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Google My Business will help you manage your online reputation across Google and the web.
You know that growing your business’s reputation online means more than creating a website and some cleverly worded social media accounts. You also know that your online reputation is important since consumers Google the heck out of products and services before purchasing. But how exactly do you manage your online reputation? Where do you start and what steps should you take to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward online?
Google My Business for your Online Reputation
Your customers start with Google and so should you. Google My Business is a free service that allows you to create a profile listing for your business’s location on Google Maps and the Search page. It displays information like business hours, location, and contact details. Your Google My Business profile also enables your customers to interact with your business by leaving reviews and adding pictures which can either help or hinder your brand’s online reputation.
Follow these steps to ensure your Google My Business Profile reflects positively on your business.
Step 1 – Create your Google My Business Account
In order to use Google My Business, you’ll need a Google account. Go to Google.com/business and sign in. You should use a Google/Gmail account that is specific to your business. If you don’t have one, you can set one up quickly for free.
Step 2 – Claim your Google My Business Profile
If your business has existed for a long time, you likely already have a GMB listing. You’ll need to claim this listing and verify that it is in fact your business. You can use the in-platform search function to simply look up your business by name. Then follow the steps provided in the platform to connect your Business Profile to your GMB account. If you don’t find your business, you can simply create a listing. You’ll have to verify that you own the business. That process can typically be done within a week.
Step 3 – Update your Info on Google My Business
Add information related to your business. Be meticulous and fill out every section to ensure that your Business Profile is current and fully-optimized. Add high-quality photos to show off your business and let people know what they’re looking for when they find you in Google Maps.
In addition to improving your business’ online reputation, an added benefit of a complete business profile is improved visibility in search results. Thanks to its umbilical-like connection to Google Search, a well-maintained Google My Business profile strengthens your search ranking.
Step 4 – Manage your Reviews
While most aspects of your business’ profile are under your control, Google lets consumers have a say as well. This creates a highly visible platform for your customers to engage with your brand. This is a public conversation. Timely and thoughtful responses will allow you to handle customer complaints quickly and effectively and show happy customers that you appreciate them and their feedback.
Reviews help you improve your online reputation as well as optimize your search results. If you don’t have any, we recommend you solicit reviews from your most loyal customers by providing them with a link to your page and a little encouragement. You should also add a link to your website with a call to action to leave a review.
Step 5 – Post to your Google My Business Profile
Much like social media, GMB allows you to post to your Google Business Profile so you can share your latest offers, spread the word about events, and give other updates regarding your business. On top of keeping your customers informed about your business, posting regularly helps boost your search rankings.
In addition to the normal GMB posts, there is a ‘Questions & Answers’ section that allows customers to ask questions about your products and services. Answering these questions will improve your SEO and provide useful information for potential customers.
Following these simple steps and continually managing your Google My Business account will make your business much easier to find online and (even more importantly) it’ll ensure that your business looks good online when they find it. And when you’re ready to take things to the next level, Digital Air Strike’s reputation experts are standing by to manage and optimize your listing for you! Want more tips for improving your online reputation? Get a custom analysis of your business’ online reputation by requesting a free Intel Report here.
Keep reading about how to increase visibility: Ready to boost your Google my Business listing?
INCREASE IN POSITIVE REVIEWS
Since we have partnered with Digital Air Strike, we have seen an increase in positive reviews across many online review sites including Facebook. We have also seen an increase in Facebook likes from our local audience. Digital Air Strike is always monitoring social and review sites for potential concerns. The faster any issues are resolved, the more likely the customer will return to us in the future. We happily recommend DAS.
– Dimmitt Chevrolet
