Search is digital so being discoverable online is critical to success. The higher your business ranks in Google search results, the higher the chances are of it being discovered by potential customers. A Google My Business account can help ensure that when your customers search for your service, your business will be there waiting for them. Here are the five ways you can use Google My Business’s features to get more customers. 

If you don’t already know, Google My Business is a free online business profile available to any business. It is automatically generated by Google, and all you have to do to make use of its wide range of features is to claim it. It’s a quick and easy way to get more exposure for your business while enhancing your customer experience. When used correctly it can even increase your revenue and provide insight into your customers. Follow these five steps to optimize your account for increased sales. 

Optimise your listing

The reason why having a Google My Business profile is so important is because it puts local business listings at the top of the search results when people look for that service. Optimising your listing can help turn those online searchers into customers. You have the ability to control what local customers see, so it is not only a place for customers to find basic information about your business but also a platform on which to generate more sales. 

Start by writing a succinct but engaging description of your business. Be sure to include keywords that your customers are likely to search such as ‘italian restaurant’, ‘paint supplies’ etc. This will drive search results. Include all information requested including updated images, the more information you provide the better for your businesses local SEO. Even if you already have a web presence or  you just have a brick and mortar shop, all of your prospects are online, so getting the top results on Google can help with both foot traffic and web traffic.

Get on the map 

Making sure your business shows up on Google Maps is perhaps the most important step for local businesses. You need to ensure that potential customers can easily find your physical location, so take the time to go through the steps of building out your profile. A Google study found that 50% of the people who conducted a local search on their smartphone visited that business or a similar one within a day. On average 56% of local retailers haven’t even claimed their Google My Business account, so that puts your business in a good standing to secure any and all leads. 

Use the extra features

The signals sent from Google My Business play a significant role in your business’s local SEO. Once you have filled out the basic information on your profile we advise exploring to see what else Google My Business has to offer. Use their ‘display your service area’ option or post coupons, blog posts and special events for your customers. Posts will display as ads on the Google My Business homepage so be sure to link back to your website. Google My Business accounts also provide access to Google analytics, use this to optimise your paid and organic advertising strategies.

Encourage customer reviews

A Google My Business profile lends credibility to your business. That said, everyone likes a second opinion, according to Think With Google 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Customer reviews are the lifeblood of local search, the more good reviews, the more sales, it’s that simple. Reviews are also a key metric that Google uses to determine your ranking in search results. So how exactly do you get customer reviews? Try asking for them! Google My Business makes it easy for you, simply send a link to customers or share a post to social media. Alternatively, you could always offer an incentive; include a discount or offer a freebie with their next purchase. 

Review and update frequently

Misinformation can lead to a bad customer experience and missed opportunities. Make sure your listing is always up to date and contains the correct information. As inconsistencies in information across your website, social media and Google My Business profile can negatively impact your search ranking. Keeping your customers informed will prevent bad reviews and secure sales. Lastly, don’t forget to politely respond to all reviews, good or bad.

Over 80% of all searches happen on Google, so taking the time to make your listing stand out can help you secure more customers in the long run. At Strive Digital we have the skills and insights to increase your exposure while enhancing your customer experience. For help standing out in a competitive market get in touch today.