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Guide to Google My Business Description and Services

 

Quick! What’s the first thing that pops into your head when someone asks you this question:

What is your business known for?”

Are you able to articulate the elusive “it” that makes your company what it is? Can you describe in just a few sentences what your business does and really get to the heart of what you offer?

If not, it’s okay. We’re here to help! Why do we care? Because Google has brought back the business description feature on your Google listing—and because first impressions matter!

Google My Business Description

On your Google My Business (GMB) listing, there’s a section where you can add the exciting story of your company and showcase what your business offers. Here’s what Google has to say:

Published content should highlight what makes your business unique. You can use this field to provide useful information on services and products offered, as well as the mission and history of your business.You should be upfront and honest about the information provided, focusing on content that is relevant and useful to your customers to understand your business.

Your business description is a part of your Google listing on Google Search but not on Google Maps. Take note of the wonderful business description our friend, Kate, wrote about her company, Mosquito Joe of NW Houston & S Brazos Valley.

 

Google Description and Services

 

How To Add Your Business Description

Log into your Google My Business (GMB) account and navigate to the Info section on the left-hand side of your screen. Then click the pencil to add your business description. Easy peasy!

 

Google Description and Services

 

Why Bother?

The truth of the matter is, your Google listing has become a one-stop shop for your customers. They want to find out everything they need to know about your business when they land there. Your Google listing is set up to be self-service so customers can explore your business information at their convenience. Don’t underestimate the power of having your complete business details filled out on your Google listing!

Writing Your Business Description

Google has several guidelines for representing your business on Google and we want to highlight some of the key items.

Enter a brief description of your business: What you offer, what sets you apart, your history, or anything else that’s helpful for customers to know. Focus primarily on details about your business instead of details about promotions, prices, or sales. Do not include URLs or HTML code, or exceed 750 characters in the description field.

If your company has developed its brand voice and you already have marketing materials, there’s probably no need to reinvent the wheel. You will, however, want to make your business description specific to your individual company. You’re the one who knows your business inside and out, so who better to tell your story? Be intentional about letting your personality shine through so your customers are able to catch a glimpse of you reflected in your business description.

Our suggestions:

  • Add the most important information at the beginning of your business description because your Google listing shows only the first four lines until you click to see more.
  • Tell your company’s story— no need to add business info that’s already showing on your listing.
  • Use descriptive and compelling words that will show the world how amazing your business is.
  • Make it conversational—people want to see that you’re human!

 

The following things are not allowed in your business description:

  • URLs/Links
  • Special offers or discounts
  • Spammy lettering (Such as misspellings, gimmicky character use, gibberish, etc.)
  • Inaccurate business information

An Intro to Google Services

If you have a restaurant, health and beauty, or a service-based business, you’ll be to provide customers with a menu or list of services. You can add the name, price, and description of each item you want to share. This feature is visible on Google Search and Google Maps, but only on mobile devices.

 

 

You can enter all your services in the same Info section of your GMB listing.

 

 

How it displays on Google Search                             How it displays on Google Maps

 

Will Sharing Your Business Description and Menu/Services Help Your Company?

You bet it will! By utilizing all of Google’s free features, you are making things so doggone easy for your customers! They didn’t have to do a single thing and they already know so much about your business. Their first impression of your company is that you are on top of things, so congratulations! Just by filling out your business description, you’ve already shown that you care enough about your customers to give them everything they need to know about your company.

 

 

[vc_row][vc_column width=’1/4′]Karin Siccardi[/vc_column][vc_column width=’3/4′]

Karin Siccardi is a Reputation Defender, Blogger, and Proofreader/Editor at WebPunch. Originally from Oregon, she migrated to Tennessee where she lives with her husband, four children, and the family dog who lounges at her feet as she enjoys the luxury of working from her home office. An avid reader, she enjoys all wordy things as well as coffee, chocolate, and wine.

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