What is Google My Business?
Anyone who searches for a business will recognize it: the business information that appears in search results. For example, you’ll see the address, opening hours, contact information, FAQs, and reviews. That information is displayed there thanks to Google My Business. With an account, you can control exactly how your business is displayed on Google products like Search and Google Maps. And you can create the account for free!
Google itself provides the following descriptions: “With a Google My Business account, you get more than just a business listing. Through your free business profile, you can easily connect with customers on Google Search and Maps”
“You can post photos and offers on your profile to show what makes your business unique and ensure customers keep choosing you.”
“Your customers are ready to connect by calling, sending messages, or writing reviews. More ways to communicate means more business.”
Why should I create an account?
- It increases your visibility to visitors on Google. Provided, of course, that you use it properly—we’ll share our tips later in this blog post;
- You make it even easier for your visitors. All they have to do is type in your company name, and they’ll immediately see all the information about you. That’s great, especially if there are a few good reviews and ratings to show;
- It helps you attract more customers. In 2018,ReviewTrackers foundthat as many as 63% of users check reviews on Google before visiting a business. By making smart use of Google My Business, you can attract more customers.
Not sure how to create an account? We're happy to help!
Tips for Google My Business
Finally, we’d like to share a few tips to help you get started with Google My Business. None of this is mandatory—feel free to use them as you see fit. We just want to help you excel at what you do, and visibility and communication (via Google) are definitely part of that.
- Tip 1: Make sure your information is complete and up-to-date
Nothing is more frustrating than looking up a business and not being able to find where it’s located or what time it opens. Don’t make customers have to search for your information—they often don’t want to go through that trouble, and they’ll end up going to a competitor who is clearly visible. So make sure your Google My Business page is complete and up-to-date. Keep in mind that you might not be open on holidays or during other times. Can’t find your business at all on Google Maps? Then you’ll need to create a Google My Business account.
- Tip 2: Encourage reviews (and respond to the negative ones)
People really like to read reviews of a business before they visit it. Positive reviews are, of course, the best. What’s important is that a company responds to (negative) reviews.Research by ReviewTrackersshows that people want a response, especially to negative reviews. 45% say they’re more likely to visit a company if it responds to negative feedback.
- Tip 3: Answer questions
To the right of the search results, you’ll also see a section titled “Questions and Answers.” When someone asks a question, you can quickly help them by providing an answer. This not only makes for one more satisfied visitor but also shows that your company is committed to helping visitors. It’s a good idea to set up notifications for this so you can be sure you don’t miss any questions.
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