Ways to use ‘google my business’ to grow and manage your business in Ghana

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful tool for small businesses in Ghana to enhance their online presence, connect with local customers, and manage their online reputation. Here are ways to use GMB effectively to grow and manage your small business:

Claim and Verify Your GMB Listing:

If you have not already, claim your GMB listing and verify your business ownership. This step is crucial to manage your listing effectively. Start by signing in to the Google Account you want to use for managing your business listing. If you do not have a Google Account, create one. Go to the Google My Business website (https://www.google.com/business/) and click “Manage now” or “Start now.” Alternatively, you can search for your business on Google Maps, and if it is not claimed, you will see an option to claim it. Type your business name in the search bar. If your business appears in the search results, select it. If not, click “Add your business to Google. Verify that the business you are claiming if it is the correct one. Google will often show multiple similar options. Ensure you select the one that corresponds to your business. Confirm Your Connection, Select Verification Method and follow the prompt.

Complete Your Profile:

Fill out every field in your GMB profile, including your business name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and a compelling business description. Add high-quality images and videos of your business, products, and services.

Use Accurate Information:

Ensure that your business information, particularly your name, address, and phone number, is accurate and consistent across all online or your social media platforms.

Choose the Right Categories:

Select relevant categories for your business. Be specific, as this helps Google understand your business and display it in relevant search results.

Optimize for Local Keywords:

Include local keywords in your business description, posts, and reviews to improve your visibility in local search results.

Regularly Update Posts:

Use the Posts feature to share updates, promotions, events, and news about your business. Keep your posts fresh and engaging to attract potential customers.

Manage and Respond to Reviews:

Encourage customers to leave reviews on your GMB listing. Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, both positive and negative. Address customer concerns and highlight your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Utilize Messaging:

Enable messaging so that potential customers can reach out to you directly through GMB. Respond promptly to inquiries and provide helpful information.

Monitor Insights:

Use the Insights tab to track how customers find your business on Google, where they come from, and what actions they take. Analyze this data to make informed decisions about your marketing strategy.

Add Products and Services:

Highlight your products and services in the Products and Services sections of your GMB listing. Include detailed descriptions, prices, and high-quality images.

Create Google Posts:

Regularly publish Google Posts to keep your audience engaged and informed. Use these posts to promote events, special offers, and new products or services.

Set Up Appointment Booking and Reservations:

If applicable, enable appointment booking and reservation links to make it easy for customers to schedule with you directly from your GMB listing.

Use Questions & Answers:

Monitor and answer questions from customers and potential customers in the Q&A section. Provide accurate and helpful information to build trust.

Run Local Ad Campaigns:

Consider running local ad campaigns through GMB to reach a wider local audience. Use features like Google Ads Express to simplify the advertising process.

Stay Consistent and Monitor:

Regularly update your GMB listing to reflect changes in your business, such as holiday hours or new offerings. Monitor your listing for accuracy and respond to any user-suggested edits.

By effectively managing your Google My Business listing, you can improve your online visibility, attract local customers, and build a strong online reputation, ultimately helping your small business grow and thrive.

Importance of Google My Business to the growth of local business

Google My Business (GMB) is a highly valuable tool for the growth of local businesses as discussed earlier. Its importance lies in its ability to enhance online visibility, connect with local customers, and drive both online and offline traffic. Here is why GMB is crucial for the growth of local businesses:

Improved Local Visibility: GMB listings appear prominently in local search results and Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find your business when searching for products or services in your area. This increased visibility can lead to more website visits, phone calls, and foot traffic.

Free Marketing Platform: GMB is a free tool provided by Google, making it accessible to businesses with limited marketing budgets. It allows you to create and manage your online presence without incurring significant costs.

Customer Trust and Credibility: A well-maintained GMB listing with accurate information, positive reviews, and high-quality photos can instill trust and credibility in potential customers. It demonstrates that your business is legitimate and actively engaged with its audience.

Customer Engagement: GMB offers various features like posts, questions and answers, and messaging, allowing you to engage directly with customers. You can share updates, answer queries, and address concerns promptly, fostering a sense of community and loyalty.

Mobile Optimization: Many local searches are conducted on mobile devices. GMB listings are designed to be mobile-friendly, ensuring that your business information is easily accessible to users on smartphones and tablets.

Insights and Analytics: GMB provides valuable insights into how users discover and interact with your business listing. This data can help you refine your marketing strategies, target specific demographics, and make data-driven decisions.

Online Reviews: GMB encourages customers to leave reviews, which can significantly affect your reputation. Positive reviews can attract more customers, while addressing negative reviews professionally can demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Convenient Information Sharing: Your GMB listing displays essential business information such as location, hours of operation, contact details, and a link to your website. This makes it easy for potential customers to access the information they need quickly.

Promotional Opportunities: GMB’s Posts feature allows you to share promotions, events, and updates directly in search results. It is an effective way to highlight special offers and generate interest in your business.

Competitive Advantage: Many businesses, especially small local ones in Ghana, may not fully optimize their GMB listings. By taking advantage of GMB’s features and keeping your listing up to date, you can gain a competitive edge in your local market.

Multi-Location Management: If your business has multiple locations, GMB allows you to manage and optimize each location individually, tailoring your marketing efforts to specific audiences and markets.

In summary, Google My Business is a powerful tool that can significantly affect the growth and success of local businesses in Ghana. It improves visibility, builds trust, fosters customer engagement, and provides valuable data to refine marketing strategies—all of which contribute to attracting more customers and increasing revenue.

 

Writer: Samuel Kwame Boadu – Entrepreneur & Digital Marketer