How to Set Up Your Google My Business Page for Your Martial Arts School

How to Set Up Your Google My Business Page for Your Martial Arts School

by | Nov 5, 2018 | Offline Marketing & Sales

google-my-business-for-martial-arts-schools

GoogleMyBusiness (GMB) is a free tool that lets you manage how your business appears on Google Search and Maps. That includes adding your school name, location, and hours; monitoring and replying to customer reviews; adding photos; learning where and how people are searching for you, and more.

Your Google My Business and Facebook listings are the two most powerful influencers for search. We suggest that you focus just on these two platforms. 

We can set up and optimize your GMB page. Find out more.

Accurate Information

It’s important the information about your school that shows up when people search Google is as accurate, complete, and optimized as possible.

Create a Google My Business Listing

  • Step 1: Log into the Google Account you want to be associated with your school (or create a Google Account if you don’t already have one).
  • Step 2: Go to google.com/business and select “Start now” in the top right-hand corner.
  • Step 3: Enter your school name and all the information fields.

Verification

Choose the method you want to verify.

Optimizing Your Account

Once you have been verified, you can focus on optimization.

Add as much information and media as you can, including a business profile photo, the area you serve, your hours, the day and year you opened, and a public phone number and website URL.

Keep in mind that anyone can “suggest an edit” to your listing, so it’s important to A) get everything right the first time (so you don’t encourage random people to make their own changes) and B) periodically log into your GMB dashboard and make sure all the details look right.

According to Google, businesses with photos see 35% more clicks to their website and 42% higher requests for driving directions in Google Maps. 

Photos should be at least 720 pixels wide by 720 pixels high and JPG or PNG files. 

Cover photo

Your Google My Business cover photo is one of the most important, as it shows up front and center on your listing. 

Videos

You can also add videos. Videos must be:

  • 30 seconds or shorter
  • 100 MB or smaller
  • 720p resolution or higher

Videos can add some variety to your profile and make you stand out among other businesses in your category; however, don’t worry if you don’t have any — unlike photos, they’re not a “must have.”

Google My Business Reviews

One of the best ways to encourage future customers to leave positive reviews is to respond to current ones. Not only does leaving an appreciative response show the original reviewer you’re thankful for their support. It also makes that positive review stand out on your listing and influences people to leave their own reviews.

People might be less inclined to leave a negative review since they see that you are highly responsive to them.

How to Deal with Each of the Six Types of Online Reviewers

by | Aug 13, 2018 | Offline Marketing & Sales

I can recall failing students on belt exams and moms literally yelling at me in the school front of students. Can you imagine the posts and reviews those moms would have unleashed?

Protecting your reputation is more important than ever. The leverage that a student’s family has to post a negative review because or a real or perceived slight against them is huge.

Because reviews are now one of the most important factors in local search results, it is your job to know how to keep them positive and deal with the negative.

Responding to reviews is a delicate art. You must calibrate your response to each of the six types of reviewer you are dealing with.

The First Time Reviewer

First-time reviewers place a lot of weight in their review. If something was so good at your school, it prompted them to post a great review, good for you! Conversely, if the experience was so bad it prompted their first review, it is like an open wound.

You should take a first-time reviewer seriously. Thank them for their positive review. However, negative reviews must be handled delicately with considerable thought given to the response.

Since it’s their first review, you probably will not get a response, but it’s still important that you acknowledge their post.

For negative reviews, the first question is, “How much of this is true?” Truth is a matter of perspective. When I fail a child, I’m upholding my standards. However, a parent may see it as my not preparing the child or being unreasonable in my expectations.

If there is truth to the review, acknowledge that and outline the steps you will take to avoid the issue happening again. For instance, if you do not teach a child a belt requirement and then he/she fails a belt exam, that’s a serious issue. Maybe the child was on vacation or missed class the day you taught that. That’s not entirely your fault. But, what if you never taught the skill? That’s all on you.

If you disagree with the reviewer’s claims, politely and professionally provide your side of the story. Resist the urge to play “Master” of all. Thank them for their feedback and resist the urge to use all CAPS or!!!!!! Just answer like an attorney would. Just that facts.

Next week, The Constant Complainer