7 Ways Google My Business Can Get You More Customers and Traffic

If your business relies on local trade then Google My Business is a great way to get in front of your target customers when it matters.

It’s been around for some time but over the past few years has seen a number of updates. The original version started out as Google Places soon turning to Google Maps, then Google Places and finally, in 2014 was to be known as Google My Business (there’s a full history of the platform here)

1) Get found on local searches

When consumers search for “restaurants in…” or “barber shops near me” Google displays a local pack. Google Local listing results have seen an increase in visibility, over organic results, making Google My Business essential for getting found by people looking for your products and services in your area. If your business has several locations, a bulk import function is also available.

2) Google Sidebar

With Google My Business when someone searches for your brand name your details will appear on the right-hand side of search results. Without clicking, potential customers can see your location, contact details, opening hours, reviews and much more. All of these details will play a part in whether a potential customer contacts you, how they contact you and when they visit you.

3) Appear on Google Maps

Beyond simply showing your business’ location on a map, consumers can seamlessly use it for travel directions. With the insights available for GMB, you can also gain insight into how many people requested directions to your business address through your listing.

4) Display opening hours and contact details

Sounds obvious but customers could easily be lost if they don’t know where to go and what time you are open! What’s more, if your customers are searching on a mobile device they can Click to Call your business. For businesses with heavy enough footfall, a graph of popular times is also available, helping your customers to find the best time to visit you.

5) Show Customer Reviews

87% of potential customers won’t consider businesses with low ratings. Nothing builds credibility better than reviews from your customers. You can also respond to customer feedback and reviews.

6) Display photos of your business, work or products

Google My Business allows you to upload a range of different photo types to show off your premises, products or services. Listings with photos and a virtual tour are twice as likely to generate interest. You can even publish an indoor Street View to provide a virtual tour of your business.

7) Shout about offers and promotions on Google+ and Google Posts

You can push messages to your audience with Google+ and gain an audience when they follow your business. Google Posts allows people and businesses to create content directly on Google to be displayed in the sidebar. This is slowly being rolled out to more and more businesses and we expect this to be widely used in the future.

iThinkMedia are on-hand to deliver results from your local SEO campaign. From getting Google My Business setup and verified – whether one location or over 500 – our team can optimise your GMB listing and build local content to ensure your business is found when and where your customers are looking.

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