#GMB with martin shervington – take the basic steps:
Originally shared by martin shervington
Google My Business (TIPS and STORIES)
The way to gain more traction when people are searching for you using Google Search and Maps.
Building a business can be a marathon, but my adding Google My Business as part of your regime, you have even more of a fighting chance. As such, for #SmallBizGames I thought you would like some hints, tips and anecdotes to get you even better success.
Let’s begin…
The starting line:
The first thing to do is to pop over to www.google.com/business and see whether you already have your business listing created.
If you do, you will want to claim it (if not done already) – you will see a ‘Claim this business’ button.
If not, you can follow the process of setting one up by adding your address, and the category of business.
Quick story: I’ve advised thousands of small businesses owner over the years and I am still surprised when I find smart business owners who still haven’t claimed their listing.
Recently, I was with one client who had almost 100 reviews, and still hadn’t claimed their listing. It just takes a ‘click’ to get moving, and to unlock the ability to really be in control of the information people want to see.
Action step: claim your listing today, or get one set up.
Once you’ve done that you are over the line and ready to consider your…
The Race Times:
25% businesses have seasonal opening hours, but only 1% change their listings.
(Source: https://goo.gl/pU805F)
With 52% of people looking for opening hours on Google, this is bound to mean some businesses will be giving out-of-date information.
Action step: visit www.google.com/business and check on your times of opening, making updates whenever there is a change.
Engage Your Spectators
Every picture you have displayed tells a story about who you are and what you do.
By making them the most impactful when people see your listing, you are much more likely to engage their minds.
Now you can add things like Team Photos, Food Photos, and Menu Photos when relevant.
Also think about adding in a virtual tour – like a 360 photo – as they really help people feel they know you and your business before they arrive.
Quick story: I’ve been adding pictures to literally hundreds of businesses around the world – with curry houses being one of my favourite places to eat. The 3 Mughals in South Wales have already scored over 30,000 views on a single picture!
Action step: visit your page, check on your images, organize them into them into the best order to tell the story you want.
Also, remember you can ask guests who visit to add their own pics using Google Maps too. Great for good community vibes.
Speed Ahead with Great Reviews
When people search for businesses like yours, they will often compare the listings based on the number and quality of reviews that are displayed.
Quick story: one client and friend in San Francisco told me that a single good review of their cosmetic dentistry business could influence tens of thousands of dollars of new business. Reviews really matter.
Action Step: check your listing and go and engage with the people who are leaving you reviews – saying thank you for the positive ones, and helping to resolve any issues that people may have expressed too.
And don’t worry if you haven’t received any reviews as yet, you can ask people to visit Google Maps and give their opinion there.
The finish line!
Now you are on the way to having a winning Google listing.
And if you want more resources, check out the videos from Google here: https://goo.gl/UM1ElN
Thanks Google Small Business for asking me to be involved.
#SmallBizGames
Monika Schmidt 