Lesson 7: Google My Business
Common Google My Business Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Google My Business (GMB) is an essential tool for any business looking to establish a strong online presence. However, simply creating a GMB profile isn’t enough; you must manage it effectively to reap the full benefits. Many businesses make common mistakes with their GMB profiles, which can hinder their online visibility and customer engagement. This guide will discuss these common mistakes and provide actionable strategies to avoid them, ensuring your business stands out and attracts potential customers.
Unclaimed Listings
One of the most fundamental mistakes businesses make is failing to claim their GMB listing. An unclaimed listing often leads to inaccurate or incomplete information being displayed, which can confuse potential customers and drive them to competitors. When a business does not take ownership of its GMB profile, it misses out on opportunities to manage its online reputation and engage with customers.
To avoid this mistake, the first step is to claim your GMB listing. You can do this by searching for your business on Google and clicking the “Own this business?” link that appears on the profile. Follow the steps to verify your ownership, which typically involves receiving a verification code by mail, phone, or email. Once you have control over your profile, you can ensure that all the information is accurate and up-to-date, which helps in building trust with your customers and improving your online visibility.
Incomplete or Missing Information
Another common issue with GMB profiles is having incomplete or outdated information. When potential customers visit your GMB profile, they expect to find accurate details about your business, such as operating hours, contact information, and a link to your website. If any of these details are missing or incorrect, it can lead to customer frustration and potentially drive them to your competitors who have more complete profiles.
To prevent this, regularly check and update your business information on GMB. Ensure that all details, including your business name, address, phone number, operating hours, and website URL, are accurate and current. This is especially important during holidays or special events when your operating hours might differ from the usual. Keeping this information updated not only improves customer satisfaction but also boosts your local search rankings, as Google favors profiles with complete and accurate information.
Incorrect Operating Hours
Operating hours are a critical piece of information that customers rely on when deciding whether to visit your business. If your GMB profile displays incorrect or outdated hours, it can lead to negative customer experiences. Imagine a customer planning their visit based on the hours listed on your profile, only to find your business closed upon arrival. This not only frustrates the customer but also damages your business’s reputation.
To avoid this scenario, regularly update your operating hours, including any special hours for holidays, events, or temporary closures. By providing accurate and timely information, you ensure that customers have a clear understanding of when your business is open, which helps in maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.
Ignored Reviews
Customer reviews are a vital aspect of your business’s online reputation. Ignoring reviews, whether they are positive or negative, can harm your business’s image. Customers who take the time to leave feedback expect a response, and when businesses fail to engage with these reviews, it can give the impression that they don’t value customer input.
The best approach is to respond to all reviews promptly and professionally. For positive reviews, thank the customer for their feedback and express your appreciation for their business. This not only reinforces a positive relationship with that customer but also shows potential customers that you value and acknowledge good service. For negative reviews, it’s crucial to address the issues raised without getting defensive. Apologize for any shortcomings, offer a solution if possible, and invite the customer to discuss the matter privately. Handling negative feedback well can actually turn a bad situation into a positive one, as it demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.
Poor Quality Photos
Visual content is one of the first things potential customers notice on your GMB profile. Low-quality or irrelevant photos can make your business less appealing and may even deter customers from visiting. High-quality images that accurately represent your business, on the other hand, can significantly enhance your profile and attract more customers.
To make your GMB profile more appealing, upload high-quality photos of various aspects of your business. This should include the exterior and interior of your business location, as well as photos of your products, services, and staff. Regularly update your photos to keep your profile fresh and reflective of any changes in your business. Investing in professional photography can make a big difference in how your business is perceived online, making your profile stand out in a crowded market.
Incorrect Map Pins
An often-overlooked detail on GMB profiles is the placement of the map pin. If the pin is incorrectly placed, it can lead customers to the wrong location, causing frustration and potential loss of business. This is especially problematic for businesses located in busy or complex areas where precise directions are crucial.
To ensure customers can easily find your business, make sure your map pin is accurately placed on Google Maps. Regularly check the pin location, especially if you notice customers mentioning issues with finding your business. Adjust the pin as necessary to accurately reflect your business’s physical location. By doing so, you make it easier for customers to reach you, which can improve foot traffic and overall customer satisfaction.
Ignoring the Q&A Section
The Q&A section on GMB is a valuable resource for potential customers, yet it’s often overlooked by businesses. When left unmanaged, this section can contain unanswered questions or, worse, incorrect answers provided by the public. This can lead to misinformation about your business being spread, which can negatively impact customer perceptions.
To avoid this, regularly monitor the Q&A section of your GMB profile. Provide accurate and helpful answers to any questions that customers post. You can also proactively post frequently asked questions (FAQs) to address common inquiries before they are even asked. This not only provides valuable information to potential customers but also helps in managing the narrative around your business by ensuring that accurate information is readily available.
Avoiding these common Google My Business mistakes is crucial for maintaining a strong online presence and enhancing customer engagement. By claiming and actively managing your GMB listing, keeping all information up-to-date, engaging with customer reviews, and utilizing high-quality photos, you can create a more effective and attractive profile.
Regularly checking the accuracy of your map pin and actively managing the Q&A section will further improve customer satisfaction and trust in your business. Taking these steps will not only help you avoid potential pitfalls but will also position your business to thrive in the competitive online marketplace. In the next lesson, we will cover advanced tips for maximizing the benefits of your Google My Business profile, ensuring that you continue to grow and succeed in your local market.
Credits: this video is available on the YouTube channel WsCube Tech