Google My Business
Find Ready-to-Buy Customers
The latest updates on the #1 Listing service used by your customers.
Google Listings can be a challenge. On a good day. There’s just something about the process that can fluster even the best of us. Below, we share all of our tried and true steps to optimize your Listing; each and every one of the steps we take to boost our clients subscribed to Listing Management along with all of the latest updates to the tech giant’s free service.
//** Skip ahead to this month’s updates. **//
Here’s what you’ll find:
What is a Google Listing? What will it do for me?
A Google Listing is a free service by Google and it garners the lion’s share of the click-traffic from ready-to-buy customers. Think of it this way; when researching a product or service, a potential customer will most likely head to the organic search results (websites that appear below the Listings) to learn or read more about the variety of offerings. When a customer is ready to buy, go, or take an action, they head to the Listings. As such, let’s get your Listing optimized!
Like it on top? There are only three ways you can get to the top of Google.
- Paid Ads. (Pay to play service. Average click-thru is 13.8%.)
- Google Listings. (Free Listing service from Google My Business. Average click-thru is 28.8%.)
- Organic Search Results. (Earn your way to top position with SEO. Average click-thru is 43.9%.)
Let’s get your business to the top!
A Breakdown of Your Google My Business Listing
Home
Your Google My Business Home tab is a quick overview of your business Insights (how many visitors, top search terms, requests for directions), competitor content and customer posted photos. Be sure to check it out and find some new ideas for content.
Posts
Posts are Google’s equivalent of social media posts: with the exception that Google wants you to promote your sales and discounts, as well as announce events and share news. Posts are a direct pipeline to Google; your chance to have a 1:1 conversation with Google, and say, “Hey Google, here’s what we’re all about!”
Curious how many customers see your Posts? Carefully look under a Post and you will see a number beside a little “eye.”
Get the full scoop on what posts can do for your business and all the details in Google Adds Posts to Your Listing.
Info
The Info tab is the heart of your Google Listing. Here you can update all of the details about your business including Name, Address and Phone number (NAP), your business category(ies), hours and holidays, contact information, add a business description as well as products and services.
Google tells us the most referenced information by customers are hours, photos and reviews.
What is a business description you say? Glad you asked.
Here’s the short version. A business description is a 750 character, keyword-friendly written overview of your business. Want Google and potential customers to find you for website design? How about SEO services? Or reputation and listing management? This is the place to do it!
Looking for a few more details? Check out this video How to Add a Google Listing Description. 
Up-to-date information about your business is HUGE. Repeat HUGE for getting your business found and chosen by customers. Don’t just think about it – finish reading this article and go update your information!
Insights
Ahhhh, insights, a data lover’s dream! Did you know that you can find out how many times your Listing was viewed? And what the top search keywords are for your Listing! The Insights tab gives you the ability to tailor new content according to what potential customers are searching for, giving you even better visibility in the search results!
Take a moment to look at the number of customers who view your Listing, click-thru to your website or ask for directions to your location. As the number of actions taken from your Listing increases, so too will your sales!
“Google My Business is the fastest way to find ready-to-buy customers. Check out the latest updates now!”
Power Up Your Business with Online Listings
Uncover the most powerful way to get your business on the first page of Google!
Reviews
Google and Facebook agree (shock!). Reviews are the #1 driver of success in Listings. Customers choose businesses with higher star ratings at an alarming rate. If you don’t have Reviews, you need to ask all of the customers you’ve wowed! Finding it tough to ask? Check out this article, Gracefully Ask Your Customers for Reviews for tips to make it easy-peasy.
Oh but wait! Responding to Reviews is equally important; good or bad. In fact, responding to Reviews will greatly improve your online reputation. Learn all about the 4 Simple Steps to Respond to Reviews.
Messaging
Prefer a text or SMS message with your customers prior to a phone call? Messaging allows you to chat with your customers, book appointments or answer questions even before a potential customer is ready to discuss their needs in detail; or until you are ready to disclose your number.
