5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Google My Business Listing
If you’re looking to take your local business to the next level, Google My Business can be your secret weapon. It’s a free service that allows you to connect with potential customers and share your business information with potential clients. The more information you include about your company, the more likely people will be able to find you.
With a Google My Business listing, you are more likely to show up in various search results (search, maps, etc) when someone searches for businesses like yours. You can enhance your search performance by keeping your business information accurate and up-to-date. Here are 5 ways to get the most out of Google My Business.
1. Complete information
Local search results reward relevancy. The more information you enter about your business, the easier it is for Google to match your business to search terms. Businesses with complete and accurate information are easier to match with the right searches.
2. Verify each location
Google goes requires that each physical location is verified. This helps ensure that search results are accurate and relevant and protects the integrity of Google’s database by avoiding falsified information. The most common method of verification involves Google sending a postcard with a unique code to the address of each location. Once you enter the code on the postcard, the business is verified. Be sure to go through the steps necessary to verify each of our business locations so that each location will show up in relevant local searches.
3. Keep hours up-to-date
Update your business hours regularly, including when you open and close, and special hours for holidays and events. Nobody wants to make a trip for nothing, so displaying accurate hours gives your patrons confidence that you’ll be open when they arrive.
4. Stay on top of reviews
Promptly responding to all reviews is a signal to Google that you are actively managing your Google My Business listing and your business is, likewise, active. High quality, positive reviews about your business increase the likelihood that customers will visit your business. Likewise, they way you respond to any negative reviews can give customers confidence that they will have a good experience.
5. Use lots of photos
When consumers are searching online, photos of your facility, your products, your staff and customers can create an emotional connection to your business and increase the likelihood of visits. Include a mix of photos and update them regularly. As with staying on top of reviews, this signals that your business is active. You can also post specials, offers, new products and other news items with photos to keep customers up-to-date.
Google My Business is a central part of any online strategy. If you don’t have a listing yet, create one now. Combined with a high performing website, your Google My Business listing creates an online nexus for search and customer engagement.
Featured photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
