Undoubtedly, Google My Business can help a business thrive and is a significant part of search engine optimization (SEO). However, it is also filled to the brim with uncertainty for most company owners. It has gotten to the point where there are plenty of misconceptions about the Google My Business page.
To help set the record straight, here are ten of the most common misconceptions about Google My Business, which can help companies make the most out of the platform.
1. It is acceptable not to claim your listing
While there is little harm with not claiming the company’s listing in Google My Business, it does not allow too much control. The company can make suggestions on edits, but company owners won’t be able to reply to reviews. Therefore, it’s often much better to claim and verify the listing.
2. There is no need to be thorough when creating a profile
Some business owners believe that the Google My Business profile is enough, and it does not have to be thorough. However, the simple act of adding business hours, phone numbers, and URLs can make a huge difference.
3. High-resolution images are necessary for the Google My Business page
While the resolution of images on the Google My Business listing is crucial to the platform, it is allowed to upload lower resolution images. especially if the company does not have anything particular of note to upload. All the company has to do is take the width, height, and file size into consideration.
4. False information does not matter on Google My Business
Many people tend to underestimate the platform’s ability to increase a company’s visibility, mainly due to some profiles having incorrect information. Google My Business cannot effectively rank a company with false information, making it much more challenging for the algorithm to rank.
5. The listing of address and other types of information does not have to be exact
While it’s understandable for some to think that a tiny mistake is acceptable, it is recommended that the business owner places exact information on the page. Having no information on the page is better than having information that does not match other listings.
6. There is no need to reply to reviews
Another common mistake of most new businesses is they do not reply to reviews. Whether positive or negative, it’s crucial to engage with the target demographic.
7. Q and A is not necessary
As a new feature in Google My Business, it’s easy to neglect Q and A. Business owners have to understand that most people will have questions about their products, and they can answer them in the best possible way. It ends up saving everyone time.
8. There is no need to mark closed locations as such
It can be pretty frustrating for a client to head to the physical location only to see that the branch closed down. Therefore, ensure that information such as recent closure is on the company’s profile.
9. Only Google My Business owners can make updates and edits
Google My Business owners aren’t the only ones that can make edits. The managers can edit content as well as respond to reviews.
10. A Google My Business profile isn’t necessary if you have a website
Of all the various misconceptions about Google My Business, perhaps the most egregious is that it isn’t necessary for those that already have a primary website. It’s like saying that Google My Business is not crucial for SEO, which is untrue. Instead, such a profile can help increase brand visibility.
Anyone who wants to be successful when marketing their brand can solidify their position with Google My Business. It would be a shame not to take full advantage of what is essentially an accessible marketing means.
