Your business on Google My Business and Google Maps

As an inbound marketer I rely heavily on the internet and, as a consumer, I like the features that simplify my life. The same features that are meant to help, however, can hinder when they are not exploited or managed properly.

 

Google gives you the address and tells you their times, get in the car and you're on the road to satisfy your desire for wine. After a couple of wrong directions, you finally arrive ... and it's closed.

 

"I curse you, Google! "

 

Google, however, is not to blame. If you are the owner of that winery, not updating your information (opening hours, location, etc.) can cost you business, damage your reputation and appear as if you have no idea of ​​today's buyers.

 

But you can easily avoid this oversight by keeping your information up to date in two free features: Google my Business and Google Maps

 

What is Google my Business?

 

Google My Business is the dashboard where you can manage all the information provided by Google about your company when people search for it or the services you offer in a Google Search or in Maps.

 

From the type of business to the phone number, website, driving directions, photos and reviews, Google helps you find it locally. It is an easy and free way to attract visitors and build your credibility as a company. Think of Google my Business as more than just a list of businesses; it is also a place where you can connect and interact with customers and potential customers.

 

What is Google Maps?

 

Anyone who has ever used their smartphone to get directions is familiar with Google Maps and its navigation function. You've probably also experienced the frustration of "getting" to your destination just to realize that you've been led on a creepy and deserted dead end street, or is it just me? Recalculating!

 

When you claim your business listing using Google my Business, you can edit your business information, including the correct address, contact information, and even photos so that when someone uses the Google Maps feature, they can find you more easily. .

 

Tips for setting up Google My Business

 

The configuration of your Google My Business profile combined with Google Maps is very simple, free and from one place you can edit and add all the information about your business! The first step, however, is to sign up and verify your business listing.

 

You are probably wondering "What information should I include in Google My Business?"

 

All! Seriously: the more I am, the better. Do you want your potential customers to find you and contact you as easily as possible?

 

Make sure the following information is included in your Google My Business profile:

 

Timetables;  recording of working hours, including closing days, is essential! You don't want your visitors to wonder if you're open or, worse, call your competition because they're not sure.

Phone;  include your primary number, plus the cell phone of the marketing or business development contact.

Address and directions;  your address will be represented on Google Maps with a pin pointing exactly to your building. Google's "directions" feature allows anyone, regardless of where they are, to follow the fastest route directly from your location in one click. You can upload a photo of your business so that people know they are in the right place.

 

Website and details;  in the "Information" tab of your account, be sure to include your website so that visitors can quickly learn more about your company and its products and services.

 

Categories;  you can help narrow down people's searches by accurately classifying your business. Choose a main category, but also select others that describe your company. For example, our main Google category for the Spot Agency is a marketing agency, but we are also listed under Web Design, Marketing Consultant, etc. You are limited to choosing between the categories that Google has in the list and you cannot create your own. Choose wisely because you can edit it later but it may require Google to verify it again. The categories you select in Google My Business information are also important for Maps when people are looking for activities such as your "near them" or "in Rhode Island   ", for example.

 

Pictures or virtual tour;  "Photo listings and a virtual tour are twice as likely to generate interest," according to Google.

Read also: Web marketing: an essential lever for a good brand image!

 

Request and manage Google reviews

 

Want to encourage your customers to leave positive online Google reviews and keep an eye on what other reviewers say about your brand? This can be easily done when you download the Google My Business app to receive notifications and manage reviews and messages.

 

Needless to say, customers are affected by these reviews while making a purchase decision. Equally important is to note that Google takes reviews for your SEO. Reviews are powerful and make you stand out, so track them and respond. Connect with your audience and continue the conversation, especially when customers are willing to say positive things about you!

 

Companies that respond to reviews are 1.7 times more reliable than companies that don't (76% vs. 46%), according to consumers.

 

Bonus tips

 

Here are some best practices to help you optimize your use of these free Google features:

 

·         Be consistent with your information. Your website must show the same information you entered on the Google My Business and Maps pages. Google doesn't like contradictions and will try to match your information about what's on your website to avoid customer confusion. When you update information, do it on all your media channels.

·         The more information you provide, the easier it is for customers to find you and the more likely they are to choose you than competitors who haven't had time to manage their listings.

·         Dig deeper and use the Statistics feature to view and analyze traffic peaks, such as the number and origin of calls, the keywords people use to find you and others. Knowing all this will help you adapt and further refine your marketing strategy.

 

Of course, there is much more to marketing for your business than creating your Google My Business profile. Discover the power of organic search on Google and other search engines on a global scale by consulting our Digital Marketing in Rhode Island.