I work with a digital marketing and design agency in Abu Dhabi. The market here is raging with new opportunities and the entrepreneurial culture of the locals. My role requires me to identify businesses and engage with them to design their outlet, create their marketing material, set up their website and also assist them in generating business.
A major challenge for businesses is to publish their presence on Google Maps so that they can be found by potential buyers. I can’t tell you the number of times, clients have breathed I sigh of relief when I told them that I can have their shop/office on the map. It is definitely a deal-maker in my case, as they begin to see an all-round marketing partner. I have been able to successfully publish as many as 40 business in my city.
The confidence is such, that at times, clients have called me to change their opening hours, update their contact numbers, publish new images for their business. And at times, it has also helped resolve chaos / confusion too. For instance, an year ago, one of my clients moved their business from one location to another. And although they published a new location on Google Maps, people kept on contacting them to say that their location on the Maps was incorrect. When they brought this to my notice, I just found their old location, tapped the Edit button, marked it as ‘moved to new location’ and voila! Any digital marketer will tell you, that clients seek a knight in shining armor for their marketing needs. Somebody who can fulfill all aspects of their marketing.
I essentially started contributing on Maps because I felt it was that such platforms require a community effort and have a snowball effect in usability if each user makes a small contribution. In hindsight, I realize that the program helps me to collaborate and boost start-ups while it also lets me hone my skills in photography and hobby of traveling. And who doesn’t like a good score! ?