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Quite simply, Google is the most dominant online search tool in the world. Not having a “Google My Business” account  properly set up is foolish and will lead to missed opportunities. On the flip side, I know a multiple of business owners that have made thousands from their GMB page. Many of those average over $100K annually from it.

There are two primary ways that GMB will lead to increased visibility and revenue.

The first method is very straightforward. Think about it, when someone wants to know more about a company or a business owner what do they typically do?  They Google it.  If GMB is set up it will appear prominently on the right-hand side of the Google search page on a laptop or PC.  If they are viewing from a mobile device it will be the first item that appears.   real game-changer for the brand of your business.

The second way is just as effective for potential clients to search and find you. If you don’t know what you are looking for you map it. Many use Google maps to find a business that is close in proximity with good ratings. Many consumers search for “restaurants near me,” plumbers, realtors, insurance agents, etc. near me. If your GMB page is set up your business has a great chance of showing up.

HOW DO I CONFIGURE GOOGLE MY BUSINESS?

Setting up GMB is a very straight forward process.  To begin, make sure that you are logged into the Google account that you want to manage it from.  Some tips regarding that account:

• Set up Google Two-Step Authentication before doing anything in Google.  Protect your business and data.
• Once GMB is set up take advantage of the USERS option in the back office.  Multiple levels of management are available.
• Own franchises or multiple businesses? Not a problem, you can add and manage all of them in on GMB account.

The process begins at https://www.google.com/business

You will first set up the NAP: Name, Address, and Place.

Tip: Make sure that you follow your industry rules and regulations regarding branding.  Real Estate Agents must use their office address, BUT make sure you do not choose the current office listing already there. When GMB asks you to use the current address, choose “This Does Not Match” to continue setting up your page.If you have a service that travels versus a brick and mortar office you can choose a service area.

During the setup process, you will have to verify the business by following the guidelines laid out by Google.  After that, you will be able to log into the GMB back office account and start to enhance your account.

On the HOME page shown below, you will have the option to download the mobile app for GMB.  This is highly suggested as it is a very powerful app and easy to use.

There will also be an option to set up Google Adwords.  You can choose to explore that or dismiss the box with the option to come back to it at a later date.

LET’S REVIEW THE MENU SYSTEM OF GMB EACH SECTION AT A TIME.

POSTS – This is a great way to promote news, events, and sales pertaining to your business.  Posts can be images, text, and videos (mp4), with a call to action.  They are public and can have an expiration date.  They can also be shared to other social media platforms and can improve your SEO – Search Engine Optimization.

INFO – This is the heart of your business on GMB.  Fill in this section completely regarding your business.  The hours, description, website, etc.

Tip: There is an appointment URL section. Use the Contact Me page of your website if need be. Also, attributes are a great way for your business to stand out if they apply. Black-owned and Women-led are two current attributes.

INSIGHTS – Get the complete analytical data on your GMB page.  A great way to help determine the most effective Google Ad that you can run.

REVIEWS – One of the most powerful and evergreen aspects of GMB.  This is the most direct way for consumers to interact with your GMB.  Consumers can leave reviews of your business with just a star rating, or they can add photos and text as well.  Your job as a business owner is to reply to ALL reviews as fast as possible.  The GMB mobile app makes it very easy to do.

Tip: Even if the review is a negative one you need to reply.  My suggestion is to take the high road.  You may not be able to win back that client, but it will affect potential future clients.  If the review is completely out of bounds you can flag it for Google to review.

MESSAGING – A fairly recent addition that allows potential consumers to connect and ask questions.  Note the Q&A is public and will be seen on the GMB page.

PHOTOS – Much like reviews, this section is a very public and evergreen part of GMB.  Feed as many photos AND videos of your business that you can into this section.  The more you provide, the more consumers will review your GMB page.

Note: Consumers can add their photos to a review of your business.  If for whatever reason you feel that is doesn’t match the review you can flag it for Google review.
Photo Requirements: JPEG or PNG.  720×720 pixel minimum. Between 10 KB and 5 MB file size
Video Requirements: 100MB file and 30-second limit. 720p minimum resolution.

BOOKINGS – Own a business where you take appointments?  Consumers can now book with you through GMB if you activate it.

WEBSITES – Do you need a website for your business?  GMB gives you the ability to activate one, albeit a very limited one.  If interested in more robust platforms then contact me directly at MichaelTritthart.com for samples and details.

USERS – Another key element of GMB.  As a business owner make sure you have full control of your GMB.  I have seen many owners allow their admins to set up GMB and if that admin leaves the team then there goes your control!

Tip: Make all of your Google logins that you control Owners of GMB.  Then you don’t have to remember which account you set it up with.

CREATE AN AD – This option takes you to Google Adword express.  You will be able to set up targeted ads here with Google’s assistance.

ADD NEW LOCATION – You can add a new location for your franchise or another business that you own here.

MANAGE LOCATIONS – Need to adjust a current location?  Make that change here.

LINKED ACCOUNTS – Link Google Adwords and Merchant Center to your GMB account.

SETTINGS – Control your notifications here.

SUPPORT – GMB has a great FAQ here AND you can communicate directly with Google support regarding any GMB issues.

DAILY ROUTINE ON GMB FOR GOOD RESULTS

There is no magic bullet.  You have to work it.  And by that, I mean a steady influx of data into GMB.

Some action items are listed below.

• Create GMB posts regularly.
• Add photos/videos to the GMB back office often.  You can easily do this via the GMB app.
• Encourage consumers to review your business and respond to the reviews quickly.
• Periodically review the GMB back office for new features.

My design team does manage GMB pages for businesses, website design, blog content writing, etc. for the real estate industries and other businesses.  If we can be of assistance in any way please do not hesitate to contact me at MichaelTritthart.com.

BONUS – Detailed Google training and consumer marketing piece can be found at bit.ly/GoogleBizSecrets.

This guest blog was written by Michael Tritthart and reprinted from MyOutDesk.com/blog