**It is believed, though it has not been confirmed by Google, that Messaging will be shut down in March 2019. If you did not set up Messaging, it is likely no longer an option for your business.
Photos
A picture says 1000 words. Imagine how many words you say with current and up-to-date pictures of your business, location, products, services, team and logos. You can speak volumes and the customer is listening!
Don’t forget – customers can upload photos too; what a great word of mouth marketing opportunity!
Website
Did you know that you can create your first website for free with Google? If you don’t already have a website, this is a great place to get started. Your website address will be listingname.business.google.com, but you have the option to buy a domain and build a more sophisticated site using Google Sites.
Your new, free site can include location, services, hours and pictures and is mobile friendly.
Users
Adding Users will allow you to collaborate with team members and share posting duties. In this section, you can add additional people to your Listing to be able to add and edit your Listing’s content. This feature makes collaboration and coordination with colleagues a breeze.
Create an Ad
Last but certainly not least, you can create a Google Ad from within your Listing. **TIP** Creating your first Ad from your Listing will connect your Google Ads account and your Google My Business account, offering you the added bonus of displaying your ad within the Listings.
Remember, ads are one of the top three ways to get your business to the top of Google and help customers find you.
Are you convinced of all the amazing (not to mention free) features that a Google My Business Listing can do for you yet? Need a hand getting set up? Check out our step-by-step instructions below.
You’ll be ‘above the fold’ in no time!
Join the conversation. We Follow back!
July 2019
Poof! And just like that, summer in Canada is half over.
While summer seems to be disappearing, Google My Business users are seeing a few disappearing acts of their own. And not in a good way.
Last month we heard reports of disappearing reviews on Google Listings.
At the time the reports were sporadic and unconfirmed. Google later spoke to the issue only to say it was aware that a small number of business owners were indicating legitimate reviews were missing and explained that in an attempt to clean up fake reviews, these authentic reviews were inadvertently removed. Google claims the issue is fixed and advises business owners that if you are still missing reviews; they’re not coming back!
Get a Quote
If you are a Better Business Bureau member, one of the benefits of membership is the ability for customers to request a quote directly from your listing. There are early reports indicating a “Request a Quote” button is coming to your listing soon; keep a close eye on the feature and be sure to test it before a customer does!
In order for Request a Quote to be active, you must turn on Messaging in your listing. To turn on Messaging, log in to business.google.com, look to the left on desktop for “Messaging” and toggle the option “on” using an SMS-capable phone number. On mobile, select from the profile options, toggling the feature “On.”
Google strives to make it as easy as possible for customers to contact and do business with a local business. By responding quickly, you can increase your business’ likelihood that you will acquire a new customer.
Listing Insights and Dashboard Redesign
Ever wonder how your business listing Insights compare? Google tells us on average 1000 people view a business listing in a month. The most viewed listings are in the Hotel industry with 13,000+ views per mos.
84% of viewers see your listing after searching for a business in a specific category. For example, based on the current location and a search for gas stations, here are the search results.
These three results (spelling mistakes and all!) are what Google expects most closely match the search terms. Each of these listings will indicate one additional Discovery view, simply because they were viewed once.
As a business owner, likely wanting to increase sales and customer visits, the key measure is conversions. Conversions are how many people contact your business based on seeing your listing. Your listing tracks visits to your website, phone calls and requests for directions. It is ONLY these actions that Google counts as a conversion.
On average, business owners see a 5% conversion rate on their Google business listing.
If your listing is viewed 1000 times per month, a 5% conversion would represent 50 actions on your listing.
Google also points out there is a very strong correlation between the number of photos on your listing and the number of views. Speaking of photos, are you seeing a more visual dashboard, with larger photos and better selections? Not everyone is, but you can be sure it is coming your way!
