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Google my business is an essential free online listing on google that allows potential customers/clients to find your business. It allows you to be found on the web and on google maps.
Why should I use Google My Business?
It allows you to keep an eye on your local competitors
It allows potential customers to find your business
It provides free advertising
It will legitimize your business
It builds client trust
It allows your business to be visible online
It allows you to collect honest reviews for your business
How to claim or add your business to Google My Business
Click the link above to claim or create your free listing.
Log into your google account or create one if you don't have one!
Enter your business name & business category
Enter your business address for verification (if you are a booth or suite renter, you can still add your business using the same address but be sure to add your suite number in the address, if you do not add a suite number it will not be approved)
Business phone number (we do not recommend you using your personal phone as a business line, if you are just starting out there are free to low cost suggestions available to you - check out the Apps & Software page to learn more)
Website or Booking Site link
Verify your google listing (typically will be done via mail)
Download Google Maps app to manage and update your listing via phone
Once Verified!
Complete your Google My Business profile
Add business hours
Add services
Add photos
Add logo
Detailed description (what your provide, use keywords, location, and the name of your business)
Ask for reviews
Keep your profile up to date to help with google rankings
Google My Business Optimization
Keeping your listing up to date is an important piece for your google ranking
Photos
Add photos & captions with keywords (eg, service + location - i.e. Hydrafacial Boston, MA) in all pics uploads
Have a variety of photos on your listing. This will allow your client to envision what it will be like.
Business outside and inside ( so its easier for people to find you)
Include photos of yourself and your team
Updates, Offers, & Events
Updates
Recommended to be updated weekly. You can provide information about parking, traffic, roadwork, refreshments, professional product lines you use, ways to schedule an appointment, announce new team members, new treatments, etc.
Offers
Recommended to be updated monthly. You can list any of your offers for the month: New client discounts, Student discounts, Seasonal offers, Holidays, Couples, etc.
Events
As needed. If you are having an special events, you can let potential searchers know! Examples - Truck or treat, Open house, etc.
Google Reviews
Reviews are the first thing a potential customer will look at when thinking about making a new purchase. This is a way of building trust before they’ve even met you or made a purchase (ex. amazon review).
You should always make it a habit to respond to EVERY single review you receive. This builds trust with not only your client but also potential clients reading your reviews.
How to ask for reviews:
After a service or purchase, provide them with a card or postcard (you can create one yourself!) which can have the QR code and link to your Google My Business Profile and ask that if they enjoyed their service to leave an honest review
You can send them before/after photos & your Google my Business Profile link via email, DM, or sms
Responding to Negative Reviews
Never ignore negative reviews! You should always acknowledge them politely and invite them to reach out to you directly so that you can have a chance to rectify the situation. Potential clients will see how you respond. If you respond defensively and rude, people searching on google will read your response and be completely become dis-swayed to choose to purchase from you or your business. When you respond kindly, trying to rectify the situation they will see that you actually truly care about customer experience and your business; and the positive reviews will outweigh the negative reviews!
Responding to Fake Reviews
Respond to the fake review and be sure to emphasize that you indeed have to record of a visit and ask them to reach out to you for help; be professional and polite in your responses. After you've responded to the fake review, you can flag the review and report it to Google to request a removal, they will investigate and they will not remove legitimate valid reviews (please note: this is not guaranteed) Report to Google
Google My Business Analytics
Google My Business provides free reports that are easy to use. You can see reports such as:
# of phone calls you got this month by people who found you on Google
# of people who clicked on your website
# of photo views
"businesses like you"
where customers view your business profile
how customers search for your business
customer actions & MORE