Why Your Google Business Profile Matters In today’s digital world, having an online presence is essential for small business success — and your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is one of the best, free tools to help you get discovered by customers in your local area. Whether you run a restaurant, a retail shop, or a service-based business, an optimized Google Profile can boost your visibility, credibility, and customer engagement. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you create and optimize your Google Business Profile: Step 1: Create Your Google Business Profile Go to https://www.google.com/business/ . Sign in with your Google account (or create one if needed). Enter your business name. If it doesn’t appear, click "Add your business to Google." Choose the correct business category (e.g., bakery, hair salon, IT consulting). Add your business address or service area. Enter your phone number and website URL. Verify yo...
The Customer Lied—and Still Left a 1-Star Review. Here’s What To Do. Negative customer reviews are part of doing business. But what happens when the review isn’t just negative—it’s false? It’s one thing to accept constructive criticism. It’s another to watch your reputation take a hit from misinformation or outright lies. Here’s how to respond with clarity, professionalism, and integrity. 1. Don’t React—Respond It’s natural to feel defensive when someone posts something untrue. But resist the urge to fire back. Take a breath, gather the facts, and plan a calm, thoughtful response. 2. Investigate and Document Look into the situation. Was the reviewer ever a customer? Was there an interaction? Collect receipts, emails, or communications that support your side. 3. Craft a Professional Public Reply Even if the review is false, your response is public. Future customers will read how you handled it: “We take all feedback seriously and strive for excellence. However, we couldn...