What is Google My Business

Google My Business (GMB) is a free online tool that allows you to create more exposure for your business profile and website on places like Google Search and Maps. Using your GMB account, you can reach out to customers, keep your business profile updated and monitor how people interact with your business on Google.

With Google My Business, you attract and engage clients when they search for your business on Google. You can respond to customer reviews, post photos of your latest products, services or special offers and edit your business details. Your Google My Business listing lets you present your business online. Google Insights shows you how you can optimize your client engagement for better results. If you are in need of assistance with listing or managing your Google My Business account from a professional expert, please contact Lucid Advertising today.

Why You Need Google My Business

With formats like the Yellow Pages slowly dying, it’s becoming more difficult to find businesses offline. Google gives you a platform with instant exposure and a higher chance of being discovered within your market. Below are several reasons why you need GMB to promote your brand.

1. You Show up in Google Maps Searches

When searching for local companies, consumers take into consideration the proximity of a business to their location. The tool they use to find businesses is Google Maps. Google My Business allows a person to find you quickly on Google Maps and even provides directions to your location.

2. You may Show up in Google’s Local 3-Pack

The coveted Google Local 3-Pack highlights three local businesses based on a specific Google search. While there are lots of SEO strategies, you can attempt to get into the 3-Pack, the simplest thing you can do is create a free Google My Business listing. It increases your odds of making it in.

3. GMB Gives Your Business Credibility

Businesses that have a location are perceived as more credible than companies that merely exist online. Since most users place their trust and confidence in Google, your business is more trustworthy when it shows up in a Google search. Companies must go through a rigorous process and several verification steps before showing up on GMB. Therefore, they are automatically considered credible.

4. Online Reviews can Send More People to Your Business

Customer reviews are one of the most powerful forms of online marketing. Consumers rely on customer reviews to keep them from wasting time and effort when finding a local business. The more positive reviews you receive from clients, the more interest others will show in what you have to offer.

5. Google My Business is Free

Running an ad campaign on any platform can be time-consuming and drain your budget. Furthermore, you are never guaranteed that all the time and money you spent on your marketing strategy will pay off. Google My Business provides a free marketing tool that puts you in touch with thousands of searchers. Best of all, it’s an ongoing marketing campaign that you don’t have to put much energy into maintaining.

How to Optimize Your GMB Listing

Once you’ve completed the signup process and verified your business, it’s time to optimize your profile to increase visibility and make your listing more attractive. You can adjust your GMB settings in Google My Business Dashboard. Make sure you get the information right the first time so that random people do not suggest edits or make changes. Also, check your GMD Dashboard from time to time to make sure the details are accurate.

One way to continually optimize your Google My Business listing is with Google Posts. This feature allows you to post media and content to your listing in the same way that you would a Facebook or LinkedIn post. You can share your current promotions, company info, photos or just about anything else. Google Posts can assist in boosting your Google rankings. The more content you post, the stronger your SEO.

Make the Most of Google Reviews

One of the best ways to encourage positive reviews is to respond to current reviews. A response shows the reviewer that you are thankful for their support and makes the review stand out. It also motivates others to leave a review.

Here’s a sample reply to a satisfied customer from a real business:

Thank you for your business [name]! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team of realtors here at [business]. We wish you good luck as you start this new chapter in your life!

You should also respond to negative reviews to show you take them seriously and care what your customers think. When posting a reply, be courteous and professional. Do not use the platform to strike back.

Here’s a sample reply to a negative review:

Thank you for the feedback [name]. It was valuable to our business. At [your business name], we strive to provide exceptional service for both buyers and sellers. We are also reviewing our communication process to see what change we need to make. Thank you for your business, and I hope we can do better next time.

Regardless of what type of service you provide, listing your company on Google increases your exposure and broadens your market reach. Get your Google My Business account set up today!

Boost Your Marketing Strategy with Lucid Today

Lucid Advertising offers a wide range of marketing tools that help you expand your market reach while targeting the customers you want. We deliver measured results that reflect your brand and help you reach your goals. To find out more about our digital marketing strategies, call us at 850-760-0478 or fill out the quick contact form below, and we will be in touch.