Google My Business: What is it, and how can it benefit your company’s online presence?
According to Google, “using Google My Business is the fast and easy way for businesses, products, brands, artists, and organizations to manage their online presence with Google.” We have found that it is a great way to get and respond to reviews from your customers, maintain current business information and view your dashboard for Google Insights as well as a variety of other Google services. We consider Google My Business to be one of the three main ways that drive online traffic to your business. The other two being your website and paid ads or pay-per-click (PPC).
Some of the newest features in Google My Business have made it a real player in the world of organic search. You can now make posts, and upload videos. Stay ahead of your competition by making the most of your free Google Business Listing.
The panel that you see to the right of a search window in Google Search, is called the “Knowledge Panel” (see the image below). Google generally gathers this information from what you enter into your Google My Business page. That is why verifying your listing is SO important. It tells Google that you are a trusted source for this information. It then allows you to enter your hours, special holiday hours, and a variety of other information. When you verify your listing, YOU control the information that is displayed.
Other advantages to verifying your business listing is to gather data on how customers reach you BEFORE going to your website. This is all the information that Google gathers on how they view your business in the search results. It tracks calls, requests for directions, post views and interactions. This is all critical information that can help you make marketing decisions for your business.
When opening a new business, verifying your Google My Business page is one of the first things that you should do for your company’s online digital marketing efforts.
The Paramount Group.us can help you claim, verify and populate your Google My Business listing properly. We also have tips on how to make the most of your posts, let your customers know that they can leave reviews, and show you how to interpret your insights. Call us today to set up a consultation on how best to set up your Google My Business page.