Auto service centers thrive on Google Search, typically ranking for dozens of local search terms like “oil change near me,” “service center open now,” and “best mechanic in Tallahassee.” However, if you only have one listing for both your service center and your showroom you could be missing out on free traffic from Google. Luckily, Google allows one-location businesses like yours to split listings, so you can optimize for these distinct searches.
Read on to discover how to separate Google My Business listings so you can win the local SEO battle for your sales team and your service center.
Updating Your Google My Business Listing Step-by-Step
Updating your Google My Business listing to include your dealership and service center separately is as simple as starting a new Google My Business listing. Just follow these simple steps.
1. Go to Google My Business
Visit the Google My Business homepage. This acts as your main portal to any and all Google My Business resources.
2. Click “Manage now” or “Sign in” for new users
If you already have a Google My Business account, simply login. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one. To do so, click “Sign In.”
Once you have a dealership listing set up, click “Manage now” to start working on your service center listing.
3. Search to see if your service center is already listed separately
Even if you didn’t start the listing, it’s possible that Google already lists your service center on Google My Business. To check, just type the name of your service center into the Google My Business search feature.
4. If your service center is listed, select it
To prevent duplicate listings of your service center, if a listing already exists, your best bet is to claim it. To do so, just follow the prompts. If someone else has already claimed your service center, you can also report a problem or request access.
5. If your service center isn’t listed, click “add your business”
Google My Business will prompt you to enter relevant information. Just follow the prompts to give your service center its own Google My Business listing.
6. Accurately enter your service center information
As you follow Google My Business’s prompts, be careful to enter the correct information for your service center, including accurate hours and location. Accurate information makes your business look more professional and empowers customers.
7. Pay careful attention to phone number
While it is important to provide accurate information throughout your listing, the phone number is particularly important. A phone number for your service center is one of the main factors that establish it as a separate entity from your dealership, so be sure to double-check it.
8. Verify your business
To verify your business, Google will send a postcard to the address you provided. Once you receive the postcard, input the verification code on the card within 30 days to finish setting up the listing for your service center.
In some cases, Google may also allow you to verify by receiving a pin through text or email. This is definitely the quicker option.
9. Add, edit, and update information
Users can edit your information, so it is important to check back often to make sure all the information on your service center is accurate and up to date.
To make your listing even more appealing, add photos and provide new information so that customers can see what your service center is up to.
Generate More Reviews for Your New Service Center Listing
Once you’ve set up a new listing for your service center, you’ll need to attract some reviews to get the ball rolling. Here are a few easy ways to solicit more reviews.
Ask clients for reviews
Whenever a customer comes in for service, have a friendly employee ask if they’d leave a review on Google. It’s simple, but it can make a huge impact.
Send out review invitations
Podium makes it easy to send out review invitations. Time spent and the clunky submission process are two of the main hindrances that stop your customers from leaving a positive review. Automate and simplify the review process to save time for both your employees and customers.
Make the reviews link easy to find on your website
Sharing the link to your Google My Business listing on your website can provide another option to make it easy for customers to leave reviews.
Include the link in your email signature
Placing a link to your Google My Business listing in your email signature gently reminds customers to leave their review whenever you reply to questions or send out reminders. This gives them yet another opportunity to share their experiences and feedback.
Reply to reviews
Replying to reviews shows customers that you care, which could encourage even more customers to leave reviews. This is especially important for negative reviews, which can often be turned into a positive review with a little attention from your staff.
Maintaining separate Google My Business listings for your dealership and service center can improve your visibility and provide your customers with the accurate, comprehensive information they’re looking for. So what are you waiting for? Split your listing today.
