Google My Business is a necessity in the auto industry. We previously covered how important your listing is when it comes to increasing your Google ranking, but it's far from a "set it and forget it" aspect to your marketing.
With that said, we're going to cover 5 ways you need to use your Google My Business listing to increase your leads and SEO.
1. Update Your Google My Business Information Regularly
One crucial mistake companies make with their Google My Business listing is they treat is as a "set it and forget it" marketing feature. In order to maximize its immense worth, dealership's should vet the information consistently to ensure it's up to date.
Not only does outdated information hurt your ranking in Google, but it also can thwart your prospect's attempts to visit your website or dealership.
Fixing this is as simple as regularly reviewing all the information in your account and changing things when necessary. If you move locations, update staffing, or change contact information, it's wise to update that in your page so shoppers don't get frustrated looking for you and move to the next on the list.
2. Double Down On The Review Feature
We're going to stress this until we're blue in the face, buyers care most about what other buyers have said (especially new buyers). Not only that, Google cares about them, too.
Therefore, one of the best things you can do to get new leads is double down on your Google My Business reviews. Do this by accessing your listing, clicking the review section, and get your business' specific URL that you can send to your thrilled customers.
Once Google verifies the review, it will post to your listing. With enough positive reviews, Google will index your page to the top of relevant search pages and you'll likely be the first thing clients see.
For more help, check out this article or get in touch with us.
3. Set Up Your Booking Feature
Most dealerships have (or should have) their booking feature up on their website so shoppers can simply click the time that works best and schedule it that way without having to email or call.
You can take this great strategy one big step further by setting up the booking feature on your Google My Business listing. By taking one step out of the buying process, buyers are able to find and buy from you more easily. This is a great feature for repeat customers already familiar with your business, as well as customers who are looking for the most convenient option.
Once it's up, you can access it from your Google My Business account. From there, you can manage your bookings, change your times, close booking availability, and share your bookings link so prospects can find it easier.
For help setting yours up, click this article or contact us.
4. Use The Analytics It Gives You
Google My Business gives you great analytics, so using them is vital. Brand searches, direct searches, discovery searches, search queries, mobile vs. desktop - the list of great insights and KPIs goes on and on.
With this you're able to find out whether the people who find you do so because they either know your brand or found out through Google search, and what terms they searched that brought them to you.
Then you're able to structure your marketing efforts around the insights it gives you specific to your marketing efforts. Double down on things that are performing well, fix what things aren't working, and stay better informed on the decisions you make digitally.
Now, analyzing these stats is crucial. For help doing this, get in touch with us for a FREE customized marketing plan.
5. Post Plenty Of Quality Pictures
Google always shows images under each Google My Business listing that it thinks pertain to your dealership. If they're low quality, unrelated photos, it'll hurt your ranking and your attraction from prospects.
The best way to ensure Google and buyers see the best aspects of your business is to post them there yourself.
Focus on posting these types of images:
- Your dealership departments
- Your inventory
- Your logo and comprehensive dealership photos
- The management team.
These are the primary things buyers want to familiarize themselves with before visiting, so Google will push these higher.
However, there are always a few caveats. When uploading them, make sure the alt text and description always include what the image is about. That's how Google "reads" the photos and relates them to your listing and brand.
Final Thoughts
Mastering your Google My Business listing is one of the fastest and easiest ways to boost your lead acquisition. Implement these simple steps in your marketing strategy to see amazing results.
If your dealership needs any help setting up or polishing your Google My Business listing, we can help.
Header Image Credit: Google