This is a guest article written by Sophia Young who recently quit a non-writing job to tell stories and paint the world with her words. Sophia writes about business trends, sustainable marketing, travel and fashion.
Article Contents
First impressions last. And when people search for your business on Google, chances are, the results they’ll see will leave a lasting impression on them.
If you’re looking to leave a positive impression on your customers, harnessing the power of Google My Business (GMB) can make you trustworthy and credible – which could ultimately lead to meaningful conversions. But before we get into how it enhances your brand image, let’s explore what Google My Business has to offer.
Google My Business is a free online tool that businesses use to manage their online presence. In a world where most businesses have made the transition to online, this kind of tool can easily help grow your brand.
We all know how Google has different services – from Google Search to Google Maps – and Google My Business can help you manage your business across these platforms.
Google My Business also allows business owners to respond to reviews and add photos or videos that represent their organisation. It’s particularly beneficial to small businesses where a simple Google search can yield a GMB listing. It benefits everyone – from local wineries and restaurant owners to real estate administrators and sustainable e-commerce businesses. This makes it easier for customers to engage with you.
Now we’ve covered the basics of GMB, we’ll go into detail on how it enhances your brand image. Here’s how:
Place yourself in the shoes of your customers. No one wants to search for a business only to be left in the dark. No contact information, no address, no reviews – when customers don’t see this information, expect that you’ve effectively lost their interest. They’re not going to dig deeper into your company. Instead, they might even consider your competitors!
Completing your profile is the crucial first step in using GMB. Your business name, address, operating hours, phone number, and website – these are all information that you must complete to show that your business upholds transparency.
To establish your brand as trustworthy, be sure that you provide accurate and consistent information across all platforms. That means that what you placed in your GMB listing must reflect on your social media pages, too.
Displaying inconsistent information will not only confuse your customers but also lead them to believe that your business is unprofessional. Hence, keeping your information up-to-date across all platforms is essential to maintaining a positive brand image.
Try to spice things up a bit by adding pictures and videos. Not only is it more eye-catching, but potential customers will also have a glimpse of what your business is all about. For instance, if you own a restaurant, customers can see the interiors and exteriors of your business.
It helps to post professional photos as this leaves a positive impression on your customers – so don’t let this opportunity go to showcase your business in a good light.
Be sure to update your GMB listing regularly. For example, if a holiday is coming up, don’t forget to update your special operating hours. You don’t want disappointed customers ending up in your establishment only to find out that it’s already closed.
Additionally, you can also use Google My Business to promote your latest events, blog articles or new services and products. That way, you can keep them informed about the latest happenings in your business.
Reviews can make or break your brand. While a positive review can significantly enhance your brand image, the converse is true for negative ones. At the end of the day, what matters is your response to this. Whether it’s positive or negative feedback, it’s crucial to respond to customer reviews on Google My Business to show that you value customer feedback. This further establishes trust and credibility in the long run.
Google won’t be able to answer all your potential customers’ questions. For example, they might want to ask about certain features of your product that only you can answer. To solve their queries, it’s best to participate in this section. By actively doing so, you show that your business is committed to customer service.
Keeping your socials open is generally a good idea to connect with your customers on a more personal level. Similarly, it’s just as important to connect with your customers on Google My Business.
With its free messaging tool, you can respond to your customer’s concerns in real time, straight from your listing. This improves your brand image and streamlines your communication process.
A well-optimised Google My Business profile is key to creating and maintaining a positive brand image. By providing accurate information, engaging with eye-catching media, and leveraging the other features that GMB has to offer, you can cultivate a positive brand image.
With most businesses making the transition to everything digital, it seems that Google My Business is now an essential, rather than a nice-to-have.
