What do 1-star review scams and Instagram maps have in common? They’re both game-changing news that SMBs need to be aware of to get ahead of the competition. Here’s everything you absolutely need to know this month.
Instagram Put Local Businesses “On The Map”
Instagram just released a new searchable map. This new map helps users discover and find popular local businesses and filter them by categories. Users can find local businesses by tapping location tags in Feed posts, Stories, and Guides, or by writing hashtags (#omaha), the name of the city, neighborhood, or place on the Explore page. Users who add your location tags or stickers will make it appear on the map.
1-Star Review Scam Attacks Restaurants
A new scam has emerged: scammers are leaving 1-star reviews for restaurants and emailing them saying they have to send them a gift card before removing the review. Fortunately, Google is aware of the issue and has advised businesses to flag the reviews or contact Google support to get them removed.
Google mentioned that their policy states reviews must be “based on real experiences”. And advised businesses not to pay.
Bye Bye Bye Google My Business App
With the rebranding of Google My Business to Google Business Profile has come the end of the mobile app. What to do next? You can manage your Business profile, view your performance, and connect with customers on Google Maps and Search. You can also get notifications from the Google Maps app if you log in with your business.
Business Profile is Allowing Automated Responses to FAQs from Customers
How many times have you typed out your business hours or your product’s pricing to answer questions from Google users? You don’t have to do that anymore. Google Business Profile’s new feature lets you set 10 automated responses to FAQs from customers. Questions can have a maximum of 40 characters and answers a maximum of 500. You can learn how to set them up on Search Engine Journal.
Where Local Agencies See Most Interest
Borrell released their insights from their most recent surveys of thousands of local advertisers and ad agencies. These insights reveal that local agencies are more interested in streaming video/OTT, social media, and SEM. See the rest of the categories people are interested in on Borrell Chart of the Week.
