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Why you need a Google My Business page for your shop.

mikerisich
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mikerisich Community Regular

mikerisich

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If you want to become a successful independent auto repair shop, it’s essential that you have your sights on not only developing a long-term strategy for expanding your customer base but also pivoting in a way that has sustaining momentum. 

The key to accomplishing this strategy is not by focusing on gigantic steps, but by achieving a steady stream of small efforts, which means using effective and trusted tools that are specifically designed for you as an auto repair shop owner. Fully utilizing your Google My Business (GMB) page is an efficient way to grow your business and we can tell you why you need to be using it to be competitive. 

GMB is a free and completely verified online listing service that uses best practices for getting new customers in the door. Are you the type of business owner who uses an online marketing and branding strategy? If not, you should!

LEARN MORE about how to optimize your GMB page.

  • 3 weeks later...
bantar Community Regular

bantar

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I was recently kicked off of Google My Business.... twice.    They delisted me ("... your Business Profile on Google has been suspended because it was flagged for suspicious activity.") and then invited me to reapply ("If you’re sure your profile is compliant, submit it for reinstatement and our team will review your request as quickly as possible.").    No reason was given.  Both times, this happened the day after I responded to a batch of reviews.  Other than review responses, I don't make changes to GMB.  When you are kicked off, you cannot be found with Local Searches!   All reviews are gone.   It's a total wipe-out.   It's stressful.

I'm still not 100% positive, but it appeared to happen as a result of me changing my website from HTTP to HTTPS in January.   I had an online marketing company pushing out GMB updates, for hours and basic data.  I forgot about this and updated GMB directly after setting up HTTPS.  The marketing company then reset it to the old website value.  I didn't make this connection until the 2nd suspension.    We updated the online marketing company to have the right HTTPS and 5 weeks later, I've not been kicked off again.    It sure would have helped if they gave some explanation.  They just say:  "Your Business Profile on Google is live"     When it is restored, all data (reviews, etc) is returned as if nothing happened.

For reinstatement, they suggest you provide supporting documentation proving that you are real, e.g Sales Tax ID.   For the first reapply, I sent the Tax ID.  For the next one, just an explanation of me talking about reviews.  You can't talk to anyone.  They refuse to provide information to you, so it's best to avoid being kicked off.  

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

    • Joe Marconi
      The Toolbox is Last to Leave, First is the Heart
      By Joe Marconi in Joe's Blog
         0 comments
      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.

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