Launched in 2014, Google My Business (GMB) provides business owners control over what “shows in the search results when someone searches a business.” GMB allows businesses to manage their own business data through creating a new profile or claiming an existing auto-generated profile. A GMB profile includes basic business information, including address, hours of operation, phone number, as well as user-generated reviews.
The majority of businesses believe that GMB is a set-it-and-forget-it product; however, there’s more to GMB than meets the eye!
Let’s talk about the two features you should be using:
1. Photos
There are a number of photo options that businesses can utilize on GMB, including both static photos, and videos. Photos by Owner can be segmented into interior, exterior, at work, team, and identity photos, whereas Photos by Customer are a single grouping. What many people fail to realize is the ease that customers can view photos when viewing their GMB listing on a mobile device.
If you’re a business with a presence on GMB, you’ll want to check to ensure all the photos available on GMB are up-to-date! While you’re there, taking a peek at the number of views, you may be surprised!
2. Posts
Recently, GMB launched the “Post” feature, a product similar to their now defunct Google+ (G+) social media platform. The this ‘post’ appears within a business’ GMB listing This function allows managers to:
- Add Update
- Add Event
- Add Offer
- Add Product
This is an excellent way to promote blogs, events, or promote specific product offers!
Each of these tasks can be completed through the full or app version of GMB.
Not sure if your business has a presence on GMB? Search: google.com/business/