POI Category
What the heck? You never added a POI category to your listing. Where did this come from? Google added a new POI (Point of Interest) category to listings based on location. While it is not clear how locations were chosen, it seems like an added bonus if Google sees your location as a POI.
“Google My Business is making it even easier for businesses to find ready-to-buy customers. If you are not seeing 5% conversion, chat with @abovethefoldca!”
June 2019
Is Google My Business Your Next Social Network?
Google added new features in the last update including the ability for customers to “Follow” your listing and for business owners to create Welcome Offers that customers can save.
Customers will see updates from businesses they follow in Google Maps with highlights and offers. Find the “Follow” button below a business name (under BLG Business) and the prompt to “Create a Welcome Offer” in blue on the Above the Fold listing.
Follow button…>>>
And Create a welcome offer… >>>
Shortnames and Custom URLs are Available
If you’ve read this blog post before, you know how often “asking for reviews” is mentioned. Google teased shortnames and custom urls a couple months ago and made good on the promise this month. Head on over to your listing to create your own custom url. Here are examples of what you will see after you create your own.
Listing link
g.page/abovethefoldmarketing/
Review link
g.page/abovethefoldmarketing/review
>>>Only one business will be able to use each @shortname thus be sure to set your name quickly!<<<
In a few more months, customers will be able to search Google Maps by these short names making it easier and faster for customers to find you.
Pictures Do Say 1000 Words
Did you know you can add pictures and videos to your listing? Businesses can now add a logo to their profile, upload photos that are displayed in a new dynamic module on their profile (and soon with captions) and set a profile cover photo.
What a great way to engage your customers as they want to learn more about your business. Imagine creating video of the inside of your store, introducing your team or showcasing your products and specials through video. Google continues to measure your uploads against competitors. No harm in being in the lead. 🙂
Order a Personalized Marketing Kit
Google introduced a Marketing site for small businesses to order personalized materials. Both hard copy and digital materials can be created. A few readers might remember an early blog post mentioning Small Thanks with Google. This site is replace by the new marketing kit site. Go create your custom marketing materials here.
And finally…
Be a Local Favourite
Google is going to highlight the top five percent of businesses in a particular category with a “Local Favourite” designation. This designation will earn your business a, “badge of honor.” This could mean some big wins in certain business categories. Stay tuned for more information next month!
“Google My Business is making it even easier for businesses to find ready-to-buy customers. Add your @shortname today!”
May 2019
April 2019
Google is Considering Paid Premium Services
This news is going to wake up a lot of business owners! And likely wake them up on the wrong side of the bed.
Announced on Twitter on April 28th, the first user received a request to complete the Google My Business survey regarding premium services. The 20-min long survey asked for details including service preferences, willingness to pay and payment thresholds.
The survey was only sent to a select group of industries and this screenshot lists most of the industries invited to participate (Is yours listed?). Google often rolls out new services and features to select locations and industries and it appears this roll out will be similar. If you’d like to complete the survey and let Google know you are not OK with Paid Premium Services, click here. (All links open in a new window.)
Google wants you to toot your horn this month!
Google introduced “suggested” Reviews to post to your Google My Business Listing. Google will automatically suggest 4 or 5 star Reviews added within the last month or so, to be shared as a Post. These Reviews will display on Google Maps as well and in search results. Talk about a BIG push in the right direction to get business owners asking for Reviews.
As always, Google will roll out the feature in stages, so if you are not prompted when you sign in to business.google.com, don’t fret, when the feature is available and you have eligible Reviews, you will get a prompt. No muss, no fuss. Google lets you know when your business is eligible.
Here’s the show stopper… Google will allow you to edit the Review before you share it. Maybe the business name is not quite right, or a price is listed. You can edit the content prior to sharing. You can also add up to 10 images to provide context to the Review and a Call to Action (CTA) to encourage new customers to inquire.
Prefer not to wait until Google offers you the service? Want to share a Review now? Try these simple tips:
- Log into business.google.com
- Select Reviews from the left menu
- Choose the Review you’d like to share
- Click the three dots on the right-hand side to “Copy Link”
- Paste this link along with text to social media or on your website (if you have the functionality).
