How to Use Google to Grow Your Floral Business
Think about the last time you needed help in your local market. Whether it was a venue you were considering for an upcoming event, a branch of the bank you use for your business, or a new restaurant you wanted to check out, chances are… you “Googled” to find what you needed.
Google, and specifically it’s local search functionality (Google My Business), has become an integral part of our decision-making process with our purchases. You probably already know all this as a consumer. However, as a business owner, are you taking full advantage of these incredible tools available to you for FREE?
Many businesses still lack the knowledge on how they can maximize their presence on Google My Business – the primary way consumers discover local businesses in our digital age. By not using the tools, business owners are missing out on potential sales and exposure.
Today’s blog from Tessa Corp will give you a detailed overview of what you should do with your Google My Business listing as a floral industry professional.
Let’s start with the definition: What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. By verifying and editing your business information, you can both help customers find you and tell them the story of your business.
Benefits of Google My Business for your Floral or Event Planning Shop
1. Be where customers are searching
Having your listing set up and completed gives you access to manage the information that Google users see when they search for your business, products or services. You can add photos, description, hours, address, website and many other key details that potential customers are searching for.
2. Build up your credibility
Your Google My Business listing gives you access to your Google reviews. You can remind customers to give you feedback after their transaction is complete. Then you should always respond to each review via your Google My Business account. Business listings with many good reviews stand out from other competitors in the same industry and give potential customers reassurance in doing business with you.
3. Interact with customers directly
Besides leaving reviews, customers could ask questions or send messages to you right from the search results. Google My Business Messenger is a free app that will assist you in managing all the communication you’ll receive, including customizing your welcome message, receiving notifications, and assigning a responsible employee to contact customers promptly.
4. Create an impression
The tool also allows you to upload photos of your business, product or services. Businesses that add photos to their listings receive 42% more requests for driving directions on Google Maps and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t.
5. Engage daily
One of the other cool features is Google My Business posts. Chances are, you are already creating content for your social media pages. Start treating Google My Business as another channel for your creative messaging and storytelling. You can repurpose the same content you use for your Instagram to post as Google My Business posts which can be seen by anyone coming across your local listing.
Here is how to get started with Google My Business:
1. Log into your Google Account you want associated with your business (or create a Google Account if you don’t already have one).
2. Go to google.com/business and select “start now” to proceed.
3. Go through the setup process and provide all the details you have for your business.
4. Claim your listing by verifying it via phone call, email, instant verification (if available) or mailed postcard.
5. Start optimizing your listing per the tips above.
Check out this article for more setup tips with screenshots for each step: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/google-my-business
