Schools, colleges and universities are tasked with keeping up with new trends in the digital space. Keeping pace can be especially challenging for education providers on a budget, but Google My Business is a cost-effective and easy way to stay modern and up to date.
This simple online marketing method is beneficial to both the education provider and prospective students and parents, making it a no-brainer once you know how it all works. Allow WEBPRO Education to explain.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (GMB) is a free online platform that is used to manage a Business Profile. These Business Profiles are visible when a Google user searches for a local business, either directly on the search engine or on Google Maps. You’ve probably seen and interacted with them before.
The Business Profile can be complete with images, contact information, a link to the business’s website and it can list online reviews with an overall review rating. Even though GMB is used to manage the Business Profile, often people refer to both as Google My Business.
Should education providers use GMB?
Yes, private and public education providers can make the most of a Business Profile, even if they’re not commercially motivated. With Google My Business, schools can easily manage their online presence, including contact details, web address, opening hours and even showcasing their achievements through photos and reviews.
This not only enhances transparency and credibility, but it makes it convenient for prospective students and their parents to gather essential information about the institution. By embracing a Business Profile on Google My Business, schools, colleges and universities can foster early engagement with their target audience and showcase their strengths in a modern way, which in itself may even set them apart from other education providers.
Additionally, there is nothing stopping someone from setting up a Profile for your school, even if they aren’t a staff member. If this was to happen to your establishment, the only way to take control of the Profile, and its content, would be to start using GMB and claim the Profile as yours.
Benefits of using GMB as a school
Some of the benefits of using GMB as an education establishment are:
- It can drive traffic to your website
- GMB is free to use, although you may need some guidance at the start
- It can include genuine images, which build trust and transparency with prospective students and their parents
- It can include reviews, allowing others to sing your praises. Most parents will read reviews about a school, college or university before making contact
- It provides an easy and convenient way to share contact information
Ways for schools to optimise their Business Profile
Our team are experts in optimising a Business Profile for education providers. But we want to share some of the top ways to get this right below. Alternatively, get in touch for personalised support.
- Make sure you add your own bespoke images of the school. This is a great opportunity to showcase and show off your school premises and its facilities. With permission, you may also want to show images of staff doing their job. Seeing faces can build trust among parents.
- Keep your contact information up to date. In doing so, you ensure nobody is left frustrated and you maintain credibility. Students and parents can be put off if your establishment can’t even get your own contact info correct.
- Encourage reviews among existing parents and students. Reviews play a massive part in the decision processes of prospective students and their parents and building these is really important for your credibility and online success.
Recap: Should education providers use GMB? Absolutely! With Google My Business (GMB), schools can easily manage their online presence, showcase achievements, provide contact details and more. It enhances transparency, convenience and credibility for prospective students and their parents.
WEBPRO Knows
Educational institutions that use Google My Business experience an increase in website visits and a boost in student inquiries.
