Using GMB to support small businesses through challenging times

My business is a second generation business started by my father in 1961 in a rented shop. I grew up above the shop, but when I took over the business, I didn’t need the apartment anymore so I sold it and reopened the shop in a different premises down the street.

I’m very proud of it. It is a family business that my father started and I wish to ensure that the high standards and customer satisfaction that he introduced is maintained.

I set up my GMB profile a few years ago but it was during Covid-19 that I started to look for ways to increase business. I activated the profile and I was amazed at the positive response I was getting. It seems everyone is now googling before they shop and reading your profile! I have enjoyed using GMB to post before and after pictures of my work, letting people know the services I provide and putting up special announcements such as letting my customers know that I now take card. During lockdown, I shared on GMB that I was now using WhatsApp so I can send customers pictures of the repairs meaning that they don’t have to make unnecessary journeys. The Google reviews also bring my customers confidence, knowing that I will always provide a quality service.

GMB has been a great help. A lot more people have been walking over the past year and finding themselves unable to easily buy new shoes. This has meant that they have been googling cobblers and finding me so I have found myself with a lot of new customers. It’s no exaggeration to say that without GMB and the new trade it has brought this year, I would have had to close my shop.

My hopes for the future are Improving my use of technology to help the business.

Since activating GMB profile in Sept 2019 I have noticed an increase in business which I attributed to GMB going from 5% to 10% to 15% but since Covid since covid 19 and the subsequent lockdown (Republic of Ireland having the longest lockdown in Europe) even though I was allowed to stay open for most of the lockdown footfall has decreased. On the other hand people are getting walking boots repaired, people who may have never got boots repaired before or not for a long time are now, and I can safely say that over 25% of those customers have in fact come through GMB.