If you’re expecting some business through GMB, it is highly important to verify your business. With so many fake business registrations every day, a user would not prefer to make a purchase from an unverified listing. After verification, you’ll need to keep an eye on the inbox associated with your Google My Business Listing, for any emails from Google. Google may unverified any listing if it determines that the account is inactive for a significant duration of time.
Google My Business had descriptions back in 2015-2016. They were suddenly gone and since then businesses had no descriptions; which left the users assuming your products and services.
Get More And More Reviews (And Respond to Them) As described by Neil Patel in one of his articles. 90% of people read reviews before purchasing because everybody likes the second opinion.
Ask your customers to review your business. But just gathering reviews won’t help. You need to acknowledge them There are many options available that can help business owners regarding GMB and its benefits along with utilizing its full potential. According to the expert advice at bizop.org, one can rely on GMB to increase sales and online presence without much hassle.
The positive ones, the negatives, the neutrals. Update Your Business Hours and Payment Options. Make sure your business operating hours are accurate. Update your working hours for any special events. Make sure that you don’t lose any customer because of incorrectly listed business hours.
Also, update your listing for any changes in the payment options.
According to Google, businesses with photos see 35% more clicks to their website and 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps. Adding photos of your business is a great way to let your customers get a “behind-the-scenes” look at what your company is all about… AND it can go a long way in promoting your business.
People don’t want to see stock images but the real face of your business – who you are, what you do and where you’re located. The most important image in your GMB listing that gets the most exposure and has the most impact, is your ‘Profile Picture’.
However, the cover image is also of paramount importance, as it shows up front and center on your listing. You can also add other pictures based on the business you operate in; this might include pictures of interior and exterior of the business, goods and/or services your business, your staff or employees or any other picture that can summarize or describe your business. Unlike images, videos are not a ‘must have’. However, adding one will make you stand out among other businesses.
Creating a video will not take you any extra equipment or any video editing software. Just pick up your smartphone; take, save and share the video. This video must be taken at your location. Any commercials or advertising videos will be removed.
Add Posts to Share Business Updates Google launched its ‘POST’ feature on all businesses in 2017. With this feature, you can post updates and offers to your listing. You can advertise the latest offers, share updates about new products/services or any special event for free.
Google Posts allows you to add text, photos, gifs, and even call-to-action buttons like ‘Buy’, ‘Sign Up’, ‘Learn More’, ‘Get Offer, ‘Reserve’, etc. You can create posts only after you’ve verified your Google My Business Account. However, Google My Business Posts disappear after seven days unless you set a shorter time frame. So, be time specific while crafting the post.
Conclusion:
Google My Business presents your business information to potential prospects. It gives you an opportunity to interact with your customers. Not optimizing your Google My Business listing is like not opening door to a customer knocking at your door.
