Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Google My Business (GMB) App, and how it's changing the game for local marketing agencies. You might be thinking, “Is this update giving my clients too much power?” Spoiler alert: it’s not. In fact, if you use it right, it can make you look like a rockstar.
In case you missed it, Google My Business (now officially rebranded as Google Business Profile) first rolled out the app in 2014. Since then, it’s evolved into a powerful tool that connects local businesses with the people looking for them—9 billion times a month, to be exact. Yes, you read that right. Billions of times.
Here’s the kicker: Google just keeps making it better. And that’s where you come in.
What’s New in the Google My Business App?
The latest version of the GMB App is jam-packed with features that make it easier for businesses to manage their profiles—and for you, as an agency, to prove value. Let’s break down a few game-changers:
The ‘Post’ Button
This simplified button lets business owners add photos, share updates, create events, and more, all in real-time. It’s like giving your clients a megaphone directly into their customers’ hands. Now, the smart move is to make sure they understand this feature’s potential for boosting their online visibility. “Posting regularly through the GMB App can significantly increase local engagement,” says Google. And guess what? Your clients’ competitors probably aren’t doing it.
The ‘Customer’ Tab
The new ‘Customer’ tab? It’s like a mini CRM built right into the app. Businesses can now track followers, respond to reviews, and engage with customers who’ve messaged them directly from Google Maps. Think about it: real-time customer interaction right at your client’s fingertips. This is the kind of thing that makes an impact. And by guiding your clients to leverage it, you’re not just a marketer—you’re a strategic partner.
Mobile-First Profile Management
The days of needing a desktop to update business info? Over. From hours of operation to service descriptions, nearly any update can be done straight from the app. Sure, this might make some agencies nervous (“Will my clients mess it up?”), but with a little training and education, you’re showing them that you’re the expert who saves them from potential mishaps like suspensions due to accidental changes. That's value they’ll never forget.
Messaging: The Game-Changer
Here’s where things get really interesting: the app now includes direct messaging between businesses and customers. This is perfect for the text-loving millennial crowd, and it’s frictionless. Imagine a potential customer finds your client on Google Maps, asks a few questions, and books an appointment—all without leaving the app. It’s seamless, and as an agency, this feature gives you another clear ROI to show clients: real-time interactions turning into real leads.
The Power of Real-Time Notifications
Google’s doing everything they can to keep businesses engaged with their profiles. With real-time notifications for new reviews and messages, businesses are more likely to stay active on their GMB profile—and more likely to see your marketing efforts paying off. Plus, with notifications about how posts are performing, businesses get an instant read on what’s working (thanks to you, of course).
What’s In It For You?
Let’s be real. When your clients start seeing results from their GMB profiles, they’re going to start asking, “How do we get more of this?” That’s where you come in, showing them how your strategies are making their phones ring and their doors swing. And when they start talking about ROI, you’ll have a wealth of data from the GMB app to back up your claims.
So, is the GMB App putting too much power in the hands of your clients? Not if you stay ahead of the game. When you teach your clients to use these features the right way, you’re not just managing their online presence—you’re making them look like local legends.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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