Google Maps is probably the best non-investment (free) that you will ever make.
Google Maps, Local Business
Do you use maps to search for local services? I sure do, and so do your clients.
By Devon Lybbery
A few days ago, I was minding my own business working away on my computer, then slowly a knot built up in my shoulder. Being mostly neglectful, I paid no attention but two days later it spread through my back and down into my hips!
What was I to do!
Of course, the same thing that any other self-respecting desk-jockey would do. I googled “chiropractor”. I was at work, so I needed one that was close, and there they were on Google Maps, just 0.8km away. I called them, set an appointment for 30 minutes from that time and now I am as limber as rubber band.
All thanks to Google Maps!
By the way, it had been years since I had been to visit a chiropractor, and it was absolutely marvelous!
“Google Maps is one of the most powerful local business search engines available.”
Are You on Maps?
Google my business is one of the most powerful tools available online for local service and product providers. Even better, it’s FREE
There is literally no reason to not being a part of it. . . besides simply not getting around to it.
Did you know that 92% of customers will compare companies online before they make a purchase? Setting up on Google My Business (after which you will be on Google Maps) is the easiest way to compare businesses, it’s my primary way of shopping!
Some Excuses
I suppose there are some excuses for not being on maps (although they are all bad), let’s go through them quickly:
1. You are home based and don’t want people to know that
This is a very normal excuse, but it has a few really good solutions.
First of all, you can set up your location so that it doesn’t show your exact address but just your general location. You still show up on the map and your proximity is defined, but people won’t be coming by your house.
The second option is to get a commercial address. Lybroco is set up to make this happen, just set your address at our location (with Lybroco’s permission of course).
No matter which you choose, it’s no excuse.
2. You just don’t know how to do it
I can definitely appreciate this one. We have set up so many businesses that it’s just second nature to us now, perhaps it is harder than we think. If you give it a good effort and it’s just not working give us a call and we can help you out. . . better yet, I will write instructions on how to do it (pictures and all)! Look around our blogs, it will be here soon.
3. You don’t think it will help
For some businesses, this is a good point. Those types of businesses are not local in nature such as online sales or drop-shipping companies, but any locally serving business should be on it!
It’s free! What better ROI could you ask for than infinity! If you think it’s not worth your time, believe me it is. If time is that important, just have somebody who knows how to do it get you hooked up.
I think that’s it for excuses. If you have any other excuses, please let me know in the comments below.
So what kind of business info can you put on your Google business listing?
Great question!
Everything, even reviews!
Remember, Google wants people to find good businesses when they are looking for them. It is in their best interest to give you every tool available.
You can list your businesses:
· Name
· Location
· Phone Number
· Working Hours
· Business Category
· Maps Pin
· Social Media Handles
· Photos
· Customer Reviews
· And bunches of other stuff like child-friendliness!
So now image that your client does a Google search for your service, and your business pops up on the map, along with your phone number, a bunch of positive reviews and pictures of your professional work. Wow! Impressive. They can instantly see that your customers were treated well (so treat your customers well) and that you are the best in your field.
You are a shoe-in!
So what kind of business info can you put on your Google business listing?
Great question!
Everything, even reviews!
Remember, Google wants people to find good businesses when they are looking for them. It is in their best interest to give you every tool available.
You can list your businesses:
· Name
· Location
· Phone Number
· Working Hours
· Business Category
· Maps Pin
· Social Media Handles
· Photos
· Customer Reviews
· And bunches of other stuff like child-friendliness!
So now image that your client does a Google search for your service, and your business pops up on the map, along with your phone number, a bunch of positive reviews and pictures of your professional work. Wow! Impressive. They can instantly see that your customers were treated well (so treat your customers well) and that you are the best in your field.
You are a shoe-in!
The Google Knowledge Panel
Have you ever wondered how other businesses have such a cool showing on Google searches?
A quick google search and there they are, pictures and all!
The Google Knowledge Panel is a great tool, but there is no guarantee that your business will show up there. Google looks at a lot of different factors to decide which business gets that luxury, but why not you?
I use it quite a bit as I shop using google maps. When you click on a business pin on the map, this is the information that you see.
That is what I used to find my new chiropractor.
What else can you do?
This is a feature rich platform (in normal person talk, that means that there is a lot of stuff that you can do with it), and there are regular updates.
1. Post and Answer Frequent Questions
2. Collect and Respond to Reviews
3. Chat Directly with Customers
4. Give Information About Special Events
5. Notify Clients about Special Operating Hours (like your vacation)
Then, just because they figured that was not quite enough, you can also start to gain insights into the types of people that are looking for your services!
WOW!
Do you know of anything I missed? Let me know in the comments below