When people search for a business like yours, they’re using Google ~92% of the time. If you don’t have a Google My Business listing the chances of someone finding you diminish significantly. Not only does a GMB listing help customers find you, but it tells them valuable information about your company – like how to get driving directions to your location and opening a phone dialer to call you on mobile search. Let’s talk about the features of a Google My Business listing.
What is a Google My Business Listing?
Google My Business is a free tool for businesses and organizations that helps to manage their online presence across Google, with an emphasis on Search and Maps. When you verify your business information with Google, you’ll help customers find you and let them know more about your business. A GMB listing will allow you to control how your business information is displayed on Google.
For More information about the power of using your Google My Business listing, see our article, Why You Should Optimize for Local Search
Control and Manage Your Information
GMB gives you the power to manage the information Google users see when they search for your business. You can display and update your hours, website, phone, and address. GMB also gives your visitors the ability to get turn by turn driving directions to your location. Ensuring that your business information is up-to-date and having some relevant business photos ensures that your future visitors know that they at the right place.
Engage with Customers
GMB allows you to read and respond to customer reviews. You can post photos to keep your audience updated. Businesses that add photos to their listings receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps and 35% more click-throughs to their websites compared to businesses with no photos.
Track Your Visibility
Discover insights about your customers, like where customers who searched for your business are located. Find out how many people call your business directly from the phone number displayed on local search results in Search and Maps. .
You can even track how many of your visitors have been requesting driving directions to your business. In the Insights menu, there is a chart for customer actions that shows how many times driving directions have been requested.
Google Posts
Promote offers, news, events, product updates, and announcements by adding a post to your GMB listing. These posts show up on Google Search and Maps to provide another way to keep in touch with customers and prospects. Keep your description short, use good photos, and end with a call to action like “Buy,” “Call Now,” “Learn More,” or “Visit Us.”
Google My Business Messaging
A messaging feature lets you directly chat with customers. You can quickly respond to questions and assist current and potential customers. The messages can be directed to any phone number so a staff member can be tasked with these interactions. There is an option to turn messaging off if you’d prefer to keep communication channels more simplified.
Video Uploads
You can now upload videos to your listing. The maximum video length is 30 seconds. Videos lead to higher engagement and provide an opportunity to showcase your business products, service, and give visitors a more personal look into your business. These videos must be taken at your place of business. Google will remove any videos not related to your business location.
For more about optimizing your listing, see this blog: Benefits of Google My Business
Ready for Your Google My Business Listing?
Ready to get started? The first step is verifying your business on the GMB platform and customize each setting. See our step-by-step guide to getting started optimizing Google My Business. Happy optimizing!
