How can I get the most out of Google My Business?
You’ve heard about Google My Business (GMB), and even seen some GMB listings when you were searching for a business or organization. But what is it really? Could it help your business?
Google My Business is a free tool that helps businesses and organizations manage their online presence on Google, including Maps and Search. This easy-to-use tool helps you tell your businesses story, allowing customers to find you more easily. Having a GMB account is the only way in which you can claim ownership of your Business Profile, attain management rights to it, and unlock additional free features to increase your businesses visibility on Google.
It Seems Kind of Redundant – I Already Have a Contact Page
What more could you need? Your address, phone number and emails are all listed on your site, what more could you need out of a Google listing?
Turns out – a lot.
If you’ve ever Googled your competition and seen that their businesses looked really professional with all their information listed in a neat, concise manner the answer is Google My Business.
What Can I Do with GMB?
There are three main ways in which Google My Business can help Expand Your Presence.
Manage and Maintain Accurate Information About Your Business
When users search for your business or the products and services you offer, Google My Business helps you manage that information so potential customers can find information like your hours, phone number, website, and location. When you keep GMB up-to- date and accurate, you are showing your customers and potential customers the most accurate information about your business. Using the mobile app allows you to stay up to date with your online presence as well.
GMB Helps You Interact with Clients and Potential Clients
With GMB, all your Google account information is in one location, making it easier for you to offer specials, announce events, post photos, and interact with people that have left a review. Businesses that add photos to their Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that do not.
Track Your Results with GMB and Expand Your Presence
When you set up your Specials and Events using location-based ads with Smart Campaigns with GMB, you get insights on which specials worked better than others and what events are more successful than others by creating and tracking the performances of Smart campaigns. This helps you set up more successful specials and events in the future which increases your presence. You can also track how many people call your business directly from the phone number displayed on local search results in Search and Maps.
Will Google My Business Help My Storefront or Service-Area Business?
Your business may be a great fit for GMB, which was built for businesses that make in-person contact with customers during specific hours. It’s not for exclusively online businesses, or homes for rent or sale. However, there’s help for those types of businesses as well. Learn more about Google My Business Eligibility.
For larger businesses, GMB offers tools for managing lots of locations. Learn more about bulk location management.
How Do I Get Started?
No matter what other types of marketing you do for your business, Google My Business will fit in seamlessly and offer more accurate information to your existing and potential customers. If you’re ready to get started, then the first step is to Find and Manage Your Business. If you want to find out more about GMB, give us a call to learn how we can help.