Google has been steadily updating its tools for businesses trying to succeed in more customers across Google’s platforms, as well as Search and Google Maps. Last year, the corporate took on Facebook Pages with a feature that allow users “follow” and message businesses directly, as well as be updated concerning promotions, sales and different events.
Today,
Google is rolling out a host of other tools for Google My Business, centered on attracting
customers and inspiring follows.
The suite of tools called Google My Business was initial introduced 5 years ago as the simplest way for businesses
with a Google presence to have a
one-stop shop for updating their business data online, adding photos, reading reviews and — at the time — using Google+. Whereas the latter has
since stop working,
Google remains competing with Facebook in its
own means.
But now, rather than building out a colossal social network of its own, it’s centered on helping businesses reach
customers through Google’s most-used platforms.
Already, customers could “follow” a business to trace its updates in the new “For You” tab on Google Maps. It’s considerably Google’s version
of liking a Facebook
Page, then obtaining updates in a feed. Meanwhile,
businesses could use the
new Customers tab to read reviews
and reply to inquiries.
They can also post to
their business profile on Google.
Today’s update includes a couple of other tools for making those profiles additional appealing.
For example, businesses can currently add a logo to
their profile, upload photographs that are then
displayed in a new
dynamic module on their profile (and soon with captions) and set a profile cover photo. Again, more options to rival Facebook Pages.
Businesses can currently additionally claim a brief name and URL for their business in order that they can more simply direct people right to their profile
page.
In a few more months, customers will be able to search
Google Maps by these short names, as well.
Also new today are welcome offers. This permits a business to reward a brand new client for following them
by offering a discount or
some kind of deal.
In addition to the new options, Google is today launching a marketing Kit website where businesses can order
free stickers and posters to put at
their retail location, and download assets
for social posts, among different things.
As a
part of this launch, Google is highlighting the
highest 5-hitter of businesses in a given category, with a “Local Favorite”
designation. These businesses will later
this summer be able to order
digital and physical badges of honor, if they create the cut.
Google says there are currently over 150 million
businesses using the
Google My Business platform, since its 2014 launch.
“We hope that these more descriptive profiles not solely facilitate consumers quickly find the business that most accurately fits their desires, however additionally facilitate businesses stand out
and express what distinctive about them,” explains Google Business
Senior Product Manager Amir Fish
in today’s announcement.
“We’re committed to helping businesses succeed on Google and are excited to keep improving the experience for all individuals on Maps and Search,” it says.