There have been a lot of changes in the way that almost all companies, both large and small, do business. Normal methods of operating have taken a big hit and have forced businesses to make big shifts in order to accommodate the many changes in our world (and our economy). There is a light at the end of the tunnel and, eventually, companies will begin returning to more regular ways of conducting business. While things may never be the same, there are some sure-fire things that your business should know to get up and running again. One huge asset to help your business so that: Google My Business.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12640″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://techwood.digital/ebook-landing-page/”][vc_column_text]Google My Business is an essential tool for all companies, but even more so for local businesses. With local businesses feeling some of the hardest impacts, it is more important than ever for them to solidify their online presence and come back even stronger than before. That is why we have put together a guide on what you need to change in Google My Business to get your business up and running again.
Update Any Information Relevant to Your Business
The first step you should take when updating your Google My Business profile is to make any needed updates to your business’s information. This includes, but is not limited to, the items listed below.
- Address – Has your business moved from the location listed?
- Products – Do you offer any new products? Do you plan on offering new products as you remerge and business begins to regulate again?
- Services – Do you offer any new or additional services that you have not yet listed.
- Accepted Payment Methods – Have your accepted payment methods changed or are there any new forms of accepted payment?
Again, this list is not all-inclusive but it does include some key items to take note of and update if needed.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12637″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://techwood.digital/ebook-landing-page/”][vc_column_text]
Note & Update Any Changes to Hours
This update is an essential one to take into account. There is a high probability that your business hours may have changed or may vary from normal business hours. This is a very important aspect of your business to keep updated and to inform potential customers of changes as frequently as they may happen. You want your customers to know exactly when they can do business with you, so it is key to make sure that your hours are up to date!
Add Any New Means of Doing Business
One big change that your company may be experiencing is in regard to how you do business. Many new means of conducting business have emerged such as curbside business or pickup, delivery, in-store pickup, online appointments, and more! There is a service options section of Google My Business that allows you to indicate all of the available options that apply to your company. This is another way to show people how they can do business with you, so it is worth updating!
Include Social
On Google My Business, you can add links to any and all social accounts that your company may have. Now more than ever, it is important to make sure that people can find and access these social accounts. Potential customers may want to access your social accounts for more information or more frequent updates about your business. For that reason, you should make it easy for them to find your accounts and post frequently with any updates or additional changes to business![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12638″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://techwood.digital/ebook-landing-page/”][vc_column_text]
Additional Optimizations & Opportunities
One of the many great things about Google My Business is that you can continuously update and optimize your company’s profile. Take this time to fully optimize your profile and make it appealing and informative to your customers! This includes updates and opportunities like those listed below.
- Pictures – Update or add pictures of your business! This is a great way to directly show your customers your company’s space, products, services being performed, and more!
- Menu – If you are a restaurant or a business with any sort of menu, now is a great time to make sure it is up-to-date with all of your latest offerings!
- Appointment Links – If your business is accepting appointments, there is a place on Google My Business to include an appointment link. This direct link is a great way for customers to get access to what they need with ease.
Engage with Reviews
It is also a great time to engage with your company’s reviews. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative is a great way to interact with your customers and show them that you care about them beyond just the transaction. Thank those who have left you positive feedback and encourage them to visit you again. Additionally, address and respond to any negative feedback that may have been left to show that you care about the quality of business you give each and every customer. This is a chance to make it right and win back customers (or at the very least, show other customers that you are willing to put in the effort with each interaction you have as a business).
Posts on GMB
Last, but possibly most important, we encourage your business to take advantage of the posting capabilities on Google My Business. Google My Business allows you to make posts regarding offers, updates, events, and more! This is a great way to send specific messages to your customers and continuously interact with, and update them! Plus, you can include links in these posts that can direct back to your site! It helps your customers get the information they need, it helps you to keep your business’s profile updated and engaging, and it shows Google that you are making frequent updates and that your business is actively working to serve people. In that way, it is a win-win-win for everyone!
There is also a specific COVID-19 posting functionality that Google My Business is offering right now. This allows you to show your support for COVID-19 or make updates regarding how COVID-19 is impacting your business. In the future, this will most likely be something Google will continue to offer depending on the current events going on during those certain times.
How These Changes Help You
Some of these changes or opportunities may seem small or trivial, but they can actually go a very long way in the eyes of Google and for your potential customers. Information is power, and having relevant, updated information about your site it key for your business’s operations and success. Implementing these changes and pursuing these opportunities will make great strides in the efforts to get your business up and running again![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”12639″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://techwood.digital/ebook-landing-page/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]