The latest updates on Google My Business.
This post is part of a continuing series of monthly updates on the #1 search tool used by ready-to-buy customers. For all the updates, or to see additional information, read Attract More Customers with Google My Business.
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.
