Google My Business and Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile is replacing Google My Business in 2022. One of the driving motivations behind the change is to offer more features to small business owners.
What Is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a powerful suite of tools that allows companies, brands, and artists to control their online presence through Google.
Why Is Google My Business Important?
Google is the number one search engine in the world, so it’s essential to have a strong presence on the platform. Google My Business and small business go hand-in-hand, as the platform makes it easier for customers to find your business online and can help you form a deeper relationship with your target audience.
How Do You Know if You Have a Google My Business Listing?
If you’re unsure whether you have a Google My Business listing, try searching for your business on Google. If a listing exists, be it claimed or unclaimed, you’ll be able to see it in the search results. If you don’t have a listing, you can create one for free.
How Do You Claim Your Google My Business Listing?
Small businesses can take the first step to claim a listing by verifying ownership.
You’ll need to provide basic information about your company, such as your business name, office address, and phone number. Google will mail you a postcard with a code you’ll need to enter to complete the process.
What if Someone Else Claimed Your Google My Business Listing?
If someone else has claimed your business on Google, contact them directly to request ownership of the listing. If you can’t reach them, Google will try to initiate contact on your behalf.
Best Practices to Make Sure You Don’t Lose Access
There are a few things you can do to make sure you don’t lose access to your Google My Business listing:
- Set up a separate company Gmail account to manage your listing. If you leave the company or someone else takes over the listing, you’ll still have access to it.
- Don’t use your personal Gmail account to manage your listing. If you ever leave the company or someone else takes over, they won’t be able to access the account.
- Don’t use someone else’s Gmail account to manage your listing. You’ll lose access to the listing if they leave the company or their account is deactivated.
Google My Business and Small Business: Benefits of Updating Content on Your Account
Updating the posts and photos on your Google My Business profile can help you attract new customers and keep existing clients engaged. Here are just a few of the benefits of keeping your profile up-to-date:
Showcase Your Products and Services
Use photos and videos to show potential customers what you have to offer. Posts can also highlight special offers, events, and more.
Build Trust and Credibility
Customers tend to trust businesses that have complete, up-to-date profiles. Providing accurate information about your business can also help you avoid negative reviews, and focusing on customer service can build trust and credibility.
Stand Out From the Competition
Keeping your Google My Business profile fresh and current can help ensure that you stand out from your competition. As a bonus, making regular updates can also help you attract new customers.
Get and Respond to Reviews
Customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, so it’s vital to ensure your business gets positive reviews.
You can encourage customers to write reviews by sending them follow-up emails after they’ve made a purchase or by asking them to leave a review on your Google My Business profile.
It’s also essential to respond to reviews, both positive and negative. Responding to reviews shows potential customers that you’re attentive and care about your customers’ experiences. This sort of engagement is crucial for building trust, especially for a small business.
Use Google My Business/Google Business Profile to Enhance Your Online Presence
Google My Business allows businesses to oversee their online presence. Small companies and organizations can use it to update their information, post photos and videos, respond to reviews, and more.
If you’re not already using Google My Business and small business is your bread and butter, now is the time to start. It’s a powerful tool that can help you attract new customers, foster trust and authority, and stand out from the crowd.