Google My Business Listing is Bringing in Clients

Google Plus... almost a non-entity at this point. I read a post on Facebook the other day from a "Memory" from J. Philip Faranda that showed a Google plus symbol with the tagline, "Let me know if you want an invite for Google Plus!". HA.. well, those crazy days are gone but Google certainly isn't. Yes, Google plus still may be around for some good indexing here or there, but their My Business Page is really where it's at and you may be utilizing it all wrong. 

If you don't have a Google Business Page, get one. It's free and it's another great SEO tool for capturing leads and getting more people to your site and your information. Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and sign in or sign up. If you don't know if you have one, you can Google yourself and see what comes up. If nothing comes up, you can start one. If you find there is something out there for you and it hasn't been claimed, claim it! (it will say, claim it on the search results snippet next to directions and save) - You may have to search several key phrases until you find the one that will bring up your listing.

Then fill in as much information as you can including a business description, hours, address, phone number, website, and an appointment link, like a contact link. Add images and make sure the map is correct for your business address.  If this is a new page, you will need to verify it, either with your cell phone, email, or snail mail card to the business address. Add videos, photos and any information you can about your business to beef up the listing.

The business description is crucial because although it allows for 750 characters only the first 250 show up before getting cut off so make sure your more important information is there first and your location.

 

REVIEWS

People are all about reviews these days, so you better have some amazing ones. The cool thing is that if your website address matches a Facebook business page and your Zillow listing, it will show reviews from there too! All right on the search engine results page. (SERP) It may take a few days to populate but they should show up.

 The more amazing, 5-star reviews you have, the better and more legit you look. Google also loves it when people respond to a review. One statistic stated that 30% of searchers say this is a key when judging a local business!

 

POSTS

Once verified, use the posts section! 

This is similar to posting on Google plus but here, your posts can be seen right from the SERPS!

 

Look at this listing of Jackie Barikhan, she has a couple posts right on her business page. She has actually gotten several leads right from here! The link goes to the extended post on her website but her keywords (HERO Program) are right here on the business listing. These mini posts can be the key to a lead and they may never even go to your website ... and that's okay! Does it matter where the lead comes from? Usually not, but this is just another way to utilize a tool for great online presence. 

You can also create ads and deals too which is great for agents that may want to offer a giveaway or special discount or promotion. And side note: Google is starting to index emojis so adding a few in with your posts can really make you stand out!

 

SUGGEST EDITS?

Searchers also have the ability to CHANGE YOUR INFORMATION! There is a spot where anyone can click to "suggest an edit" of your listing and literally change whatever they want! This is a poor design flaw if you ask me, so it's important to check out your listing often to verify no one has added incorrect information. People can also ask questions AND respond to questions, which means paying attention to your listing is very important to keep the information accurate.

 

MOBILE LOVES BUSINESS

Don't waste a chance to use the "posts" section because they show up prominently in mobile searches and you want to make it as easy as possible for people to find you, read about you, click to you and contact you. 

So Google yourself! Complete that Google My Business Listing and start attracting clients right from the business listing. Add posts or every time you blog, add a snippet and excerpt to your business page to keep things fresh and revolving. Ask for reviews from clients and grow that side of it and keep it up to date with images and accurate information.

Read More About Google Business Pages

 

 

Tammy Emineth is an expert in custom content and original articles for blogs, website, press releases and more. Contact me anytime and feel free to subscribe to this blog to stay up to date on my latest blogs and informative information. Email me or contact me for Real Estate Website Marketing and SEO Content Writing.

The information contained in this blog is believed to be true and correct and while every effort is made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy for any particular purpose. All information is copy written and the property of Tammy Emineth.