The Sukaone definitive guide for entrepreneurs – Google My Business

Google My Business is a formidable offering by Google for managing your Google Maps entry. The reason that makes it one of its kind is that it is completely user content driven while at the same time not a social media platform. It provides the perfect setting to grow your outreach and help potential customers make a decision to buy your product.

History of Google and their attempts to get social networking

Google started off on 1998 but by year 2000 had become the most dominant search engine overtaking Yahoo which was popular at that time. People need to socially network. So in 2004, Google launch Orkut but had to shut it down 10 years later in 2014. By that time communities like Facebook had grown considerably while Google was worried their employees spending more time on orkut itself. The second attempt of Google at social networking was in form of Google Plus. Launched in 2011 as a challenge to the existing social networking platforms, Google + never really picked up pace and was shut down in 2019.

We cannot pin point the time and update where Google decided to move to a social networking system in Google Maps but somewhere in 2019 when they had to shut down Google Plus, engineers at google maps were quietly working on the redesign. in 2020, on the eve of 15th anniversary of Google Maps a completely new logo and interface change was rolled out which signalled the change from being a navigational app to that of social networking.

Why is Google Maps a social networking platform

People today specially the younger generation check Google Maps reviews and ratings to make decisions for entire family. Where to go, what to eat, where to shop everything is decided mostly on the number of reviews. One can send direct messages to business owners and ask queries. Offers and discounts are put on Google Maps for visitors to see and update. At this point of time you cannot send a direct message to other map users, but that feature will surely come up soon. Even though Google does not advertise it, Google Maps is a social networking platform with singular focus on brands and businesses.

Benefits for entrepreneurs

• Mark your location on map.
• Post updates about your store or business.
• Create offers and discounts.
• Post your product along with description, pricing and link to purchase.
• Reply to direct queries by users.
• Post photo and video updates.
• Reply to reviews posted by users.
• Appoint managers and editors to manage content on Google Maps.
• Get help from Google by direct message or email.
• Get a free single page website where content is automatically posted from your maps account.

Benefit Number One – Claim your business or mark your business location on maps.

On Google Maps there are two ways of creating a location. Any user can create a new location on Google Maps but it has to be verified while business owners can download and install the Google My Business app on their smartphone and create a location on map. Then you will receive a code at the location and address which you have entered in Google My Business App. Your location details and settings are accessible through the app as well as website. Both are connected to your primary Google Account which resides on your android smartphone or your laptop. You shall receive email and updates at your Gmail Address.

Once you receive the code, you can enter it and claim ownership of your business. There are number of details which can be entered in Google My Business with regards to your brand and store. More the details, more the chances of customers getting whatever answers they are looking for.

Benefit Number Two – Customers visiting your store get directions and location easily.

Let’s agree to the fact that before Google Maps there was an effort to get directions. Before leaving you had to ask someone the location. Next you had to rely on cab drivers to take you to the correct location. Every city had its bunch of swindlers who took you around in circles so that the meter keeps running and their fare increases. In fact people who travelled to unknown cities around the world were the first ones to adopt Google Maps and used to give directions to the ignorant cab drivers to keep them in check.

Today if someone enquires about your store, you just share them Google Maps location. It is hard to get lost these days or get misled by people eager to take you in the wrong direction.

Benefit Number Three – Put your best foot forward by replying to one star reviews with grace.

An aggrieved customer will always take to social media to share their experience. A negative review will put you off immediately. But take your time for it to sink in and then respond with grace. Google Maps gives you the opportunity to reconnect and that reply will be read by others too. Give an option for revisit to serve better.

Benefit Number Four – Post all that you want, no limits

Photos and Videos can be posted by visitors as well as brand owners. Within the rules and regulations, you can post almost anything. Google Maps help bring out the inner photographer in everyone. For social networking platforms like Instagram or Facebook the brand owner has to upload content themselves. Plus there is the burden of getting views and likes for posts. In case of Google My Business, even if the owner does not upload anything, the visitors will do it themselves. For example in case of a restaurant, the complete menu, interior, exterior pics and description can completely be provided by visitors.

Benefit Number Five – Free one page website

One of the most neglected and unused feature of Google My Business is the free one page website. It is so incredible and unbelievable that some like me fear that Google will withdraw this service soon. You get a free single page website which is drag and drop based. Default you get a sub domain name for free, but you can always buy a TLD if it is available though Google Domains. Limited design changes can be carried out and your content from updates and posts will show on the website. The biggest feature is a massive call button.

Google My Business has all the right features sought after by business and brand owners. The fact that it provides user submitted content and complete assistance to visitors is enough to make it the right tool for business growth.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.vega&hl=en_IN&gl=US