Google My Business Videos: How to Take Advantage of the New Feature
Recently, Google My Business (GMB) profiles added the ability to upload videos. In the past, it was just a luck of the draw if you got your video up there, now you have full control over what goes up there. With this new change, many of our clients are asking us all about this new feature and how to videos in there, what are the different options for the type of video, and if they should even add a video for their business. I’ll help to answer all these questions below!
Finding the Google My Business Video Tab
If you haven’t set up your Google My Business profile page, check out this Google My Business step by step guide to have it set up within minutes.
Once you’ve set up your GMB profile, follow these simple steps below to get your first video up.
- Access your GMB profile
- Find the “photos” tab
- Scroll down until you find the “video” section
- Copy and paste the link to your video
- Rinse and repeat as needed for additional videos
Currently not all profiles have access to the video feature. If your profile does not have access yet keep checking periodically as I will be updating this article as necessary.
What Types of Videos Should Go up on Your Google My Business Profile?
When it comes to uploading videos to your Google My Business profile, you have a couple options. You should have a professional video created that gives an overview of your specialities and what sets you apart from the competition. Similarly, you should have a video that includes more personal interviews in the office with staff to add a human touch to your company. A third video could be part of a rotating series that is updated on a regular basis that gives a quick customer review!
Creating a Professional Video for Your Google My Business Profile
Don’t think you need to go out and spend your entire annual marketing budget on a video with a professional service. When I say professional, I mean the video needs to be more formal and planned out. Sit down with your team and discuss the layout of the video and write down a script. This will be something you can reuse for other purposes other than just your GMB profile.
With the use of a high-quality camera (that doesn’t have to break the budget), a tripod, and some good lighting, you’d be surprised how well a video that you create could turn out. Programs such as iMovie or Windows Movie Editor are often installed automatically on most types of computers, allowing people who don’t consider them to be professionals to edit professional-looking videos with ease.
Bring Your Employees into the Spotlight
I’m sure a lot of employees are not going to want to be on camera, but let them know the value this video brings to the company. Ask them simple questions such as; how long they have worked here, what do they like about working here, what their typical duties/tasks are. An employee should be able to rattle that off quickly and will not need to divulge any private info about themselves
Get Your Customers Involved in the Video
Every once in a while, there’s a customer who has remarkable experience or a great story to tell in relation to your business. When you come across that customer, pull out your phone for a quick video (the new iPhone cameras are exceptional!). Pay attention to background, angles, and framing as much as possible while setting up and let them tell their story!
These types of videos can be repurposed on social media over and over and serve as fantastic social proof of how customers feel about your business.
Are Videos a Good Idea for Your Google My Business Profile?
Heck yes they are! More and more, customers do not want to read an article about your business, but they will sit and watch a quick video. Check out point #7 in this article about how customers want to interact with businesses. If you don’t have the time or budget to create the more professional video, please start with a quick video created on your phone!
Lights, Camera, Action!
Now, it’s time to take your shot at becoming the next Kirk Cameron. Get your team together and discuss how you want to take advantage of this FREE tool provided by Google and start increasing your companies brand awareness on the world wide web!
Remember, you want to get something out there and you can always remove a video if you don’t like it. Try it out and see what works for you. Leave your comments/questions below on the new video feature from Google My Business.
