Why use Google My Business?

Who hasn’t ever searched for a specific business on Google? Why does the key information about the business appear separately to the right of the search results?

And, more importantly, why doesn’t this information bar appear for all businesses?

We’re all very familiar with Google. So much so that we don’t really say “search for it online” anymore, but instead, quite simply, “Google it”.

Seeing as Google has become such a vital tool, why is it that most of us still aren’t familiar with Google My Business?

This is a fantastic platform that Google provides to businesses, online retailers, service providers, restaurants etc. free of charge.

Why should I set up an account?

Using this tool makes it even easier to find any business on Google, and the customer will see the key information at a glance.

This enhances usability, which, in turn, is rewarded by Google with a better ranking.

Benefits:

• Visibility on Google (SEO)
• Free of charge
• Connected to Google Maps
• Call button
• Message button
• Statistics
• Reviews
• Location expansions
• Website (if you don’t have your own)
• Reservations add-on
• Menu/product catalogue
• Contribution option for updates, events or promotions

Disadvantages:

• The page should ideally be updated on a regular basis

In short: The customer can easily find the main information in a clearly presented format in addition to the retailer’s virtual business card.

This means a win-win for everyone – you just have to spend a bit of time entering details.

It isn’t necessary per se to update the page on a regular basis, but it really helps to increase customer interactions, visits to the website and to improve the profile of the business’s own website.

Anyone can leave reviews, including negative ones. Can I delete these?

Google is a fan of any kind of information, and collects everything. As this is a Google tool, Google is the owner, and the business is just a user.

This is why it isn’t very easy to delete external reviews. You can request to have one deleted, but ultimately it’s Google who has the final say about whether to delete it or not, which can take some time.

We recommend responding in a neutral, professional way to negative reviews. This will ensure other customers see that your business also cares about customer satisfaction. Google also promotes responses to and interactions with customers by ensuring visibility.

But remember: if a business only has negative reviews, Google will, by the same token, reduce its visibility.

Can only the business owner manage the account?

No, other users can be added.

Is there a more straightforward way for companies with multiple locations to update their information?

Yes, you have the API, which the user can integrate directly into their platform.

As a bonus, API users benefit from additional features.

You can find more information about this on the developer’s website.