Google My Business Tips

This article is designed as a refresher for business owners who have initiated a Google My Business (GMB) account … and as an introductory piece to urge business owners who have not done so, to do so. Whether you’re a seasoned GMB user or about to be, you’ll benefit from the following recap plus a Checklist for Success listing the “Must-Do’s” to enhance your benefits from this free tool.

And here are two compelling reasons for you to employ Google My Business.

Note #1: A recent study reveals that 46 percent of all Google searches are seeking info about local businesses.

Note #2: Experience shows that your GMB page will attract 10 times more visitors than your website.

Free Tool to Attract & Engage Customers

Google My Business is a free tool that boosts your power to attract and engage customers. 

Your Business Profile shines when customers are searching for your business products or services on Google Search and Maps. That’s the “moment of truth” … when your visitor thinks, “Should I stay, or should I go”? Access to your Business Profile encourages customers to know more about your business and how you can help with their search.

You’re in control of your Business Profile. You can quickly and easily update your contact information, hours, special offerings and more to help customers connect and become engaged with your unique value propositions. Plus, you may enhance the visual attraction of your Profile with fresh photos and other images that propel you as the vendor of choice for what customers seek.

Google My Business “Must-Do’s: … 11 Tips to Save Time & Drive More Business

1. Fine tune your business category description … e.g., If you’re a pediatrician say so … not “doctor”.
2. Be thorough and accurate in entering content to your GMB page.
3. Provide a brief profile of your business offerings and benefits they deliver.
4. Refresh your GMB page monthly with at least one new photo or image.
5. Write and post a blog monthly. Content may include news of your business or industry events.
6. Respond promptly to all reviews and questions from visitors. Here are a few tips:
   • Respond with sincerity and gratitude.
   • Tailor your responses … not a one-size-fits-all programmed reply.
   • Don’t be bashful … ask a happy customer for a GMB review to enhance your SEO ranking.
   • Express genuine concern and a willingness to resolve negative review issues.
7. Download the GMB app for more convenience and time-savings monitoring your GMB page.
8. Capitalize on the “Attributes” feature to spotlight your unique value proposition(s).
9. Take advantage of the “Local Opportunity Finder” to keep all your GMB page content current.
10. Connect your GMB presence with social media links frequented by your preferred customers.
11. Promote special offers … sales, coupons and discounts.

Takeaways

Hopefully, you’ll find the above rundown on the benefits of Google My Business valuable. We’ve received reports from clients that as much as 50 percent of their business is directly generated by their GMB page.

So, Google My Business is free, simple for you to implement and likely to turbo-charge traffic to your website and generate customer phone calls. If you’re a current GMB user … keep your page up-to-date. If you’re a business owner who hasn’t yet done so … do so!