Google pushes new feature to increase the online presence of SMBs

Google has launched a feature called 'Google My Business (GMB)' for SMBs (small and medium businesses), that will allow business owners to manage their business listings from a dashboard on Google Search page itself. Any user who has a registered business account with Google can find their business on Google Search, update business details, and check how many searches are being made for their business.

GMB allows a user to add or correct business information, post updated hours, post on Google, and share photo important to the business. Additionally, a user can see listing views, and analyze their performance. This feature also lets a user know when they upload photos and offers tips on ways to enhance listing.

The service is targeting primarily small and medium businesses. It will help users track how their company listing performs on Google and take actions to improve the performance. It will also allow them to engage with customers. The functionality will be visible to businesses above the search results when they log in through their Google business account. Users can update information and pictures through the menu.

Why keep an updated and accurate Google My Business listing? Google shared some stats that illustrate the importance of having a complete listing:

• More than 80% of people search the web to find local information.
• Businesses with complete listings on Google are twice as likely to gain customer trust, and
• 38% more likely to attract in-store visits
• 29% more likely to see a purchase