Let’s set the scene… We are a small digital marketing business nestled in the town of
Chipping Campden in the heart of the Cotswolds, so when it comes to growing your local
business, we’ve got all the digital marketing tricks of the trade, with the first and foremost
being Google My Business.
With 97% of people learning more about a local company online than anywhere else, we
think you should give this a read on how to set up your page and watch your business
transform!
What is Google My Business (aka GMB)?
- Google My Business provides you with the ability to list your business location on
Google Maps and local search results.
- You can display important information about your business, the opening/closing times, contact details and a link to your website.
- More recently Google has also released a new feature allowing you to post a link to articles or up and coming events.
Now you’re probably thinking, this sounds great but how much does it cost? Well…you’re in
luck, Google My Business is free! Even if your business is an online business and you don’t
have a physical shop, then you should still consider having a GMB page.
Why does your business need GMB?
- Online Exposure
Google have updated the way they show GMB listings, now mainly focusing on
location. So, if you want to reach more potential customers in your area, a GMB
listing is a great advantage.
- Increased Calls
64% of consumers have used Google My Business listings to find a local business’
address or phone number. Apart from your contact details, you can also use your
listing to post about events, products, and even your customers can post an image to
your profile.
- Free Reviews Platform
With all GMB listings, you can collect reviews, for free. People can go directly to your
GMB listing and leave you a 1–5-star review with a message, and even include
photos. These reviews will show directly on your listing and give a strong trust signal
for anyone viewing your listing. With recent updates, you can now use a custom
review link for your GMB profile. You can send this link directly to clients or
customers.
How to set up your Google My Business, step by step:
To set up your GMB account, follow these very simple steps:
Step 1: SIGN IN TO GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE MANAGER
Step 2: ADD YOUR BUSINESS
Enter your business name. If it does not appear in the drop-down menu, click Add your
business to Google. Then select the appropriate category for your business and click Next.
Step 3: ENTER YOUR LOCATION
If you have a physical location customers can visit, select Yes. Then add your business
address. You may also be asked to position a marker for the location on a map. If your
business does not have a location customers can visit but offers in-person services or
deliveries, you can list your service areas. Then click Next.
Step 4: FILL IN YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Enter your business phone number and website address so customers can reach you. If you
prefer not to be reached by phone, you don’t have to enter a phone number.
When your info is complete, click Next.
Step 5: VERIFY YOUR BUSINESS
Enter your real physical address. This information is only used to verify your business and is
not displayed on your Google Business Profile or shared with the public.
Step 6: CUSTOMISE YOUR PROFILE
Enter your business hours, messaging preferences, business description, and photos. When
you’re ready, click Continue. You’ll find yourself in the Business Profile Manager dashboard.
From here, you can manage your business profile, view insights, manage reviews and
messages, and create Google ads.
How can Shire Marketing help you?
Now that you have the intel on GMB, this is where we can step in. Seeing as we are a local
Cotswolds business ourselves, we have the tools to help you bring your company to the
surface and promote your business. Shire Marketing is a bespoke marketing agency,
working with businesses of all sizes across the country, improving with digital marketing -
from website design to social media management. Get in contact with us if you want our
brilliant digital marketing tips or help with your
digital marketing in general, we are here for you and your business !
info@shiremarketingspecialists.co.uk
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