Google My Business (GMB) is now an essential part of any company’s internet presence and is no longer just an option. It’s where prospective customers turn first in the digital era to get crucial details about your company. Customers increasingly rely on Google to identify your business hours, safety procedures, and more; the days of leafing through Yellow Pages or making phone calls are long gone. Updating your GMB page becomes increasingly important when companies restart operations following the outbreak in order to retain customers.
Why is Google My Business (GMB) Important?
The main point of contact for potential customers looking for your business has always been Google My Business (GMB). Your GMB account can benefit greatly from optimization in a number of ways, including:
Enhanced Local SEO:
Your business will be more visible to local prospects if your GMB listing is kept up to date and in good standing.
Immediate First Impression:
Users get an immediate first impression of your business when they click on your GMB listing, which displays your basic company information on the right side of the search results.
Google Maps Integration:
By having a GMB listing, your company is simpler to find on Google Maps, the most popular map and mobile application in the world.
Direct Messaging:
GMB’s user interface enables clients to send messages directly to your company’s phone or email, facilitating seamless communication.
Social Legitimacy:
Similar to sites like Yelp or Trustpilot, customer evaluations are shown beneath your GMB profile, giving your company social evidence and legitimacy.
How Covid-19 Affects GMB:
As a result of the epidemic, businesses frequently had to adjust their operation schedules and safety precautions, thrusting GMB into the spotlight of digital marketing. You must rapidly update your GMB account with the most recent information in order to keep your clients updated. For the majority of clients, Google is still their go-to source of information, thus Google My Business (GMB) is the best channel for sharing any alterations to operating hours or processes.
Optimizing Your GMB Account
If the pandemic has had an impact on your business, the first thing to do is change your business hours on your GMB account. Take these easy actions:
- Log into your Google My Business profile.
- Click on “Data.”
- Press “Explore” to access “Edit.”
- Modify the hours of operation for each day of the week.
- If necessary, enter specified hours for certain services (such as takeout only) in the “More hours” box.
- When done, click “Apply.”
Update the information on your company’s adaptation to the evolving state of health, including adherence to safety and health measures, as needed.
Update your company photographs frequently to reflect any alterations made to your space as a result of the epidemic, such as social distancing signals.
Select the primary category that best describes your business and, if required, add an extra category to make sure it is properly categorised for better local positioning.
GMB for Better Business:
GMB has become a crucial component of how customers engage with nearby establishments; it is not a fleeting fad. According to a recent Google poll, 60% of mobile phone users used the “click to call” feature on the GMB interface to make direct phone calls to businesses.
Conclusion
Google My Business (GMB) is a vital tool for companies looking to expand and flourish in today’s digital environment. It acts as a single hub for prospective customers to find accurate and current information about your business. Especially in the post-pandemic age, use the power of GMB to build consumer trust, keep your competitive edge, and foster enduring relationships.