Small Thanks with Google
Don’t see “suggestions” yet? Here is another free tool (opens in a new window) to generate social media posts, videos and printable materials based on your Google Listing. You can create window clings, social media shareables based on Reviews and even business hours, or create a super fun custom view. Check it out below.
What’s Google’s Motivation Behind Promoting Reviews?
Google is taking on TripAdvisor for Reviews. You might remember a few months ago, Google added the ability to book hotel rooms directly from a Listings. Google recognizes the value of keeping traffic on their site, thus adding the most frequently used options directly to a business listing reduces the need for traffic to leave the Google search platform.
Short Names and Vanity URLs
Have you ever tried to ask a customer for a Review and had to send them a great big long link? Not sure how to find that link? You can check it out here.
With the addition of short names and vanity URLs you can add g.page/[yourawesomebusiness]. So instead of g.page/abovethefoldonlinemarketingservicesinc, we become g.page/abovethefold. Whew!
Keep in mind you need between 5 & 32 characters in your short name and can use the short vanity URL to request reviews, send directions or business hours or display products on your Listing.
When the feature is available to your business, you will find it in the Info menu, then click ‘Add profile short name.’
Product & Service Menu
The Product & Service menu (in the Info tab) is finally visible from mobile!
Depending on your industry, some businesses report seeing their menu items displayed (restaurants) on both mobile and desktop while others state that services can only be seen on mobile. Here is a sample service menu.
Google’s AI Duplex Roll Out
Available on all Android phones across the US, Duplex, Google’s AI system for bookings and reservations continues to gain momentum. Try it out by saying, ‘Hey Google. Make me a restaurant reservation.”
Guaranteed by Google
Guaranteed by Google is available across the US and in select regions in Canada. The Google Guarantee Program provides a “star” or approved label in Listings and Ads to businesses who undergo a complete inspection and review by Google. These businesses are “guaranteed” by Google to provide excellent service and value to customers. Some of the industries currently included in the program are plumbers, locksmiths and HVAC services.
It is expected more markets and industries will be included shortly.
“Google My Business is making it even easier for businesses to find ready-to-buy customers. Share your best Reviews today!”
March 2019
Google is demonstrating a real commitment to improvements for business on their Google My Business platform lately. With ongoing enhancements, you can expect to see a fresh new look when you log in next time. Updated colours and graphics give the Home menu a more modern feel with direct access to the most common features.
Along with updates graphics, businesses now have larger cover images and photos to show off their business, staff, location and products.
A Walk-Thru Plan
New to Google My Business or recently verified your Listing? Google created a walk-thru “Plan” customized to your Listing, indicating the work YOU need to do. Look for this link at the top of your Home menu.
Or watch for this pop-out on the right hand side of your screen on desktop.
Google will give you a Task list including responding to Reviews, update photos and take a closer look at your Insights. Keeping on top of the recommended Tasks from Google will help promote your Listing and improve your search rank results.
February 2019
February saw continued improvements for Service-area businesses, right from start-up to well-established.
Info
If your business serves customers at their location, or within a specific area, check out the new ways for customers to find you based on how you want to manage your customer communication.
Hotel Industry Rejoice!
Google must think the most frequently asked question in a hotel is check-in and check-out time because you can now add it to Google My Business. If your Listing is marked “Hotel” you will see this option in Info.
Reviews
Google is making it easier to respond to Reviews. Business owners can now respond to reviews right from Google Maps on desktop. Best practices for responding to Reviews are to respond with 24 hours. Need a hand responding? Check out this handy video!
Listing owners and users can now leave Reviews with #hashtags to keep like-minded comments together. #FamilyFriendly #SundayBrunch #SinglesOnly will help steer customers in the right direction.
