Do you use the free Google My Business listing in your online marketing strategy? If not, we will explain why using the Google My Business platform is crucial for every business owner.
Is Google My Business Really That Important?
Absolutely, using Google My Business will allow people to find you when they perform a search online for your products or services. For instance, if you own a roofing company and someone searches for roofers in Colorado Springs, you want your business to be found for this search.
The main thing that Google My Business allows you to do is to list your business name, phone number, address and hours. It is important that all your information is correct so that customers have the right contact information when they find you online. Listing your business on Google My Business will allow your business to show up in both Google Maps and Google Search. This is HUGE!
You need to submit your information to Google My Business because it is very prominent in Google Search. When you perform a search on Google the first thing that stands out is what we call the Google Map 3-Pack. Getting your business in the 3 Pack could result in a steady flow of website traffic and potential customers.
Your business could show up in this Google Map 3-pack with the right optimization and local SEO.
The high visibility of Google Maps on page one of Google explains why every business owner should do all that they can to show up in those coveted positions. Google continues to add new features inside of the Google My Business dashboard making it easy for business owners to get their message and offerings out to their customers and potential customers.
Useful Google My Business Features
Some of the features include the opportunity for you to add photos, services, products, posting, videos, collect reviews and respond to customer reviews. There is also the ability to post special offers, which act like mini billboards for your business. All these features give you control to give your audience a good look at who you are and what you have to offer.
Photos – Google says businesses with more photos get higher exposure in search, so add as many photos as you can. This also gives you a chance to highlight your business, products, and services.
Video – Show off the inside of your business or get a personal message out to your potential customers. People love video so why not take advantage and add some to your profile.
Post – Add a post daily to connect with your customers or create offers they can’t resist. This can be done on your mobile phone or desktop. If we can say one thing about posts it would be, “Use Them”.
Reviews – This is a major area to which you must pay special attention. Let’s face it, most people will look at the reviews before they do business with a company or eat at a restaurant. Not only can customers leave reviews, but you should respond to every review that you receive. That means, positive and negative reviews, yes negative reviews do happen no matter what business you own.
How to Claim Your Google My Business
Google is constantly changing the process for signing up for this free service. The easiest way to claim your business is to go directly to Google and read their tutorial or simply watch the short video below for instructions.
One thing is sure, if you have not claimed your Google My Business listing, now is the time to do it. One last thing, please take full advantage of all the features mentioned in this article.
First Posted on: Why Every Business Should Use the Free Google My Business Listing
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