaway
Google established GMB is an opportunity for local business owners to connect with potential and existing customers. As you set up your GMB profile, remember to be as detailed as possible. Also, make sure that your information is always up-to-date.
For instance, if you’ve recently changed your business hours or phone numbers, make sure that these updates are always reflected in your profile.