Some people firmly believe that a Google Business listing is all you need. Others think that your success will be determined solely by your website. So, which one is it? The truth is, each of these marketing tools is valuable. They can each help you generate client leads, meet your revenue goals, attract new customers, or keep existing customers engaged, even while you’re sleeping. But while building and maintaining a website isn’t necessary for everyone, establishing your Google Business listing is.
Do you need help setting up your listing?
This free listing can act as a 24/7 marketing tool. It can help you establish credibility, attract attention, provide important business information, and offer social proof through reviews, all without a website. Still, many are hesitant about adding a Google Business Listing to their online presence. Let’s talk about why how this mindset can be hurting your business:
Why is GMB listing important?
When it comes to GMB / how it is called in the SEO world/, your question may be, “why?” But the better question is: “why not?” Google business accounts are easy to set up and free. How many other marketing tools are truly this easy and effective? With a GMB listing, your business can rank on local searches without having a website to link back to.
You can provide new and existing customers with all of the information they need right here. As far as basic information goes, your listing should make it easy to find:
- Your phone number
- Your email address
- Your business address
- A breakdown and description of your services and products
- Prices for your services and products (optional)
- Relevant images and logos
- Whatever else your target audience will find valuable
The easier you make it for customers to find you and important information related to your business, the easier you make it for customers to choose you over others offering the same products and services. With a Google Business Listing, all of your information is stored right there on the Google server. You don’t have to worry about paying for or maintaining a website, optimizing multiple pages, or tracking its performance. Of course, having a website can also help you achieve your goals. But again, it isn’t always necessary.
How you can use online reviews to your advantage
Many businesses use online reviews as social proof or evidence that they’re offering a product or service that exceeds their customers’ standards. Local opinion is important when you’re choosing a service. Online marketing studies in 2019 revealed that online reviews influenced purchase decisions for 93% of consumers. Further, 97% of respondents answered that they read reviews for local businesses. With numbers this high, you may be missing out on important opportunities if you’re not highlighting your reviews and making them easy to find.
Online reviews not only generate social proof, but they also increase trust and give you a direct line to potential customers.
Many business owners, especially new ones, are afraid of getting bad reviews.
But I have a little secret for you: the occasional bad review won’t destroy your reputation.
Even the most successful businesses get a bad review from time to time.
If you get a negative review, you can balance it out with new 5-star reviews.
Luckily, there are two easy ways to do this:
Educate your new and existing customers on the importance of completing online reviews.
Many people will only leave reviews when they are very upset about the way something turned out. If your customers are generally happy with your products or services, they may not feel compelled to share that each time they come back for more. But that evidence of having repeat, loyal customers is crucial. Politely let your customers know how much a positive online review means to your business. If you’re worried that they still won’t take the time, offer an incentive. A coupon code, free sample, or other type of discount works wonders for rewarding company loyalty and initiating a positive online review.
Provide excellent customer service.
Businesses that go above and beyond are the ones that don’t have to try as hard to convince customers to leave positive reviews. If you’re providing excellent customer service and a top-notch overall experience, your customers will be happy to help. They’ll also be much more likely to take the initiative and leave a positive review on their own, making less work for you.
Local posts are similar to FB posts
GMB listings have become so popular in recent years that they are essentially acting as bonus social media platforms. Right on your listing, you can:
- Promote important events and updates
- Promote new or existing products and services
- Bring attention to any discounts or loyalty programs you offer
- Boost your website traffic (if you have one)
- Boost traffic to your business’s social media pages
- Quickly and easily book appointments
- Add a “call now,” button that makes it easier for your customers to contact you
- Add a “buy now,” link that takes all of the hassle out of the purchase for your customer
- Offer specials with start and end dates that are easy to find
If setting up your Google My Business page sounds daunting, don’t worry; we can handle all of the initial work for you and hand it over when it’s ready.
At Turek Design, we make it easy for you to get your information out there. It’s time to take advantage of this incredible marketing tool. We will help you create and optimize your business listing for outstanding results. Your listing can help you manage your online presence, provide social proof of your excellent customer service, attract attention, retain customers, find new ones, increase your revenue, and so much more. Why wait another day to get the word out about your business? Schedule a free discovery call today to see how we can help.
