The Greatest Marketing Tool for a Small Business (and it’s FREE)
- Dec 18, 2020
- 3 min read
We’re about to explore the greatest marketing tool any small business can have, and the best part it’s 100% free!
What makes it so great, well when someone’s actively searching for your product or service this exactly where they turn.
The best marketing efforts put you front and center when someone’s actively read to spend money for something you sell or wanting your services, right?
In fact, that’s the art of marketing.
Now let’s talk about the greatest marketing tool available for small businesses, Google my Business - also known as GMB!
I can’t tell you how many businesses have not set this incredible 24/7 marketing tool into action. Here’s the thing, Google WANTS you to use this! Google wants you to claim your business, so Google can find you customers. Who says Google’s bad!?!
As omnipresent as Google is, for some reason this free tool continues to fly under the radar. The purpose of Google my Business is to create a listing so Google understands your business. Everything from the products, services, location, times of operation to the phone number.
Think about Google my Business as a dating matchmaker.
GMB is designed to give someone searching on Google the best understanding possible of who, what, where and why you’re business is in existence. Google wants to find the best matches between businesses and the person doing the searching.
Now, here’s something important to always remember, Google HATES to be wrong! That right, Google has spent countless millions trying to ensure the first answer to a search query is the best possible answer. And, Google answers every possible question a human can answer!
Don’t believe me, try and stump Google. Put a search into Google and see if they can’t answer it. If you have an answer do me a favor, drop it in the comments below!
So, as your matchmaker, GMB wants two things, as much information as possible, and the most accurate information possible.
Now, since Google always wants to be right, you need to do two things to help them generate customers for you, provide them with all the information they want, and make sure it’s as accurate as possible.
If you do not put accurate information they will recommend your business to customers who are not interested in your products or services. Now, this might have a short-term benefit, but Google’s learning bots will quickly determine they do not know what your customers look like, and then, you’re dropped into Google’s deep, dark hole, never to be seen in a search again!
Remember, Google wants you to help them. Do you know GMB always checks in on me as we approach a holiday to see if my hours are different.
Let’s look at some of the Good Things that Happen when you’re part of GMB
First of all, did you ever notice the Google map that lists businesses? They usually list 3 businesses. Well, that information comes from Google my business
Also, Google’s Knowledge Panel is partially generated by the information you put into GMB. Plus, there’s lots of helpful information you can gather through GMB including how customers look for your business or your services or products. How they interact with your Google listing. And, this information can help you to further optimize your business listing, which will only increase business!
Setting Up Google My Business
It’s easy and quick to set this up. go to: google.com/business
- Choose the manage now button
If you do not have a listing in Google you will need to, to find out, type in your business name
Then, when you’re all set, you want to add all of the following into your GMB listing:
Pictures
Address
Phone numbers
Hours of operation
Pictures
COVID Safety Measures
Make Posts - you can even sell products
Create Events
Review insights and see how people are finding your business listing
You can book appointments
Create ads that will run on the Google platform
And more!
On my YouTube channel I’ve got a video that walks you through the entire process. If you’re not getting at least double digit views to your Google My Business posts EVERY DAY, check out my short video, it’s packed with helpful information.
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