So long Google My Business. It was nice knowing you. You may be thinking ... "Wait a minute. How is my RV park supposed to get listed on search results now?!" Or you may be thinking, "Google My Business? Never heard of her."
Either way, no worries! Read on to find out what next steps to take. Google announced in December 2021 that things were a-changin' which they often do with the tech giants. While there is officially no more Google My Business (GMB), it is technically still around and known as Google Business Profile. Whew!
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (GPB) is the latest iteration of a business listing on Google's platform. Besides GMB there was also their failed attempt at social media Google+ which allowed you to have business profiles. It also was named Google Places (2 different times) and Google Local. Wait 2 years and it will change again.
GBP allows you to share essential business information including location, phone number, operating hours, website and more. As well, you can showcase your identity and all that your park has to offer by displaying your logo and photos. These features are basically the same as the previously named GMB.
Why Does it Matter?
Google continues to dominate when it comes to search engine usage. When people look for stuff on the web, almost 93% of them are using the big G. Naturally, any business would benefit by having their profile and contact information show up via Google search. Go where the people are and most of the people are on Google.
What's Different?
The main reason behind the change is Google's effort to move away from the GMB app. Now managing your business information can be done directly on Google Search and Google Maps.
If you have a larger operation with multiple locations, you can manage that with the Business Profile Manager. In that sense, the Google My Business interface lives on as it has recently been constituted.
What's New?
As we have discussed, the primary business listing management is going away and now you can claim and verify your listing directly on Google Search and Google Maps. Other new features include:
- Call history - eligible for select businesses currently
- Messaging - can be done through app, browser or M5 😉
- Control message read receipts in Search and Maps
What Should You Be Doing?
First of all, claim it! Make sure you are in control of your own listing. Don't let it be in default mode which means it could have incorrect information about your business. Secondarily, use it to connect with potential guests as well as the RVers that have stayed with you. Implement these next 4 steps to take your GBP to the next level!
1. Create posts, offers, events
While Google's takeover of the social media platform failed, it's remnants carry on through your GBP posts. You can keep your guests informed of what's happening on site, share special offers and inform of events that you're hosting. These posts carry some SEO juice, as well, meaning it helps your business get found on search.
2. Respond to reviews
Always, always, always ... respond to reviews especially the negative ones. Some may take the stance that it doesn't matter too much, but who wants to stay at a place that is essentially saying "we don't care what you think or say." Google gives you the opportunity to manage this and get it right.
3. Send & receive direct messages
The power of communication at the tips of your fingers! A bit dramatic but it's true that guests being able to have direct and immediate access with you is a gamechanger. How we communicate has changed rapidly over the last 20 years. Being able to quickly respond to users on Google can help your park stand out. Make sure this feature is on!
4. Post answers to FAQs
You hear the same questions over and over again. Do as much to head those off at the pass as possible. Not only should you have them on your website, but Google has this built-in feature readily available, as well. The DM feature on Google is great, but you don't want to be bombarded with the same Q&A all of the time. The FAQs on your search and map profiles will alleviate this burden.
You've Got This!
Millions if not billions of users frequent Google each day. Make sure your RV park or campground is getting a slice of that action! Optimizing your GBP, gathering reviews and responding to guests will positively affect you search engine rankings, as well.
Google makes all of this free to use directly on their platform. Of course, they have plenty of ways you can give them money to promote your business if you'd like. 😉
We've Got This!
Our M5 system not only integrates with Google but Facebook, Instagram and more. Instead of going to multiple sites and apps to respond and manage, it can be done from one place! If you're up for saving time and effort by consolidating how you manage your marketing, schedule a chat with us at book.restrelaxroi.com.
Happy googling and happy trails!