How to improve my google business listing
Yesterday, I attended a Google Digital Garage Workshop. The topic was “Be found on Google Search and Maps” and it covered mainly the importance of setting up and making the most of a Google Business Listing.
Many business owners already have a Google Business listing, but it might be out of date or not fully optimised.
For those who don’t know, A Google My Business listing is a free listing every business can set up and it will appear on the right-hand side of a search result and on Google maps.
Did you know that ‘search’ is the #1 place people go to look up a phone number? This is more than your website and means you must have your company’s phone number up to date on your Google My Business listing making it easy for people to ring you direct from the search result.
Examples on how a Google My Business listing appears in search, maps and mobile.
My key takes from the day and my recommendations on how to make the most out of your Google My Business Listing.
1. Set up your Google listing (if you do not have one)
It is very easy to set up your listing. https://www.google.com/intl/en_au/business/
A few things to note:
/ you need a Google Account first – if you already have one and automatically logged in from your computer, make sure you are logged in with the correct account (preferably your business account)
/ if you operate a home office you can hide your address and only show a service area.
/ You must verify your listing – this means a postcard will be sent to you by Google with a pin
2. Make sure your profile is up to date
Up to date profiles are 2.7 more likely to be considered reputable & 70% more likely to attract location visits. This means make sure you include fresh images showcasing your products or services.
Accurate and appealing pictures can show potential customers that your business offers what they’re searching for. Businesses with recent photos typically receive more clicks to their website.
It was recommend to add photos regularly to increase traffic to your listing.
3. Activate messages and keep customers happy with answers.
This is done via the Google My Business app (on iTunes and Google Play) and allows customers viewing your listing to message you directly. Respond to questions, share information, and quickly connect, for free.
This gives people another way of contacting you if they do not want to phone or email as today people want fast and easy ways of getting in touch.
4. Add Posts
Google My Business posts can help your business with announcements, promote events, products and special offers.
Post often – at least once a week. Your post can simply include your latest blog, a social media post (photo and text), upcoming event, promotion…
5. Build loyalty by responding to customers reviews
Getting reviews on Google is important as people tend to believe these much more than testimonials on your website.
Responding to reviews shows that you value your customers and the feedback they leave about your business. High-quality, positive reviews from your customers will also help to improve your ranking.
6. Look at your insights
Keep track of your insights to see what is working.
An example was a bar in Sydney that found through looking at insights that the top searches are on a Thursday as people start planning weekend drinks. This meant updating marketing strategy accordingly.
7. Download the app
Having the Google My Business app on your phone will help you with quick and easy photo updates, posts and responding to messages.
This also enables you to activate the messenger feature.
