Over the past couple of years, Google My Business – commonly referred to as GMB – has become quite a useful tool for business owners. This completely free-to-use feature makes it easier for potential customers to find your business. To fully utilize GMB, you need to know the features. In today’s article, we will go over some of the new features of GMB and how you can utilize them to grow your business.
Call Logging
A significant addition to GMB is the call logging feature. In the past, it was next to impossible to determine who called your business directly from a GMB listing. Now, Google is currently developing a feature that will allow you to see recent customer calls directly from a search. This will help you in several different ways.
First and foremost, it allows you to see how well your GMB listing is working. If you’re receiving multiple calls directly from the listing, you’re doing something right. Secondly, this new feature allows you to respond to missed calls and stay engaged with your customers. All you have to do is view the logged calls section located in the Calls tab.
Stay On Top Of Your Analytics
The new analytics view makes staying on top of your analytics much easier, especially if your website has eCommerce capabilities. With online shopping booming since the start of the pandemic and shipping timeframes causing logistical headaches, this has never been more important. It’s crucial for an online business – or any business for that matter – to ensure a seamless ordering process with quick turnarounds.
Google Analytics offers a Store Visits report that helps website owners and managers view their omnichannel performance. These reports can help you better understand where your website stands in relation to brick-and-mortar stores. If your website does not have eCommerce capabilities, it’s time to develop.
Health and Safety Attributes
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Google recently rolled out new attributes so customers better understand the health standards of your business. Fortunately, Google makes it easy for you to convey this information. Some of the latest health and safety attributes available on GMB are:
- Appointment required
- Masks required
- Staff wears masks
- The team gets temperature checks
- Temperature check required
- Vaccine or negative test required
This may seem redundant, as most businesses have some health and safety standards in place, but openly stating this information makes it easier for a potential customer. Health-conscious individuals are more likely to choose a business that is open about their health and safety protocols than those that are not.
Messaging
Google has also made it much easier for businesses and potential customers to reach out to one another via messaging. While this feature was always available in the mobile app, it is now available on the desktop UI. When you log into GMB, you will see a messages button on the left-hand sidebar.
This feature makes it easier for you to answer any questions a potential customer may have for you. Here’s a heads up though: if you don’t respond to messages within a 24-hour timeframe, Google may revoke your messaging rights. Google wants to provide the best customer experience possible and businesses ghosting potential customers goes against that.
Do You Need GMB Help?
If you are in need of GMB or SEO help, our team at Jiu-Jitsu Advertising is here to help. We offer a wide range of SEO services to Jiu-Jitsu schools throughout the United States. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your business.
