Friendly Names
Our latest core enhancement makes it easier for multi-location brands and agencies to manage reviews and local search presence directly within the platform at any scale.
A core historic challenge in GMB has always been the official name of each location. For example, the name of every Starbucks location in Google Maps is simply “Starbucks”. This may work well for searchers but is quite challenging if you’re trying to manage workflows with dozens, hundreds, or thousands of identical location names.
We previously recommended that brands develop a set of EntityTags to provide individual location identification. In January, we updated the process by creating a new data element directly assignable to each location, the “Friendly Name”. These freeform name fields can be assigned individually or in bulk so that all primary application screens, reports, and downloads provide full visibility to an individual location’s KPIs.
Assigned Friendly Names simply replace the location name in tables and reports. It is also included as an additional column in downloads.
EntityTags are still available, but the best practice is to use them to group locations for creating unique user authorization structures and relevant reporting. If you need help setting up your Friendly Names, either individually or in bulk, email us at [email protected].
Location Name Filter
While the Friendly Name update is for chains with common names, the new location name filter element is designed to make it easier for individual location reporting without additional set-up steps. In the main Review Dashboard and the ReviewsInbox™ users will now see a new filter option that populates directly from the GMB name when an account is first connected.
Accounts with unique location names will have immediate current and historic access to location level performance. If the dropdown happens to populate with the same name presented repeatedly, users can take advantage of Friendly Names to control the presentation.
Google New Image Notice Workflow
In December we added tools for real-time notices of Google images. In January we added workflows to help users take better control over this user-generated content. Each email notice received now includes the full location details, the image, and two buttons. The first takes the user to the Google Map presentation of the image and any associated customer review.
The second button links to the Google page to report inappropriate images where users specify the reason for the removal request (screenshot of Google form below).
If you haven’t already done so, you can set up your reports at Settings > Report management.
***Please note that we have recorded an occasional error at Google regarding these notices. We have seen Google send duplicate notices when a customer uploads multiple images in quick succession, triggering multiple notice emails from LocalClarity. We have submitted a ticket with Google. We are also building internal processes to limit email volume when this Google error occurs.***
New Cumulative Rating Chart
We believe that relevant, specific, and timely data leads to actionable insights, and that actionable insights leads to competitive success.
We are always looking at our dashboards and reporting tools to determine what additional information can we provide to drive user value. In January, we added the Cumulative Rating chart. Users can now see how the total review score presented to the public changes over a time range. Set the range long enough, and the chart presents the full public rating picture.
As with all Review Dashboard reports, you can filter down to the specific country, state, city, individual location or custom group of locations to track the exact progress. The report data can be downloaded as csv or Excel, and the chart image can be saved as a .png, .jpeg, or .pdf.
Additional quantitative and qualitative insights are planned for Q1 of 2020.
QOL Updates
This month we have three quality-of-life updates we hope users will appreciate.
Edit Google Review Responses
It is now easier to edit existing review responses directly within LocalClarity. You simply need to click into the Sent folder, find the appropriate reviews and then hit the new edit icon (pencil). The response box will open and provide users with the ability to send to Google an updated reply.
Facebook Integration Update
Facebook recently changed the account structure for multi-location/chain accounts, resulting in a number of challenges with the initial Facebook review fetch within LocalClarity. In January, we released an update to make it just as easy to integrate Facebook reviews as Google reviews into the platform.
Delete Review Locations
Users can now directly delete most of the indexed review sources on the platform. Previously, users needed to submit a support ticket to directly add or remove location URLs from the platform. This control is now available directly within the platform.
Providing more direct in-application control for clients should be expected as a core theme for all of 2020.
As always, please let us know if you have questions about these enhancements or if you have a suggestion.
