Google My Business Listings - Chapter 2 Preview
A local search phrase includes keywords like “near me,” or a
specific location like a city, district, or address. For local searches, Google
no longer gives websites the prime real estate. Right beneath the ads, at the
top, you do not see the top SERPs. You see the top local business listings. And
that is a big deal.
Local searches have become a qualified step in the buyer’s
journey. Most of the time, consumers that look for more product information on
their phone end with a local Google search.
A whopping 82% of smartphone shoppers make a “near me” or local
search before deciding on a business. You do not want to miss out on more than
8 out of 10 potential customers. Together with Google Ads for local businesses,
this helps you cash in on local searches. And that is not the only benefit.
Knowledge Panel for Branded Searches
With a Google My Business listing, a “knowledge panel” for your
business will show up on the right side of the search results for branded or
relevant searches.
You can see the same summary of your business available on Google
Maps. Your address, average rating, business hours, directions, and some
general business information.
If competitors are running ads against your business name, the
knowledge panel can be a great way to grab the attention of potential customers
instantly. The panel helps draw their attention away from Google ads directly
below the search bar, to your business.
Features of Google My Business
What does Google My Business offer business owners? Here is a few
of the most popular features:
Insights: Google’s dashboard
provides key investigates customer activity and interaction, allowing
businesses to learn what is working—and what is not—on their listing. In
addition, it can help them understand their community better as they target new
customers. How did searchers find your business? Where did they come
from? How are your photos performing? Google My Business insights
highlight the answers to these questions and helps businesses optimize and
improve over time.
Posts: Easily post custom
updates and offers on your local listing, inviting customers to make return
visits and engage further with your business. Updates can be made anytime from
your phone, tablet, or computer for on-the-go maintenance. Not sure what to
post about? Try a few ideas we know customers will love, like limited-time
offers, contest promotions, and partnership announcements.
Bookings: Allow customers to
schedule an appointment or book services directly from your listing with a
simple click. Integrated scheduling partners help you easily organize, track,
and manage your bookings in one place.
Review Management: Did you
know? 91% of consumers read online reviews, and 84% of people trust
reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends. Online, reviews
are everything. Engage customers in two-way communications as you
receive and respond to reviews.
Q&A: Respond to
customers’ direct questions about your business and pin frequently asked
inquiries for easy viewing.
Photos: Strong visuals are
crucial for good first impressions—and they are key to a more well-clicked
business listing. Google My Business allows you to upload your best photos and
videos to entice customers to visit you.
Accuracy Across the Web: Google is Google. It powers so much of the internet, and many
third-party sites use Google for their info. Meaning, the business info you
post on your Google My Business listing helps disseminate consistent and
accurate info about your business across the web.
Research shows that 60% of consumers have searched for a
business at least six times in the last year. So if your business checks these
initial boxes, Google My Business could help you become a more accurately
represented, visible, and visited business. Ready to set up your GMB
listing? Let’s walk through the process step-by-step. Read further to learn how
to create, verify, and optimize your Google My Business listing.
