Google My Business:how to make the most of it [with examples] (1)
Miguel Nicolás
22/10/2020
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Although it is one of the basics of a business' online presence, many do not know how to take advantage of Google My Business - we are going to explain that to you!
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You are used to seeing how Google integrates business into your searches, you see maps and tabs, you have probably even used them more than once... But, you ask yourself: how do I do this? How do I highlight my store in Google My Business to reach more people?
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What exactly is Google My Business?
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We can define this feature of the world's most popular search engine as a business directory. That is exactly what it is.What happens is that it is much more advanced and complete than other alternatives. And, in addition, it has the strength of being fully integrated with one of the most used search engines on the planet.This means that we can have a very complete profile of our business in Google My Business, available for anyone to find us, but at the same time it is also a marketing resource.Google itself handles data that is very relevant. According to this study, pages with Google My Business file generate up to 94% more confidence in customers. And, even, they are 29% more effective in terms of conversion.In addition, in order to sell locally, keep in mind that 44% of users already search directly on Google Maps - a fact to be taken into account.
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How do I sign up on Google My Business?
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It is a very simple process. First, you have to access the platform to create your business in the directory, or claim it if it already exists.The first thing is to enter the name of your business. If Google has already indexed it or someone has previously registered it, we can select it from the drop-down menu to claim its property.
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Then it is time to choose the category. There are many suggestions that the predictive text will make to you as you write. If the one you want is not shown, enter it manually. Do not worry because you can modify and add the necessary categories later on.
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Add the physical location of your store (if it exists). This is the address that will be displayed on the map, but if it is an online store you can always mark it as not being displayed.Optionally, it allows you to select a range in which to provide your services. This is important because it will be used in the geolocation. Put an address or a postal code to tune as much as possible.
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Enter your contact details, such as phone number and online store domain, and, then, it is almost done.
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Now, we have just one last step left, that is quite important: you have to verify your business. To do this, you will need to enter a postal address.Do not worry, this will not appear on the map: it is only to send you a letter with a code that you can enter in the dashboard. This is the way to know that the data is true.
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Until the process is completed, which can take up to 13 days, you will not start enjoying your online profile. However, you will be able to complete it to speed up the process when the letter arrives.
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Google My Business features
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They are a good bunch, so it is worth seeing them one by one. This way you will know exactly what they can bring to your business and how you should optimize each of the sections of your Google My Business profile.
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#1 - Schedule
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In the case of online stores, it does not make much sense; but when you are a retailer, it comes in handy for users to know when they can visit you.Besides, Google does its magic here, and is even able to predict the level of attendance of the store and the average time of stay. In times of coronavirus this data is relevant.
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#2 - Description of the company
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You have 750 characters to expand on. Create a text that best summarizes who you are, what you sell and who you want to reach.Only plain text, i.e. you cannot use any HTML or links, so your copywriting works well.
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#3 - Company Photos
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Now that you have your biography written, let the images accompany the words. Choose the photos carefully and remember that you can add anything from your logo to photos of the store and the team working there.
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As you can see in the example, photos uploaded by owners from Google My Business coexist with those uploaded by users, although each type is found in a different tab.You will also see that there are tours inside the stores. This is great for retail and for cool offices, and it is a service that can be contracted through Google itself with its authorized providers around the world.
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#4 - Reviews
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It is not nothing new if I tell you that user-generated content and opinions in particular are one of the things customers value most when making a purchase decision.Google My Business integrates it into the profile, making it a basic reference for online and offline stores. It is important that you have the best possible rating, even that you stimulate it by offering more.
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Did you think this was a topic with less life-cylce? Well, you will see this when we talk about strategy and other types of content in the next issue, such as articles and even local SEO. You are not going to miss it out, are you?
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Images | Google.