DYK: You can now share the places you love & why you love them by including hashtags in reviews on @googlemaps. And business owners can also add hashtags to their posts on Google through @GoogleMyBiz. pic.twitter.com/CcG7YbLltQ
Spam Detection
Google will never call you to confirm details on your listing, offer to optimize your listing or threaten to close your listing. These are spam phone calls and if you receive a call protect yourself. Do not give any personal or identifying information.
January 2019
Another exciting month of changes is behind us as Google continues to change up their plans. 2019 will see the end of some significant Google apps, namely Google+ and Allo. While Google+’s loss seems to be minimal, for those tied into Google My Business Messaging, Allo is a bigger deal.
Messaging
Allo, Google’s Messaging app, is saying good-bye in March 2019. Predictions are that Messaging within Listings will also go away, however it was recently noticed that some Listings display a larger, more prominent “Message Business” button. Many are hopeful that Google will allow messaging through an app, or through a mobile device.
For many businesses, Listing Messaging is tied into chatbots and drip sequences. If your business relies on Messaging, stay tuned for more updates!
In the example below, you can see two options to Message the business. One in “Message” and the other in “Contact us now.”
Add Products and Services
Restaurants are long since familiar with the ability to add their menu, pricing and delivery information to Google Listings but most business categories will now see an option to add Products or Services within Info. Businesses can add numerous types of products and services including pricing to the Listing. Interestingly, content added here is only visible on a mobile device AND according to a Google spokesperson, this content does not influence search results.
Don’t let that sway you! In true Google fashion, what does not influence search today is bound to be a top performer tomorrow!
Mobile App
Google updated the 2014 mobile app on Android and iOS to include robust features such as Posting, Locations, Customers, Profiles and more. Most users will find the new app meets all their Listing management needs.
Agencies, however, are not able to use the app to service multiple clients at the same time.
Posts
Many users report seeing a decline in views and clicks to their Posts. Some business categories indicate Posts are no longer visible in search results. Google claims this is a temporary reduction but we are watching this trend closely.
For the time being, we recommend continuing to post keyword-friendly content to your Listing.
Google Guarantee
For a very select few business categories, Google is testing a Google Guarantee Program. This gives a business an “endorsed by Google” badge and drastically increases consumer confidence. Read the details on Google’s support page.
Agency Users
If you are an agency user, like Above the Fold, good news this month! Within the Agency dashboard, spreadsheets can be uploaded and downloaded to quickly integrate customers with multiple locations.
Spam Detection
Google will never call you to confirm details on your listing, offer to optimize your listing or threaten to close your listing. These are spam phone calls and if you receive a call protect yourself. Do not give any personal or identifying information.
Apps for Scheduling Google My Business Posts
We help by giving your business one place to stay social. Generate leads, schedule ready-to-publish content, and communicate with your followers all from one place. Finally, a tool that makes managing social media simple.
Meet Publer. Some Superheroes save lives. Others give them back.
If the image below does not appear, Publer can be found here.
If the Local Viking image does not appear, click here.
https://cloudcampaign.io/
Google My Business Step-by-Step Setup
Login page for Google My Business
Computer
- Navigate to Google My Business.
- New to Google My Business? Follow these steps to sign up for free
- Search for your business using its name and address.
- If you see a dialog letting you know that someone else has verified the business, follow these steps.
- If you don’t see your business listed in the menu, click No, these are not my businesses or I’ve correctly entered the business. You’ll then be prompted to enter some details for your business. Make sure you enter an accurate, complete street address, and a phone number which reaches your business directly.
- Click Submit.
Mobile
- Open the Google My Business app.
- Sign in with the Google account you’d like to use to manage your business.
- If this is your first time adding a business to Google, sign in with the Google account you’d like to use to manage your business and touch Continue.
- If you’ve added a business before, tap the menu icon
, then tap the name of your business to reveal a list of all listings in your account. Scroll to the bottom of the page and choose + Create new business.
- If you see a dialog letting you know that someone else has verified the business, follow these steps.
