--GUEST POST--
Attracting new customers is always top of mind for business owners.
The era of YellowPage directories has come and gone. No one is flipping through the phone book to find their next plumber, electrician, doctor or veterinarian. However, in the digital age, it has become easier than ever to attract new customers to a business.
Why is that?
It is now easier than ever to attract new customers because we already know where they are going for information. We know that they’re going online and we know that they are using search engines like Google to help them find what they need.
When people are looking for the best Italian restaurant in town, they Google it. When they’re looking for the phone number of the local pizza hut, they Google it. If a pipe bursts in their home, they Google, searching for an emergency plumber that can help them as soon as possible.
We know people are going online, we know where they are going to be once they’re online, so what’s the trouble? Why is finding new customers still difficult?
The trick is that many business owners don’t know how to use the internet to maximize their exposure.
Google is aware of the disconnect. To help business owners promote their businesses online, Google rolled out Google My Business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is an online platform that allows business owners to create, manage, and promote their business in their local service area. Within Google My Business, business owners can do all sorts of things. Apart from just listing a business’s name, owners can also add helpful information like:
Hours of operation
Address
Photos
Phone number
Website
This makes it easier for anyone searching for a business or service to quickly find what they need, get more information and get in touch. Apart from general information, Google My Business also has features that allow business owners to engage with customers. Business owners can:
Respond to reviews
Answer questions from customers
Chat with customers
Nearly every business owner qualifies for a Google My Business profile. There are provisions for owners who do not operate a storefront that people can visit. A service-based business operated from home can have a profile. Seasonal businesses can have a profile. There are even provisions for hybrid businesses, that serve customers at their address while also delivering service directly to customers.
YouTube Playlist of Google My Business Tips
In November of 2020, Google rolled out a YouTube playlist highlighting some of the best tips for taking full advantage of Google My Business. These tips aren’t self-published by Google. Rather, they’re tips from customers. These subject matter experts use Google My Business for themselves and their clients on a daily basis. This 10-video sequence provides bite-size pieces of information that will benefit all business owners.
Here’s a look at the videos.
How to Get Started with Google My Business
Training Series - Lesson 2.3: Verifying your GMB listing
How to update your Google My Business category
How to update your Google My Business listing - opening hours
How To Get A Google Review Link (new method)
How to Hide Your Business Address on Google
Google My Business 2020 How to Add a User or Manager Share Access to your Google Review GMB account
How to Load a GMB (Google My Business) Post Image Without It Getting Cut Off
Booking Reservation Feature on Google My Business - Schedule on Google!
How To: Respond To Google Reviews
Why Is Google My Business Important for Attracting Customers?
Having a strong Google My Business profile is a cornerstone of local search engine optimization. Search engine optimization (SEO) ensures that whenever someone searches for a service, a business owner’s website appears in the results. If your business relies on local customer traffic this is something you must invest in.
At Restoration Rocket, an SEO agency focused on companies in the disaster restoration industry, we spend a great deal of time properly optimizing Google My Business profiles for search. Choosing the proper business category, verifying your business, getting more reviews and engaging with customers are all important to optimizing Google My Business.
SEO shouldn’t be your only marketing investment. A balanced approach of email, paid ads, retargeting, SEO and social media will ensure that a business is primed to capture as many new customers as possible.
If you haven’t already done so, get started with Google My Business today!
Take time to fill out your profile as completely as possible. Provide customers in your area with all the details they need to choose you over the competitors. Business owners will be amazed how big of an impact this one platform can have on the business.
Author Bio
Restoration Rocket is a full-service search engine optimization agency specifically focused on the restoration industry. From link-building to Google My Business optimization, Restoration Rocket provides the support business owners need to rocket their website to the top of search!