Have you ever realized that your favourite store had an amazing sale that you didn’t know about? You don’t want to sign up to their emails because you don’t want to receive 30 emails a day, but you still want to be in the loop!
Google solved this issue on October 24, 2018!
They have officially announced that Google Maps will now have a ‘follow’ option so you can keep track of all posts from your favourite, regular, local stores!
Though not available for iPhone users (for now at least), Android users can now follow any local stores and stay updated with their posts and offers.
Google My Business was an essential feature for all local businesses, but now it is vital. If you do not have a GMB page you need to get on it right now. With your local competition being aware of this update, the competition will be more than ever! Promotions and offers will play a huge role in traffic, and store visits directly from Google My Business users.
What Your Next Steps Should Be:
Optimize your GMB Page Right Now!
If your listing hasn’t been optimized in months, or even worse, years, then it’s time to start right now. Make sure you have the right category, the right website linked, and especially, the right address. Add pictures of your services/products and start to really market your business through your Google My Business page.
Post Offers & Discount Codes
Most local businesses are not yet posting anything on their GMB page! With this ‘follow’ option, you should consider your listing as powerful as your website. It’s now turned into a social media channel for you to promote. If there is one type of audience you want to put your effort on, it’s the type of audience that goes out of their way to follow your profile! Make sure you are thinking of them when posting. These are your loyal customers or local people who are interested in your business. Post amazing discounts, so they can see the power of following you.
Ask Your Clients For Reviews
Did you know that 97% of users say online reviews are important in their decision making? Google My Business is a full-service solution to your business. It is your most important local listing, a source to your website, a review management service and now your very own social media outlet. Users no longer have to click on your website to make their decision. If your GMB is not ready, or even worse it has low ratings, then you best believe users will keep on surfing the web to other pages with reviews and updates.
All in all, being absent from social media gives users the impression that you either closed down your business or you aren’t on top of it.
You NEED to be constantly updating. With this update, you need to make sure that you are including your GMB page on your social media list. Without posts or reviews, people will automatically think that you are gone, and no longer in business.
I know it can be overwhelming, but with an organized social media plan you can make something great of your listing. It has a lot of power to your local customers, so take advantage of it!
At Noah Digital, we have created numerous GMB pages and know the power of its optimization, regular posts, and reviews. Customers want to be able to trust you. That is the most important aspect of the marketing funnel. Without trust, they will not become your clients.
What do you think of the new Google update? Are you happy about it? Does it confuse you? Let us know! Feel free to comment down below.
