Utilizing Google My Business (GMB) : F&B Tips

One important business management tool that most hawker food business owners need to take advantage of is the Google My Business (GMB) tool.

Setting up your business in Google My Business allows people to search for it and this gives the public access to interact with you.

You are able to show people pictures of your shop and provide all the important information that people are usually looking for.

Such as your operation hours, menu information, promotion updates, and even interacting with them to find out what people’s feedback on your business is.

Here’s how you can create your GMB account:

1. Have Google My Bussiness

Step 1

Create or Log in to your Google account using a business email.

Step 2

Go to Google My Business
(https://www.google.com/business/)

Step 3

Click ‘Manage now

Once you have your account registered, you will be allowed to confirm that you are the owner of the business and claim it.

Claiming your business would mean that you have the official authority to make any edits to the information that will show up when people google your business.

You can choose to receive updates and recommendations about your business as well.

If you are unable to find your business on Google, click ‘Add Your Business to Google’ and fill in your business information.

Step 4

Follow all the instructions to verify your business listing

Step 5

After completing the verification process, you may start editing your business profile

2. Get Your Customers to Leave Reviews

Encouraging customers to leave positive reviews when they enjoyed their experience at your stall or shop will boost your business ratings on Google.

The public is able to see a point or star rating when they google your business and if the rating is good, it will encourage more people to give your spot a chance.

Alternatively, you can give small rewards such as a free dessert as an incentive when they leave an online review.

The more positive reviews you have, the higher your chances are of appearing on Google’s local listings

While leaving positive reviews is the ideal action, sometimes customers may have a negative experience which will lead to a negative review.

In situations like this, do not panic.

Just sincerely apologize and either provide a solution or inform the customers that the matter has been taken note of and that it will be improved in the future.

3. Upload Pictures

Uploading images of your business premise and what food you serve is important. A picture tells a thousand words, if there is nothing to show about your business, how will the public trust that your stall is legit?

Take beautiful pictures of your location and appetizing pictures of your food.

This will give the public a peace of mind when they are searching for you and help them to have an idea what they are expecting to enjoy when arriving at your stall.

4. Engaging Sosial Media Presence

Social media is a must-have and useful media that will help give your business another push.

You are able to display as much information about your eatery as you’d like and this also allows the public to know more about your business so that they are more interested in what you have to offer.

Engaging with your followers online such as replying to feedback and thanking their comments allows you to build a connection with them.Since customers don’t just buy stuff based on logical thinking, they buy with their emotions too.By building a community around your business, you are naturally creating customer loyalty for your business.