I've heard of GMB, but I've no idea what it is?

​Google My Business (GMB) is a directory listing platform connected to the search engine Google. Because Google is one of the most popular search engines used by internet users, it’s worthwhile entering your details onto this directory so that your business can be found.

We’ve written about the importance of entering your business onto local directories before, but to recap, here are some of the benefits you can reap if you take the time to list your business:
​

• You don’t have to pay - many directories (including GMB) offer free listings

• Your business will begin to be more visible and as a result found more easily by search engines

• Once search engines see your various listings, they will view you as being trustworthy and more credible than someone who isn’t listed
​
• Your rankings when searched for will improve over those who aren’t listed

---

Listing your business on GMB is relatively quick and easy to do. It’s free and can be completed even if your business doesn’t have an address. You have the option of adding a brief description of your services/products (750 characters) as well uploading images relating to your business.

Unlike some directory facilities, GMB now allows you to let people have more up to the minute details of what your business is doing by posting your latest news. If your current website doesn’t have a blog – why not use this facility to offer insights into your business instead?

Reviews are also a prominent feature and this aspect is presented when your GMB shows. Don’t overlook the importance of following up with customers that have used your services and/or products and asking them for a testimonial. Nowadays it’s the norm for people to research companies they are thinking about using and reading reviews forms a big part of this decision making process. Satisfied customers and high star ratings will bring new customers your way and GMB offers you the opportunity to respond to comments that are great as well as those that could be better.

​Other information that can be uploaded onto GMB includes:

• Business address
• Business opening days and hours
• Special days of the year when you may be closed for business or have reduced hours (like Easter or Christmas)
• Business telephone number
• Website address
• Services, attributes, opening date and photos
• Advanced information – shop code, labels, adwords info

Once live, a link to your business is automatically created on Google Maps and Google Search which provides two other platforms where your business can be searched for.
 
GMB also logs the traffic visiting your listing and provides data on:

•  How customers search for your business
•  Where customers view your business on Google
•  Customer actions - the most common actions that customers take on your listing, i.e. do they visit your website, request directions or call you
•  Directions requests
•  Phone calls
•  Photo views
•  Photo quantity

​If you like the sound of what you’ve read, but haven’t got the time to list your business, give Perfect Layout Digital Marketing a call. Our services include listing businesses onto all different types of directories.