Since Google My Business started five years ago there's been a huge increase in the number of people searching for local businesses on their phone. Mobile searches can be quite specific nowadays. You might type in "restaurant with outdoor seating and good wine" or "hair salon with drop-in appointments".
In addition, people are using Google Maps (your Google My Business profile appears here) to accomplish a task such as buying concert tickets, reserving a table or asking a shop if it has an item in stock. Did you know you can now build all these functions into your own Google My Business profile?
There is a new APP for Google My Business that makes it easier to administrate your profile on Google Maps. You can enable instant messaging or publish a button that links directly to your restaurant reservation system.
Cover Photo - now you can choose your own cover photo. (Previously the main image was randomly chosen by Google (often a street view). Now you don't have to worry about the wrong picture giving a bad impression of your business. Logo now more visible Images you upload to your profile are immediately visible and prominent on the page. Soon you will be able to add a caption to your images.
Soon you will also be able to click on a FOLLOW button.
Customers who "follow you" receive a message each time you post on your Google My Business profile. One of the best ways to "hook" customers is to offer a discount on their first purchase. If you offer a 15% discount coupon to customers who click your FOLLOW button, there's a good chance they will remain customers.
Now you can create a short-cut URL for your business on your Google My Business profile. For example @nagomiHamar for Nagomi Sushi Bar & Restaurant. The most important benefit with this feature is it makes it easier to share a link back to your profile when encouraging customers to write a review.
Click on the button below to see how it works.
Search using the short-cut URL will soon be possible on Google Maps.
Businesses who consistently deliver a great experience for customers will have a chance at earning a "Local Favorite" badge. It is not yet known when this feature will be available in Norway.
We, here at Lumino, would love to help you optimize your Google My Business page and show you how to use the APP.
Give us a call if you're interested.
The cost is NOK 500 for a complete update of your profile with the latest features for Google My Business. (Price is per Google My Business profile.)
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