Why is it important to update your Google My Business Listing?

Updating your Google My Business listing is important because it helps ensure that the information about your business that appears on Google is accurate and up-to-date. Also, it’s 100% free advertising for your business! Google My Business can also be beneficial for the following 3 reasons:

1. Improved search visibility: A well-optimized Google My Business listing can help your business rank higher in search results, making it easier for customers to find you.
2. Enhanced customer experience: Accurate and up-to-date information on your Google My Business listing can help customers make informed decisions about whether to visit your business. For example, if your hours of operation are incorrect, customers may show up at a time when you're closed.
3. Improved reputation management: Google reviews can have a big impact on your business, and responding to reviews can help improve your reputation. By regularly updating your Google My Business listing, you can ensure that any negative reviews are addressed and that customers have accurate information about your business.

Keeping your Google My Business listing up-to-date is important for attracting and retaining customers, as well as managing your online reputation. Now that we know it’s important, review the following 8 steps to optimize your listing on Google My Business:

1. Claim your Google My Business listing: Go to https://www.google.com/business/ and request ownership if your business already exists on Google or if it doesn't exist yet you can go into Google Maps and click add business in the side panel. Claiming your business will allow you to manage the information that appears on your listing and ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Update your business information: Make sure that all of the information on your Google My Business listing is filled-out, accurate, and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation, and website. If any of this information is incorrect, it can lead to confusion and a poor customer experience.
3. Add any additional information: Be sure to include a brief description about your business. This could include how your business was founded, your values, the services or goods you provide, and the areas you serve.
4. Add photos: Adding photos to your Google My Business listing can help potential customers get a better sense of what your business looks like and what you have to offer. Consider adding photos of your storefront, interior, menu items, and any special events or promotions you may be running.
5. Respond to reviews: Reviews can have a big impact on your Google My Business listing, so it's important to respond to all of them, both positive and negative. Thanking customers for their positive feedback shows that you value their business and care about their experience. When it comes to negative reviews, it's important to apologize for any issues and offer a solution.
6. Utilize categories: Google My Business allows you to select up to 10 categories that best describe your business. These categories help Google understand what your business does and make it easier for customers to find you when they search for specific types of businesses. Make sure to select the most relevant categories for your business.
7. Add posts: Google My Business allows you to create posts that will appear on your listing. These posts can be used to share updates about your business, promote events or specials, and share other relevant information. Utilizing this feature can help keep your listing fresh and up-to-date.
8. Utilize the Q&A feature: The Q&A feature on Google My Business allows customers to ask questions about your business, and for you to provide answers. This can be a useful tool for answering common questions and helping customers make informed decisions about whether to visit your business.
9. Monitor and optimize your listing: It's important to regularly monitor and update your Google My Business listing to ensure that all of the information is accurate and up-to-date. By keeping your listing optimized, you can improve your visibility in search results and make it easier for customers to find and contact your business.

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Overall, the key to boosting your business is to be consistent and strategic in your efforts. By following these tips and finding what works best for your business, you can effectively promote your business and even attract new customers for free. With these tricks, you’ll be sure to get even more customers! As always, we love to hear about the success local businesses are having so be sure to email us at support@getlovage.com to be featured in a Lovage success story on social media or tag us in your social posts.