Everyone has questions before deciding which business to go with, are you making sure you have the answers? Recently Google launched the feature to make a Q&A on GMB profiles and with how over 80% of customer interactions are happening on local listings this feature has grown exponentially. Take control of the discussion about your business and don’t let it be derailed against you with these tips on how to manage Google Q&A.
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What is Google Q&A and How Does it Work?
This feature works similarly to a Q&A or FAQ on other sites, letting users ask questions about a business, their services, staff, etc and potentially receive a direct reply from other users and the business itself. These questions and answers are public to any other looking for you.
Since anyone can ask questions and answer you might feel a bit outnumbered. Someone can potentially ask a leading question or another can answer questions with malicious intent whether or not they have been a customer or client before. Misinformation can also harm you, such as a customer asking for a certain product and someone answering doesn’t know you provide this but recommends them elsewhere. This can lead to others reading that question and answer and having misinformation spread about the products you have.
How Do I Prevent These Answers from Harming My Business?
The best way to stop this is to be the first to act, answering questions as the owner of the business (and not on your personal Google account) adds creditability to your answers and stop misinformation or malintent from spreading.
Best Tactic for Google Q&A
Answer all the questions. No matter how obvious an answer might be to you its best to reply to all to give everyone the right information. Even if another person has replied with the correct information its good to jump in and confirm its correctness. This also helps to boost your public image, if a business is answering everything clearly and concisely, peoples trust in your business will grow and if they have any questions they won’t hesitate to ask.
There is also the option to flag any questions or answers if they are inappropriate. Certain things are especially not allowed such as advertisement, off-topic Q&A, and impersonation. Another idea is to answer some things proactively; certain things like business hours, parking, pricing are typical for most businesses and you can add in ones you have regularly got in person from customers as well.
Worried About Multiple Locations?
Luckily google has API updates that help you keep track without feeling the need to check each location individually. One tool that runs along with API is chatmeter which is specifically made to help businesses manage multiple Google Q&A listings all in one convenient place. Being able to monitor, answer, and post questions to each of your Google My Business listings simplify and easily.
Ready to Answer any Questions Customers Throw at You?
Now that you know how to tackle google Q&A so it doesn’t overwhelm you, you might want some back up going into this world of Google searches and listings. Why not turn to people who know it best? 360 Business Marketing is ready to bring out your best and help you navigate the online space confidently.
Feel free to reach 360 anytime!