The Benefits of Google My Business

By Rachel McRae | Monday, November 16, 2020

Learn about the basics of Google My Business, and the recent updates to this free and easy-to-use online marketing resource

Google My Business is a free resource for businesses which can be used to increase brand visibility, website traffic, product or service enquiries, improve search engine optimisation, and general engagement. Google My Business (GMB) is a listing which appears on the first page of Google search results, and in Google Maps. The listing can appear in Google when a search for your business name, industry, services, products or location is made. This resource has been around since 2014, but Google has recently made several new upgrades to help your business flourish in 2020.


The Basics of Google My Business

Google My Business is useful for businesses as it is a free and easy way of increasing your Google ranking, and will potentially appear on the first page of a Google search. The key to success is to fill out as much information as possible to gain the most value from your listing. The Google algorithm is complicated, however there are some things every business should be doing in order to get the best results.

Keep your information up to date

This includes your business hours, address, contact details and business description.

Ask for reviews from your customers and engage with them

While not guaranteed, businesses with the most and/or best reviews are more likely to be shown at the top of the GMB listings. Responding to all of your reviews (good and bad) has also shown the potential to improve your listing. Aside from this, engaging with your customers online helps with reputation management and building great relationships.

Have high-quality, up to date photos

High quality and recent images on your listing help to improve your brand image and accurately reflect your business.

Update your products or services

This feature is a great tool to advertise your products or services, promoting them to potential customers. It is also helpful because it lets Google know exactly what your business offers. That means if someone searches for a service instead of your business name (“Web Design Rotorua” for example), your listing can be shown. Note that Products & Services are only available to certain industries, so you should utilise it if you can.

Share posts, offers and updates

You can list offers, updates and posts through GMB. This function can act as a notice board for your business, and gives you the ability to share your most valuable and exciting updates. This is a powerful tool for gaining customer attention, as they can see these updates directly from the search results page.


Recent Upgrades to Google My Business

In addition to the basics, Google has made some recent upgrades which are particularly useful in relation to COVID-19. These features can help you to manage your business more efficiently and successfully during these unprecedented times.

“Temporarily Closed” status

This feature allows businesses to differentiate between temporary and permanent closures. Of course, this feature has proven to be relevant during a pandemic. However, it is also particularly useful for seasonal businesses, or if your business is temporarily closed for renovations or maintenance.

More hours

Secondary hours are additional hours alongside your traditional business opening hours. Depending on your business, you can add additional hours to advertise special, exclusive hours for your customers. Examples being a “locals hour” for special local discounts, or making distinctions between “dine-in” and “takeaway” hours for hospitality businesses.

Support and donation links

This feature allows potential customers to easily view how to support your business. This could be through buying a gift card, store credit, or even donating to your business through a third-party website such as gofundme.com. If your business sells gift cards or vouchers, this is a great opportunity to advertise them.

COVID-19 updates

If there are any changes to the way your business operates due to COVID-19, Google My Business has allowed for this. There is a special category of post that you can use to share all relevant COVID-19 updates in one place.


Google My Business is a fantastic tool for improving your businesses digital presence.

If you are not already using Google My Business, you can learn more and sign up here.

Are you already using this resource? You can keep up to date with the changes being made to Google My Business here.

If you are still confused about how GMB can benefit you and your business, get in touch with Dubzz. We are more than happy to help.

Author: Rachel McRae

Rachel worked in Online Marketing for several years before founding Dubzz in 2011. She holds qualifications in Marketing, Business, Science and Māori and was recognised in 2015 as the "Emerging Young Leader of the Year" at the Westpac Business Excellence Awards.

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