In case you missed this information, Google has a free tool called Google My Business. It indexes your business’ profile on the most used search engine in the world, Google. Whether or not you intended to disregard your business listing on Google, it would be an advantage to know what a fully-furnished Google My Business listing would look like for your company:
With just the basic details of your business listed on Google, you already gain online omnipresence. Since Google is intended to meet specific searches, it allows your business to turn up on local search results every time someone is looking for information that is related to your business and its location. Thus making way for optimum exposure, visibility, accessibility, and searchability.
But with a complete, accurate, and helpful listing of your business profile on Google, you supply even more valuable information that can convert mere visitors into customers. Bonelli of Moz.com lists the following features of a Google My Business (GMB) listing to help you do just that.
Features of a Google My Business Listing
a.) Add post feature lets you input creative and engaging content such as images, call to action, and links to drive activity. You can post an announcement to an event, a link to a new product, or a photo status update.
b.) Booking button feature allows customers to schedule appointments with your business directly from your Google My Business listing. This is especially useful if your business lives on bookings with customers.
c.) Messaging feature lets potential customers send text messages and directly communicate with your business.
d.) Question & answer feature lets customers ask questions about your business so you can answer them. Google also encourages customers to answer questions of other people if they are already familiar with your business.
e.) Online reviews feature. According to BrightLocal’s 2017 Consumer Review Survey, 97% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses in 2017. This means seeing that a business has reviews on Google is important to consumers.
Additionally, with your business listed on Google, you get the chance to leverage Google’s apps and services to your benefit. Google as a platform widens your business’ network, reach, and exposure. Tools such as Google Analytics, Insights, and Google + give you the power to track online activity surrounding your business.
Moreover, a Google My Business listing complements your current digital marketing efforts, There's no better publicity than immediately appearing on Google’s search results when people come to verify your identity online. All the information you enter on Google will support all the ads, promotions, and campaigns you run on other online channels.
How to Claim a Google My Business Listing
So how do you know if your business is already listed on Google? If your business has been running for a long time, it probably already has a GMB listing that you can claim. One way to check is by going to the Google My Business page and entering your business name and address to add or claim a GMB listing. Once you claim a GMB listing, here’s how you can better manage the information written in it according to Hollingsworth of Search Engine Journal:
1.) Start by filling out the empty input boxes with all your missing business details.
2.) Provide complete data that communicates what your business is all about and how customers can avail of your services or merchandise.
3.) Make sure that everything written is correct in terms of fact and grammar. Use proper capitalization and punctuation.
4.) Practice good SEO and make use of keywords
5.) Categorize your business accordingly
6.) Identify whether your business offers products or services
7.) Add or edit your service-area details by indicating whether you accommodate delivery services, the scope of these services, as well as exact business hours.
8.) Include photos of your workplace, company logo, or of your goods and services for credibility.
When you have successfully updated the information on your GMB listing, the next step is to verify your listing. You can do this via email to secure its implementation. This step authenticates the email address you have provided. It also helps Google maintain a regulated system. Once verification is done, you can rest assured that your business is finally making the most of its stay on Google.
Now that you know how a Google My Business listing works and how it can help you, go list your business on Google now and let Google work for you like the boss you actually are!
