Setting Up & Running Your Google My Business Page
The work landscape has changed a lot over the last year, and having an online presence is more important than ever. Using digital tools to reach customers has helped many small businesses during the pandemic. Creating a Google business profile is a great first step to showcase your business online.
People are spending way more time online these days, and more people search for businesses online compared to anywhere else. By utilizing Google My Business, it allows potential customers to find your company on both Google search and Google maps – which most people use nowadays. It’s also one of the first places your customers look when they need to find your opening hours, location, busy times, and latest news.
Nearly 70% of small businesses say digital tools have been useful for them during the pandemic. So, take an hour or two to create your Google My Business listing. It’s not hard (we promise!), and it’s free.
After setting up your GMB page, you will want to verify that your hours and information are correct. You’ll also want to make sure it’s consistent on all other search engine profiles like Bing and Yahoo. You should highlight any special offerings you have, such as curbside pickup, delivery, or gift card purchases.
When you create your Google My Business profile, you’ll be able to add a logo and cover photo—much like you would on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Pinterest. Without these images, it will be harder for people to recognize your brand online. Be sure to add photos with detailed descriptions. This will help to jump start your SEO.
For example, let’s say you're a super talented photographer in Harrisburg, PA and recently shot a wedding in Lancaster. Write a description that says something like, “Rustic Barn Wedding in Lancaster, PA at XYZ Location.” By describing the event and mentioning a specific venue, you’ll organically show up in local google search. Plus, when people in Lancaster search for "photographers near me" on google, guess who shows up? You! The more information you put on GMB, the more it helps with your SEO.
People trust other people before they trust a business, so be sure to get into the habit of asking your customers for reviews on google. Responding to reviews is another great way to give your GMB profile some life. Additionally, it shows your business is active and reliable.
If it’s not too much trouble, ask your customer to copy and paste their review into Facebook or LinkedIn. Tip: Always provide the links to your social media pages so it makes it easy on your customer to copy and paste the review. Also, if you can return the favor and review your customer’s business online or vouch for them somehow, take the time to return the favor.
You can also use these reviews to showcase your expertise on your social media. Design a customized graphic showcasing the review, and when you post it, tag your customer.
Finally, take the best reviews from Google and share them on your website. Reviews are so, so important. People buy from people they trust, if they do not know you or they were not referred to you, they will go online and read your reviews, check your website, and your social media pages. If you do not have a GMB page, you cannot have reviews on google. If you do have a GMB page, but have 0 reviews, and your competitor has 42 five star reviews, guess who they will call. Your competitor.
If any of this sounds like gibberish to you, you can call or email us anytime. We’re happy to answer any questions that you may have about Google My Business or any other type of marketing and advertising. If you already have a great relationship with an advertising agency or marketing firm, you can call on them for help, too! Whoever you talk to, make sure you get this great free tool from Google optimized, updated, and online.