Do you your business have a Google My Business account? If not, it’s time to create one, and it’s Free. There are many benefits of having a GMB profile including:
-
- Being found more easily by potential customers,
- Connecting with new customers in the area through reviews & ratings,
- Providing customer service support hours online when closed or busy etc.
Here is an informative blog post about 9 common mistakes when setting up Google My Business that will help you set up the perfect profile!
Mistake #1: Not choosing a verified profile
Verified profiles are great because it ensures that the business information is correct. When you verify your Google My Business account, you have the option to choose from two ways to verify: via mail or phone. Whenever possible, try to use the mobile verification code (SMS). It’s faster and easy!
Mistake #2: Incomplete/incorrect business information
Be sure to fill out all the necessary information for your profile. This includes the address, phone number and website. The more complete your profile is, the better it will rank in Google Search results. Also be sure that any data you are inputting is correct!
Mistake #3: Missing photos
Need we say more? Google recommends at least 3 high-quality photos. The photo is what sets your business apart from others in the area and helps customers remember you! Every new listing on the GMB platform gets a free photo voucher, so go ahead and use it! If you don’t have any high quality images of your business, ask friends or family members if they can help you take some pictures.
Mistake #4: Not adding a video
This is something many businesses forget, but videos are really important! A good video gives the customer an idea of what your business looks like and what to expect when visiting. It also helps them remember you!
Mistake #5: No video call-to-action (CTA) on your business website
Next time you’re adding a new Google My Business listing, be sure to add a CTA on the page directing customers to call or click to visit. This will help you get more calls from customers who want more information about the business.
Mistake #6: Lack of citations
Adding citations can help get your business listed in Google Search and other search engines to drive traffic to your website, as well as make phone calls from customers. Citations are free and easy to add!
Mistake #7: Not having a live human answering the phone
If someone is calling your business, they want to talk to a real person as quickly as possible! If you have an answering service or other automated system, be sure to tell customers that their call will likely go to voicemail and provide them with an option for live assistance.
Mistake #8: Outdated info on website
When setting up your Google My Business page, make sure you are listing your most current information. This includes hours of operation, events and specials going on at the property etc.
Mistake #9: Not verifying online reviews
Reviews are important because it helps customers trust your business more than those who don’t have reviews. Verified reviews (meaning the review has a “V” beside it) also get more weight in Google Search and other search engines than non-verified reviews.
If you’re setting up a Google My Business account, it is important to get your business listing set up correctly from the beginning. Unfortunately, there are some common mistakes that people make when doing this and these can cost them time and money if they don’t learn how to avoid them in advance.
Feel free to contact us for any questions or help. We’re here to help answer all your digital marketing needs as well so be sure to reach out if you have any other topics on which you want more information!