- Enter your business name and information and agree to the terms of service. Touch Continue once you’re ready to create a listing for your business.
- You may want to access Google My Business on a desktop to access more advanced editing features, including adding service-areas. Learn more
Mobile Listings View
Verify Google My Business Account
To enter the verification code you receive:
- Sign in to Google My Business.
- If you’re managing multiple businesses, choose the one at the address where you received the postcard.
- Click Verify location from the menu (or click the Verify now button) and follow the prompts to complete verification.
Voila!
You have added or claimed your business on Google. Let us know how it went! Did you have any difficulties or was it an easy process?
Keeping your Listing up-to-date is a key feature of climbing the search ranks. Read more about adding Posts or a Description. By utilizing all of the features of the Google My Business Listing service, your business information will remain accurate and customers will more easily be able to shop with you.
How We Help
Do you want to create raving fans for your business and find more ready-to-buy customers? If so, you need to turn browsers to buyers and thinkers to do’ers. We’ll show you how.
Claim, Verify or Decommission a Listing
Optimize Google My Business Listing
Schedule Weekly Content & Update Monthly
Thanks for reading!
Here’s more you might like:
Our Fans
Gary Weisbrodt
Comprehensive marketing knowledge delivered in an easy to understand way.
Luke Rossmo
Barb is exceptional in her domain. Her unique approach is invaluable and leads to increased exposure which leads to increased business. She is also very approachable and genuinely cares about her clients. She also effectively conveyed information in a way that allowed me to understand.
Sherry Knight
Here I am trying to build a brand and along comes Barb McGrath showing me how to focus growing that image! Wow, it has been a wild ride – each time we meet I learn something new I can apply. It is exciting and daunting, all at the same time. Barb is there each step of the way and slowly, I am learning what I need to know in order to build that brand.
Thank you Barb! You are so knowledgeable and also such an inspiration – marketing in the digital world is different. Yet, knowing that and working with the digital world are so very different when it comes to branding and marketing.
Jim Aho
Barb is one of the brightest marketing stars out there. She’s smart, genuine and driven to succeed. I recommend her most highly.
Angie Hicks
Barb brings you decades of marketing smarts combined with a deep understanding of how to use the latest digital tools to make sure you’re seen online. Get her in your corner!
Karen Wotherspoon
Barb makes the world of digital marketing easy to understand for those of us who aren’t so technologically savvy! Its obvious she has tons of knowledge and is passionate about her work.
Michelle Sellars
Barb and her team are AMAZING!!! Their expertise and knowledge have brought my business to a whole other level. Thank you for everything you have done for me and my business!
Roxanne Brown
I’m looking forward to incorporating all of the great suggestions that I got to help move my company along in the area of social media.
Nadine Howard
Barb has been a life and business saver for me! Building an online presence for your business isn’t easy and takes precious time, but Barb helped me tremendously! She knows what she’s doing, and so great to work with! I highly recommend her. I’ll definitely continue to work with her on an ongoing basis!
Robyn Michon
I came to Barb feeling frustrated with my marketing. It always felt like a guessing game. Barb has empowered me by showing me how to use data to purposefully decide where and how to market my services.
Sheena Onrait
As someone who still considers herself new to the digital world of advertising, the knowledge and expertise that Barb has is astounding. She has such a wonderful way of knowing exactly what our business needs, sometimes even before we do.
I appreciate all the time and research that she has done around internet marketing and the assistance she has given our business thus far. I am excited to see the metrics and how our business grows in the digital world over the next few months!
Mark Melby
Barb is well versed in the digital world and knows what is currently working in the social media arena. Our visit and discussion around communication and it’s importance was very enlightening and informative. Highly recommend talking to Barb!
Stephanie Cory
Barb is awesome to work with! She really understands our business and is very attentive to our needs. I’d recommend her services to everyone looking to grow their business’ online presence. Thanks for everything Barb!
