If we’re being totally honest, Google My Business is relatively easy to navigate, and you could probably do a good job of it if you put in the required time and effort. Before we get ahead of ourselves and start discussing your options, let’s define Google My Business (GMB) and how it works.
HOW IT WORKS
GMB is a free tool from Google that is great for getting your Business discovered by Google users in your area. Think about this: you can be seen by a lot of Google searchers, but what good will that do if they cannot visit your shop to buy a thing or two because they live seven hours away from you? What’s absolutely key for certain Businesses is getting seen by people in the local area.
HOW IT COMPLEMENTS YOUR WEBSITE
If your Business has an existing Website already, don’t make the mistake of assuming that this is a replacement for it. Anyone who tries to claim that is barking mad. What GMB does do is complement your Website by providing you with a public identity (think profile) and a listing on Google. And since Google is the biggest and most popular Search Engine in the world, any information you provide about your Business may appear in a number of other useful places such as Google Search, Google Maps, and on Google Plus.
While your Website should give complete information about your Business, GMB is an Online profile that displays useful tidbits of information. When using GMB properly, you are attracting visitors to your Website AND Business, whilst grabbing yourself a bit of Online credibility.
WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO PROVIDE?
Well, the more info you provide the better! Firstly, always be sure to give GMB your address; Google will use this to mark the physical address of your Business on Google Maps with a big red pin. Second, if applicable, always give your hours of availability. People need to know whether you are open and ready for Business. Don’t lose any potential Customer to a rival because somebody though you might be closed.
Another vital nugget of information is your contact number. Not only does being able to pick up the phone and speak to someone lend you more legitimacy, it may also generate you leads as people are able to just lick and call you there and then. Finally, put an emphasis on describing exactly what your Business sells or provides! If you have a photography studio, say it upfront… and don’t forget to mention what you specialise in. If you do wedding photos, smack it up on Google. Specific details are useful. And while we’re on the topic of describing your Business, it’s a must that you upload quality images. Great pictures can be an irresistible draw for the eye, and it’s been proven that GMB lists with photos are more likely to draw more prospective clients.
GET HELP FROM GOOGLE EXPERTS
Now that we have told you what GMB is all about and how it works, know that you’re not the first entrepreneur to feel a little overwhelm.
While many Small Business owners are still undecided about hiring a professional because they don’t want to take on the additional cost, there are affordable options out there. The brutal truth is that GMB is essential, and as a Small Business owner you may not have the time or passion to invest.
When it comes to generating leads, which are the lifeblood of your Business, it’s always best to get the help of an expert.
Give us a call now if you’re looking to take the plunge with Google My Business.