Reputation Management
Google My Business is a great tool for any company to start branding themselves and building visibility.
Google My Business is a great tool for any company to start branding themselves and building visibility. It was created by Google to inform web users of local business listings allowing them to find services they are looking for via search and Google Maps. Once users find a business, they can add pictures of the store, office or grounds of the business and even add reviews and commentaries.
Of course, Google allows businesses to manage a lot of what appears on their profiles. This includes adding the business address(es), descriptions of the business, making social media-like posts with text and images and responding in line to reviews.
Because web users are increasingly more likely to see your Google My Business listing rather than your website, it’s essential that businesses take the necessary steps to use the platform to tell their story the way they want their audience to see it. For businesses that generate leads online, a well-managed Google My Business profile could revolutionize your sales.
If you are responsible for marketing a business online, here are five essential steps to take to make sure you cash in on your Google My Business listing:
Take Charge of Your Listing! Get passwords to your profile.
The primary owner of a Google My Business listing should be the owner of the business that you’re listing. The reason is that you want to make sure that you have all the insights that Google gives you that will help build your business. If you’re an established business then you will want to take control of it (some business can verify by phone or email. Many will need to verify with a postcard.) Avoid scenarios where it’s the public that tells your business story without your input. This can be especially troublesome if an unscrupulous competitor seizes control of your site and posts damaging content. If you’re a new business, the first thing you have to worry about is putting your business in the Google profile since Google might not have done it for you. After you’ve done that, you can start taking the steps to use GMB as a way of building a presence online.
