There is a high reliance on the internet and Google to find products and services by consumers. The aspect has enabled Google My Business to become an essential tool for business looking to grow their visibility on the internet.
Ready along learn how to use Google my business!
What is google my business, and why should every company use it?
What is Google My Business?
GMB is a listing- known as Business Profile, which business creates to gain more visibility and win more consumers. The business owner must realize that the Business Profile doesn’t offer management over it. You must implement management and editing capabilities in the right way for the Business Profile to work for as an effective SEO and lead generation tool.
For starters, learn what GMB is before investing time in trying it out!
It’s a listing for businesses on Google. A consumer researches related terms to your business on Google—or searches your business- you want any searcher to access all the information they need to visit, make a purchase or even contact your business.
How do you accomplish that?
How to use Google My Business? GMB lets you create a business listing and also manage how your company appears on the search engine. Google My Business features freedom to manage your business appearance, by offering business a lot of perks. Besides creating a free Business Profile on Google listing, you must create a free Google My Business account for the profile.
As a result, GMB makes it easy to:
- Interact and encourage reviewers
- Make available important information about your business (working hours, contact information, location and more).
- Easy for your client to find directions to your location
- Promote company events and news
- Add photos of your business
For businesses and customers, GMB is an invaluable resource. Find out how to set up Google my business in the net section.
How to set up Google My Business?
How do you create a business profile? Follow the quick steps below for creating and managing Google My Business account:
Step 1
Sign upfor an account profile, create one here sign-upand creating your profile which is the same case for a brand new business.
Step 2
Key-in business information. To Log-in or sign-up in your Google My Business account, you must add your key business information.
These include:
- Name (must be unique)
- Address ( location and direction)
- Contact information (phone number)
- Working Hours (when open)
- Industry
Google My Business lets you add pictures of your business, which attract users to visit and check-in. For example, if you operate a gym and fitness center, you can add photos of your most popular workout equipment. Or for a restaurant, you can use pictures of your most popular dishes. The information helps clients connect with your business.
Step 3 Verify your account.
Like with a Gmail account, Google must verify your account. Verification is the second step in creating a Google My Business listing.
Review all the business information to make sure everything is accurate. If you’re ready to verify yourself as the owner of the business, it’s a crucial aspect when signing up for Google My Business.
Verification is done by mail, phone, email, or Google Search Console. Already confirmed your business in Google Search Console? Use this option for verifying GMB as it’s fast.
For verification via mail, phone, or email, you will receive a verification code from Google. Google sends the code through your phone or email. Enter the code in Google My Business to confirm your account. You can also opt to verify via mail, postcard. Google will send a verification code via mail and postcard that should arrive in 14 days.
Step 4 Keep the business account updated.
Soon you claim or create a Google My Business account, have a team ready or digital marketing agency to update the listing often, and continue to optimize. Any time you change an aspect of your business, such as working hours, location, specialties, update the GMB to the right way. Keep the listing live by posting new product and services photos often.
Clients leave reviews about your business on the listing. Review management is important to maintain a good Google business profile. Consult with a dedicated team of digital marketers to check-in daily, and respond to user questions and reviews.
No matter how positive or negative the reviews are, interact with commenters, as this helps current future customers.
How to optimize Google My Business?
Google dominates search engines.
A recent study by Net MarketShare, about 40 recent of all searches happen on Google. It registers over 3.5 billion searches each day.
Google search result decreases on page two. Your customers will likely find what they need from the top Google search engine.
Your business must appear on the first page of Google, attained by proper optimization of the GMB page. Also, it will help you rank in Google Pack 3. The 1st three results of Google My Business.
That’s why Google My Business is so important.
No matter the size of your business, the Google My Business page will benefit your company. It provides the resources needed to maximize business visibility on Google search.
The option drives in leads and drives more traffic to your physical business front.
Note it’s a list of businesses’ operating information, reviews, posts, photos and so much more.
Learn how to optimize Google my business below!
Steps to optimize GMB and make more money for your business.
Ensure your information is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
Update the core business information, which includes:
- Name
- Address
- Phone Number
- Website
- Description
- Category
- Attributes
The business information is indexed by Google search, maps and Google+ creating a foundation for local SEO. Google My Business information should be consistent with what listed on your website. It should be exact, as inconsistencies will affect your search ranking.
Ask for reviews
Respond to review whether positive or negative. Google reviews are the lifeblood of GMB and local search.
Google reviews= sales.
More excellent reviews= more sales.
Negative reviews present an opportunity. Customers like a second option that’s why over 90 presents read reviews before engaging your business.
Add Google My Business messages
If customers can’t find something on your listing or websites how’ll they contact you? Note most customers don’t want to call, clear in a study that found 90% business leads would rather receive a text message than a phone call.
Leverage mobile messaging as part of your marketing strategy. It increases customer engagement and boosts lead conversion.
A study shows direct SMS messaging has a higher conversion rate than mobile advertising.
Add posts to share business updates
Manage user-generated content on your GMB listing; now focus on the content you create. How do you leverage Google post for optimization? The feature allows sharing of business content in a variety of ways.
- Highlight a new line of product/service through photos.
- Showcase upcoming events
- Use GIF to relieve game-winning shot with your visitors
- Share text updates on recent company advancement
Track customer paths through Google My Business Insights
How to measure the impact of GMB listing? Use Google inbuilt tools for that.
GMB insights tell you:
- How customers find your business? Direct or discovery search
- Where are customers finding your listing? Search or maps?
- Action customers, take on your listing? Visit site, click on direction, browse the photo gallery, or call?
- Where the customers are located based on direction queries?
- The number of phone calls and the exact time of the call.
- Once you figure out how a customer finds your listing, find out what they are doing with it.
- Are they visiting your business website? Ask for direction? Call? Or browse through the posts?
GMB helps understand what your customer find value in your posting and where to focus optimization.
Conclusion
There are tons of ways customers can find your business, but Google search is a powerful gateway to your website. GMB places important business information in front of the eyes of potential customers who need your product, services, or experience.
Use it for local SEO, engage with customers via reviews and post, provides insights on customers buying paths, all for free. It’s a valuable tool that you need now.
