Mapping Your Progress If you drive, you have almost certainly used a directions app to get you where you are going, but, says Chris Partridge, business owners can take real advantage of the lesser known benefits. Your customers will thank you
your website. If you do not have a web presence (and you really really should) Google makes it very easy to construct a basic website where your catalogue can be uploaded. The profile can also feature a reviews section, so brides can rate your performance and you can respond. A properly-maintained review section is now a vital component of any small businesses’ online image.
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Valuable extras So, you are set up. Brides (and their mothers) can find you easily and quickly with a simple Google search. But don’t just sit back – every web presence needs constant work. Post regular updates with new products or highlighting the latest trends in the industry. Add personal news about great events you have organised. Try and establish a rapport with visitors to your site. A Google Business Profile also gives you access to valuable information about your customers, including the keywords they use to find you, when they call, reviews and bookings, all of which can be used to grow your client base and expand the business.
80 per cent. Apple Maps follows with about 10 per cent, so it is worthwhile registering there too. Step one is to get a Google account in the unlikely event you do not have one already. Log in, and you will be able to get a Google Business Profile at google.com/business. Enter your store’s name and address with capital and lower case letters and spelt correctly (remember it is what your customers will see first and first impressions count.) Choose the ‘storefront’ category (nonstorefront operations are for home ne of the most important businesses where the owners do not ways a bricks-and-mortar want a trail of people arriving and store can connect with irritating the neighbours.) new customers is by Next, choose your business online mapping. Online maps show category. This is very important as people where you are, obviously, but it shows up on Google searches, so can also give them instant access to everything about you from your store make sure you choose a category that reflects the products and services opening hours, how to get in touch you offer. and even your online catalogue. Once you have registered, there will And the good news is that it is free, though you need to be aware that you be a short delay while Google checks you are who you are, and where you give huge amounts of data on your are, usually by sending you a postcard business away in the process. with a verification code. Simply showing potential Now you are on the map, with your customers your exact location is very basic contact details. The next step is important, especially if you are on a side street – the map will make it clear to add all the other stuff. Basic requirements are phone you are still positioned in a smart area numbers, email addresses and with cafes, bars and all the facilities opening hours. Photographs of the for a great day out close at hand. store’s interior and your newest and Literally getting your shop on best products are a good idea, the the map, is very similar for all the more the merrier. Don’t worry about mapping systems out there, but a photo of the exterior facade – that here we will focus on Google Maps because it is by far and away the most should appear in Google Street View. An absolute essential is a link to popular, with a market share of about
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Other cool things you can do with Google Maps Share your location: Going to a meeting? Why not share your location with the other participants so they can watch your progress? It also ensures you are all going to the same place. When you have planned your drive
