The first thing you want to do is go to Google My Business and login, create or claim your GMB account. From here you might have to verify your account with a call or postcard. 

Once you’re logged in you will be able to manage your GMB and access your dashboard. The dash allows you to view everything in once place: metrics, data, reviews, posts, products, content and much more. I typically use the dashboard to check my recent performance overview to see the data within the GMB account and if we’re growing or need to do more to get extra visibility.

From the dash you can also create new posts, add images, respond to reviews, download the mobile app, and much more.

Below I’ll explain more about optimizing your GMB with this Free Google My Business Management Training.

Make sure once you log into GMB that you navigate to messages. From here you will need to turn on the messaging feature. You might need to toggle a switch and then add a mobile number if you want messages forwarded via sms to a cell phone.

Once turned on you should be able to see messages via email, SMS, the mobile app, and the desktop web browser. In the desktop browser on GMB you will be able to see and respond to messages. This is great because you will see the name, message and sometimes even the phone number of the potential customer.

Once in messages, you can scroll through the messages and message the people directly back. These outbound messages will show up on the users’ phone as SMS messages. They will be able to text you back, call your business, and track the conversation.

I think eventually Google will allow us to set this up as conversions, give us data and reporting on messages, and even run ads that drive more messages and inquiries. This will be a nice direct response feature leading to more customers.