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Top ways you can support local businesses with Google Maps
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How you can support a local business to be found on Google Maps in your community
It is really important we help all small businesses to thrive by buying and supporting local retail shops, and by helping them get found digitally (on maps) to stay connected with their customers.
Apart from the retail environment, many businesses are struggling to stay afloat, let alone open.
Now more than ever, small business needs your help and support in Australia.
We can educate them about the importance of reviews with their
Google My Business listing to boost there map reach and awareness, and suggest areas where they can change and improve their customer journey.
How to get your business on google maps
Google Maps is the most popular map service on earth with a whopping 1.4 billion users each month. It’s no wonder that businesses want to reach their target audience through this platform and have their location listed.
To create your Google My Business account you'll need to have a Gmail account initally, once you have you Google account verified you'll then be able to start the process.
Social Space is here to help you get your business on google map by providing all of the information required in order for you to do so. To start the process in having your business appear on Google Maps you'll need to set up and verify your Google My Business listing.
The below video will help you to get started on setting up your business profile to appear on Google maps.
6 Tips on how to help support a Small Business on Google Maps
Google My Business is easily one of the best marketing tools a local business owner can have for getting found online, and the best thing it's FREE.
Not every small business owner is digital savvy, so here are some handy tips you might be able to help them with:
1. Ensure their business address is in the right location
Being a local Google guide I see many businesses where they have either moved address, forgot to update there address, or Google has placed them close to their actual vicinity but it's still not accurate.
Once you click on a businesses Google listing (maps) you can in the overview 'Suggest an Edit', within this section you can:
- Update or change the name, location, hours, etc.
- Or choose to remove the listing
Once this is submitted to Google they either make the changes with 48 hours if it's correct, or it will be manually reviewed by Google.
I've found if it's just moving the address (within the same town or suburb) Google will approve the changes very quickly.
2. Spread the word with 5 star reviews to help boost their ratings
Every business would love a 5-star review (we'd love one at Social Space too!), but a good review includes enough detail to give others a feel for what happened, how your experience was with them, plus remember to explain what factors contributed to your positive, negative review.
If you have had a positive experience with the business, the other way to reward them is by taking a photo to share with the world, more photos for a small business will will help their Google listing rank higher in there local area.
3. Order delivery or select a menu booking directly with the business
As a business, and having a Google Maps listing available it make it easy for anyone to simply click 'call', so why not order a takeout mid-week rather than waiting for the weekend.
Many great restaurant retailers with just a simple website can also encourage their customers to order through there website, with ease of a booking application built into there website they can have their whole menu and take payment straight away. If you don't see restaurants or takeaway shops that have this, then talk to us about a
business web design for them.
4. Buy a gift card on Google Maps or buy one for a friend!
Purchasing a gift card is a great idea to help a small business, espically if you or a friend is going to be shopping there anyway. And thanks to Google Maps, you'll now start seeing this option switched on in your area.
While we may not be able to go out and shop at all of our favourite businesses, its a great way to continue supporting them by purchasing a gift card on Google Maps now to use in the future. In most cases, you can purchase gift cards for everything from your yoga classes, hairdresser or your favourite local restaurant.
This helps the business keep up their cash flow, so the businesses are still around for us to support.
5. Becoming a Google Local Guide is really easy
Why not sign up for free and become a Local Google Guide. You can get recognised as you earn more points, and climb the levels of being a trust local in your area.
If you have an existing Google account, then you can link it to that, otherwise just
sign up here and you're on your way to be a local guide.
6. Contribute to small businesses by adding fresh photos on Google Maps
A great way to contribute to small business and show your support in your local area is to add new and updated photos that showcases their current state. Whether abusiness now has a new dish in there restaurant or updated the menu options, by adding new updated fresh photos on there Google Map listing will help others know what to expect.
Final thoughts
There are many ways you can help support Local businesses, and I hope you've found some value in supporting them within Google Maps. At Social Space we help set up and maximise your free listing, so if you need assistance with your
Google Listing don't hesitate to reach out to us.
How do you support a local business on Google Maps?
Love to see your comments.
About Social Space
Hey there, I'm Robert Tickner!
I’m an online visibility consultant who helps local small businesses get noticed on Google search, and guides them on their digital journey. I build websites with structured web design practices through SEO services that get noticed on Google's search algorithms, write the occasional blog, and boost Google My Business listings to improve overall traffic that helps convert more potential new clients to your website.
I'm determined to grow my business.
My only question, is it time to boost yours?
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