Treating Google My Business (GMB) like any other social channel can be beneficial for your business, as it allows you to engage with your audience and enhance your online presence. Here are some ways to approach GMB in a manner similar to other social media platforms:
Regular Updates: Just like you would post updates on other social media platforms, keep your GMB profile up to date. This includes adding new posts, updating business hours, address, and contact information, and making sure your business description is accurate and engaging.
Engagement: Respond promptly to reviews (within 4 hours if possible), questions, and messages from customers. Engaging with your audience shows that you care about their feedback and enhances your brand's reputation.
Visual Content: Share photos and videos of your products, services, and team. Visual content helps showcase your business and make your GMB profile more appealing to potential customers.
Posts: GMB allows you to create posts similar to social media updates. Share news, promotions, events, and other relevant information to keep your audience informed and engaged.
Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your GMB description and posts. This can help improve your local search ranking and make it easier for potential customers to find your business.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent brand voice and style across all your online channels, including GMB. This helps build a recognisable and cohesive brand image.
Analytics: Utilise GMB's analytics to understand how people are interacting with your profile. This data can help you tailor your content and strategies to better resonate with your audience.
Local Community: Engage with your local community. Share news about local events, sponsorships, or partnerships to show your involvement and support.
User-Generated Content: Encourage customers to share photos and reviews on your GMB profile. User-generated content can add authenticity and build trust.
Cross-Promotion: Promote your GMB profile on your other social media platforms. This cross-promotion can help you reach a wider audience and increase engagement.
Storytelling: Share stories about your business, its history, values, and mission. Storytelling can create a stronger emotional connection with your audience.
Frequent Updates: Just like with other social media platforms, consistency is key. Regularly update your GMB profile with new content to keep your audience engaged and informed.
Special Offers: Provide exclusive offers or promotions to your GMB audience. This can incentivise people to choose your business over competitors.
Remember that while GMB shares similarities with social media, its primary focus is on providing accurate and relevant information to potential customers looking for local businesses. So, while treating GMB like a social channel is helpful, ensure that you prioritise accurate business information and customer engagement above all else.