By listing themselves on Google, businesses can appear right when people search for products or services they offer, allowing interested customers to learn more or get in touch with them
Google My Business is a free tool that helps small businesses create and manage their Google listings, which appear when customers find businesses on Google Search and Maps. It helps business attract new customers and share information about what makes them special.
Today 3 out of 4 shoppers search online when they want to find a business, and 7 out of 10 made a purchase from a business they found using a search engine. By listing themselves on Google, businesses can appear right when people search for products or services they offer, allowing interested customers to learn more or get in touch with them.
Today millions of Indian businesses are on Maps and are connecting directly with their customers. For example, Foresight School in Ahmedabad gets 30% of its customers through Google by managing their reviews and regularly posting their special offers and events.
Google My Business helps businesses attract more customers. Specifically, it can help businesses:
i. Stand out by sharing latest and useful information: Customers search online to look for specific information e.g., directions, opening hours, photos and offers and compare businesses. By sharing the latest information, photos and offers you can use Google My Business to tell customers what makes your business special
ii. Engage with customers: Customers share stories, leave reviews, and reach out to small businesses right from their phones. Google My Business lets you join the conversation about your business. Respond to reviews, answer messages and questions, and get more calls from interested customers
iii. Set up a free mobile optimized website in less than 10 minutes: With Google My Business, you can build a free website that looks great. The free website builder makes it easy to create and edit your site from your computer and phone It also gives you information about which photos get noticed, and where your customers come from
iv. Discover how customers find you: Google My Business gives you important information about how customers find you and interact with your listing. You can track information about the number of searches for your business, incoming phone calls and requests for directions. It also gives you information about which photos get noticed, and where your customers come from.
You must verify your business listing to manage your business information on Google Maps, Search, and other Google properties. The verification process helps ensure that your business information is accurate and that only you, the business owner or manager, has access to it. Until you have completed verification, you have only limited access to edit the business information that appears on Google. Verified businesses are twice as likely to be considered reputable by users.
You can list your business on Google in 5 simple steps:
a. Go to Google My Business to sign-up and create a new listing
b. Enter Your Business Name and Address in the Search Box. Select a listing if it appears amongst the suggested matches, or create a new one and provide the necessary information
c. Verify Your Business: Google will verify that your business is located where you say that it is. You will have to wait for 1-2 weeks for a postcard with a verification PIN
d. Complete verification and start sharing latest information
Businesses with listings that are complete with contact information, photos and reviews have a much better chance of getting customer's attention when they are searching online. Google research suggests that customers are 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete listing. Positive reviews, relevant photos and offers are important pieces of information that help customers in choosing your business.
Below are some of the tips and tricks to optimize your business listing to target the right audience:
a. Claim Your Google My Business Listing: Do a Google search and see if your business shows up on local listings, you can then claim your business listing and verify that you are the owner
b. Create a Complete Profile: While setting up your GMB page, make sure to enter important business information like the address and phone number, opening hours and website.
c. Ask Customer to Share Reviews: Nearly 90% of shoppers say having positive reviews was an important factor in selecting a business/store to purchase from. Ask your customers to review your business on Google to attract more
d. Add relevant Photos and offers: Indian shoppers are more likely to use a business with photos on their Google listing. Two out of 3 shoppers also look for promotions or discounts when searching online. By posting relevant photos, offers and special events you can make the most of the moments customers search
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Source - economictimes.indiatimes.com