The latest upgrade to Google My Business can help you attract and keep new customers with just a couple clicks.
Google unveiled an easy new ‘welcome offer’ feature that allows you to provide special incentives for customers who click “Follow” on Google maps, when they find your business.
The option is available through the Google Maps app. When customers use it, they’ll have an option to follow your business to receive updates. When they do, they’ll appear in the ‘For You’ tab at the bottom of the screen.
The Welcome Offers builds on that. It allows you to thank new customers who follow your page. It’s a free service that will only appear to new followers, too. You can change it or cancel it at any time. Here’s how it works:
- Log in to your Google My Business app or your mobile device
- Tap your Profile, which you’ll see at the bottom of the screen
- Navigate to ‘Turn followers into customers.’
- Tap ‘Create Welcome Offer.’
From there, you merely need to input basic information, such as the title, which will be the name of the offer (for example, 10 % off your first oil change). Add a brief description of the offer, too. You’ll have the option to add a coupon code, terms and conditions and a website link, but those details aren’t necessary.
Then, preview your offer. Click the back arrow to make any changes, otherwise, tap ‘Publish.’
Editing your offer is easy, too. Simply open the app, tap your profile, then tap ‘More’ in the top right corner. You’ll quickly see the option to edit your offer.
It is easy to see how many followers you have, as well as any recent followers. Open the app and tap ‘Customers’ at the bottom of the screen, then tap ‘Followers.’ You’ll see a complete list of people following your business, as well as recent followers, too.
The Welcome Offers feature became widely available at the end of June and was probably designed to pull businesses away from Facebook and other social media channels. What do you think? Have you used it yet? How did it work for you? Let us know in the comments!