Mobile is the new normal. You’ve heard it before, and it’s only going to become truer as technology advances. The whole way we look at, interact with, and communicate over the internet has changes and at its core is the modern mobile device.
Of course this changes the way websites are designed and how user interfaces adapt, but the increase in mobile users also drastically affects Google My Business. A proper Google My Business account with dotted i’s and crossed t’s will give anyone the upper hand when trying to attract a mobile user.
1. “Near Me” Searches
Google searches including “near me” doubled between from 2015 to 2016, but now Google has taken it a step further and the “near me” tag is implied whenever they display their business listings. Now, a properly optimized GMB can still dominate even when you aren’t actually the closest person, but the implication shows that more people than ever are using Google, and specifically the Google business results, to find vital locations near them at every opportunity.
2. Correct Information
This one is a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how few people take the time to properly update their GMB listing. Correct information can make the difference between a $100 day and a $1,500 day. Changing your hours? Update it on Google. New location? Update it on Google. Different phone number? Update it on Google. And don’t forget to keep updated exterior photos so people know what your business looks like and they’re not driving around looking for your old building. Every piece of information works towards attracting people to your doorstep.
3. Active Mobile Devices
According to Statista, the US had 224 million active smartphone users in 2017. That represents almost 70% of the US population. From this device people will be looking for restaurants, doctor’s offices, gas stations, department stores, and pretty much anything else and the first results they’re seeing are Google My Business listings. If you’re not on it and updated then you are missing out.
4. Use of Google Maps as GPS
Google has reported that Google Maps as over 1 billion active users in the world. If you’re not on Google My Business, than you’re not on Google Maps and you’re missing out on everyone who uses Google Maps as their primary GPS. If they can’t find you, then they’re not showing up. Plain and simple.
5. “Call,” “Directions,” and “Website” Buttons
Here’s the crux of all the effort. At the end of the day all of the Google My Business updates and verifications are in the interest of getting people to do one of these three things. That’s the reason Google makes it so easy and clear to hit these three options. Thereby the only reason you wouldn’t keep a Google My Businesses perfectly updated is because you’re not interested in more phone calls, foot traffic, or website visits.
It’s pretty obvious that mobile users will continue to grow and old fashioned desktop users will be a thing of the past. Google knows this and they’re doing everything in their power to cater to this audience and make it easier than ever. They make the tools available (read: free) for you to reach this critical audience. It’s up to you to make the effort every single day so they can help you help yourself.
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ASAPmaps was born from the offices of Epic Web Studios, a Certified Google Partner that started as a small business in Erie, PA, who has 10+ years of experience in search engine optimization. We understand the journey of transforming from a small business with a single client to a full-service digital marketing firm. Our mission is to cement the foundation of sustainable economic growth by helping small businesses just like us. Learn more at ASAPmaps.com.
Keefer Kopco is a Digital Media Strategist for Epic Web Studios and ASAPmaps. He prides himself as a review guru and will respond to as many as three dozen reviews per day for various clients. You can learn more about Keefer here
