Google opened the doors to Google+ for Business but replaced it with Google My Business. This post has been rewritten to discuss what is a Google My Business listing is.
A Google My Business Page is a free tool offered by Google to help business manage their online profile on Google even if they do not have a website.
You can add key business information such as your name, address (or service areas), phone number, opening hours and services. If you have a website, you can also include that as well.
Your listing appears in the local results of Google search as well as in Google maps.
Why have a Google My Business listing
A Google Business listing will help your business get found by people looking for the products are services you offer. You can add photos of your business.
A listing also enables customers to write reviews about your business as well as upload photos, ask questions and set up direct messaging.
You can also publish posts to your listing. This is helpful if you are running promotions or want to give potential customers some tips.
It also provides an opportunity for you to respond to customer reviews.
Why have a Google My Business Page
A Google My Business listing helps support local SEO.
It’s an easy way to get found on the web, particularly if your business serves locals. You can use keywords to help your profile be found.
Therefore we suggest incorporating relevant keywords into your Business Profile so you can tell Google what you want to be found for. Try and use those keywords in the “from your business” description, in the posts you publish and in your responses to reviews.
Having a well-maintained presence will help build trust with your potential customers. Good reviews will help you build trust with people who are unfamiliar with your business.
Use Business Reviews To Build Trust
A key part of your strategy should be to ask customers to review you on Google. While most people won’t write a review many people will. For the most part, these are positive but sometimes you may get a negative review.
Reviews are not something you should not shy away from or be fearful of. They can be a good thing and help you improve your processes and customer service.
Even if you have a bad review, you can respond to it and the way you respond is just as important as the review itself. People also read owner responses to reviews – particularly if they are negative and it can be easy to discern if your reviewer is being unreasonable.