Google has been busy this year adding new features to their Google Maps and Google My Business (GMB) products. Recently they added another three new features that we are excited about. These new features were featured in an article by @MattSouthern on Search Engine Journal.
Messaging from Maps and Search
If you have a verified GMB listing (if not, why not?!), you can now send customers text messages directly from the Google Maps app. And they can message you also. You can find them in the business messages section in the updates tab.
Though this feature is only available on the app now, Google says they will add this feature on the desktop dashboard soon. Can’t be soon enough IMO.
Too few businesses take advantage of GMB Posts. It’s free advertising for crying out loud! As a possible incentive consider this: Create a post for a sale or new item. When users see your post they now have a chance to message you directly with any questions.
Why are we excited? This gets people engaged with your business. And the more engaged the more likely they are to become longtime loyal customers.
Google Adds More Info to Insights
Google Insights report on the number of times your business appeared in search results, views of your listing and actions taken on those views e.g. website visits, requests for directions and direct calls. You can see activity for the past month, quarter or six months.
Soon you will be able to track which search queries were used over time and compared to the previous year. And you’ll be able to see if users saw your business on Search or Maps and whether they saw it on a desktop or mobile device.
Why are we excited? Because information is power. Knowing what people are searching for and how they search for it will help you create a better website, more meaningful posts and help you focus your marketing efforts better. And that means more business.
Community Feed
In the Explore tab on Google Maps a new “Community Feed” is being added. Right on your listing, users can find photos, posts and reviews added by “local experts”, people you follow and bars/restaurants.
Want another reason to post regularly on your GMB listing? The more often you publish a post or add new content to your profile, the more likely you will appear in people’s Community Feed
Why are we excited? Any way that you can get in front of your customer, the better. And the Community Feed could get you in front of a lot more of them.
Excited About These New Features in Google My Business?
You should be! These new features promise to put your business listing in local Google Search and Maps in front of more and more customers and prospective customers.
Too much? We get it. You’re busy running a business and don’t have enough time to fully leverage the power of Google My Business.
We can help! (949) Local Internet Marketing has been helping local businesses optimize their GMB listings before there was GMB (remember Google Places?). We offer flexible programs that promise great ROI. Learn more by visiting https://949local.com/home/search-engine-optimization/. Contact (949) Local today for a free GMB Audit of your listing.
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