DO YOU WANT TO RANK HIGHER ON GOOGLE?
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Navigating Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) can feel like walking a tightrope. One wrong move and you could end up struggling to resolve technical hiccups. But not to worry, I’m here to guide you through this labyrinth. Today, I’ll be sharing invaluable insights that I’ve gleaned from my experience since 2009, on effectively reaching out to Google for assistance and ensuring they respond promptly and satisfactorily to your inquiries.
New Changes to Google My Business
In 2023, Google introduced several changes to the Google Business Profile platform. One significant change is the removal of the traditional dashboard and the integration of editing features directly onto the search page. Now, once you log into your Gmail account associated with your Google Business Profile and search for your business name (in my case, Big West Marketing), you’ll notice several options adjacent to your business name on Google’s search results page.
Reaching Out to Google Directly
Here’s how to reach Google directly for any issues related to your Google Business Profile:
- Click on the three dots next to your business name, then select ‘Help and Support’.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the subsequent page and click on ‘Contact us’.
- Select your business from the dropdown (if you manage multiple businesses).
- Enter your problem in the given field (e.g., “can’t change URL”).
- Skip the offered resource options and head straight to the communication options – chat, call, or email.
Upon selecting one of the communication methods, you’ll need to provide the following details:
- Your name and your relationship with the business (owner, employee, etc.)
- Your email address
- The phone number associated with the business
- The exact business name as registered with Google
- The physical address that you initially registered with Google (even if it’s hidden from public view)
- The Google Maps link of your business
- Your business website
- A description of your problem
- If applicable, any previous case ID from past interactions with Google support
Five Key Guidelines to Improve Your Interactions with Google Support
In my experience, adhering to the following guidelines greatly enhances your chances of receiving timely and effective support from Google:
1. Provide Screenshots: Providing visual evidence of the issue goes a long way in getting a quick response. It gives Google a clear picture of the problem you’re facing, thereby expediting the troubleshooting process.
2. Be Respectful: Remember, Google Business Profile is a free service. The support team, though globally dispersed and potentially having varying levels of English proficiency, is there to help. Approach them respectfully and patiently.
3. Have Patience: Google’s response time can vary from a couple of days to a week or more. Patience is key in getting your issues resolved. Understand that Google, like any business, has peak and off-peak periods.
4. Read Everything Carefully: Make sure to thoroughly read all the correspondences from Google and maintain detailed notes with timelines. The more organized and informed you are, the smoother the process will be.
5. Avoid Duplicates: Do not submit multiple tickets for the same issue. This can slow down the process. If you’ve already submitted a request, give Google some time to respond.
I hope these guidelines empower you to better navigate your interactions with Google Business Profile support. If you’ve found this article useful, feel free to share it, and don’t hesitate to ask any questions in the comments section.
If you’re seeking advice on how to optimize your Google Business Profile for better visibility and engagement, check out my free cheat sheet available via the link in the link in the description.
The cheat sheet provides an in-depth look at strategies that have proven effective in boosting our clients’ visibility on Google Business Profile.
In conclusion
Remember, Google is not the enemy. They’re not out to get your business, but to help it grow. Approach the platform with an understanding mindset and reap the benefits it offers. Until next time, this is Joe Burnich from BigWestAcademy.com, signing off.