Marketing is a big part of owning a business. If people don’t know about you and can’t find you, you might as well close your doors. Thanks to the growing use of technology, marketing has evolved into a world that offers many opportunities for businesses to get the word out about what they have to offer.
While you want everyone to know about your business, you especially want people in your area to be aware since they will be the ones who are most likely to patronize it. How do you spread the word in most easily and efficiently? With Google My Business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is one easy way to expand your local search marketing efforts. It’s a free and easy-to-use tool that helps people find you online. Google My Business allows you to manage the information Google users see when they search for businesses like yours. Your Google My Business listing includes information like:
- Your business name
- Address
- Phone number
- Hours
- Website info
- Business Photos
- Map of your location
Think of it as an old Yellow Pages ad amplified one-hundred times! Because it contains all of the vital information about your business, it’s crucial that all of the information is accurate and current. If you’ve recently changed your business hours or phone number, you need to update your listing. Ignoring it could mean the difference between gaining and losing a customer. Statistics show that companies that verify their business with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered by potential customers.
How Does Google My Business Work?
Google My Business can be as helpful for your business as you let it be. This means if you use all of the features available, it can be an excellent tool to attract local business.
Once you verify your Google My Business account, you can change the information on the listing and update it as needed. You can also take advantage of the following features:
Add photos
Adding photos through Google My Business allows you to showcase what makes your business stands out. You can add as many photos as you’d like, so don’t be shy.
Strike up a Conversation
There is a question and answer area where you can converse with customers. Use this space to answer questions and get to know them better. People love to feel a connection with a business and not feel as though they’re just a number.
Keep Track of Reviews
We all know online reviews can make or break a business. Manage your reviews through Google My Business to keep on top of what people are saying about your business. This is also a great place for you to interact with customers and settle any issues they may have.
When people search for businesses near them, a Google My Business listing that is maintained properly can point them right to your door. Your listing will get your business on a local maps box so that potential customers will see how close you are to them so that they can reach you. This is a vital piece of the local search marketing puzzle.
Why Google My Business is Important
If you own a coffee shop and people search for “local coffee shops near me”, how do you expect them to find you if your Google My Business listing is not up-to-date? The answer is that they won’t. But, they will find the other coffee shops that are listed when that search is done and have their Google My Business listings updated.
With Google My Business, people can also find out how close businesses are to them because the proximity is shown in miles. This will help people choose which businesses they will visit if they were looking for something close to home. This is another reason why it’s important to have the correct address and other information for your business.
Google My Business may be the first impression that someone gets of your business. That’s why including your best business and product photos is so important. If people see stellar photos showcasing the best assets of your business, they’ll be more likely to visit you over the competition. If your photos are not top-notch, people may think your business isn’t top-notch either. Giving your Google My Business listing the time and energy it needs to work for you is worth it because it will pay off in the long run.
Managing Your Google My Business Account
As you watch your Google My Business listing work for you, you can also see how your site is doing through the Google My Business Dashboard. You can see how customers searched for your business as well as their origin. You also have access to information that lets you know how many people used the phone number on the local search results and maps to get in touch with you.
While Google My Business is easy to use and manage, as a business owner, you may not have the time needed to fully devote to it. That’s where we come in. Portside Marketing can not only help you create a stand-out Google My Business listing but can also manage it for you. We know about the importance of local search marketing and what needs to be done to make your listing shine. We can also maintain the listing with the most current information and photos. We know this is a vital part of making your business grow.
If you’re not giving your Google My Business the time and attention it needs, you are doing yourself a disservice. Google My Business is a great tool to give people information about your business, and the best part is that it’s free!
If you need help creating your Google My Business listing or currently have one that needs some TLC, call Portside Marketing today. Our experienced team of marketing professionals will make sure your listing is correct and is utilizing the best photos to make your business shine. Call us today at (972) 979-9316 to get started.