Why Is Google My Business Important?
When your business has a Google My Business, or Google Business Profile, people browsing Google may be more easily converted into customers. A Google Business Profile is a personalized profile that is free to all and easy to manage. Within your profile, you can create brand awareness, control your online presence, and so much more.
But why is it important for your company to utilize Google My Business Profile? There are many benefits to making use of this profile.
GBP Increases Digital Awareness
With over 3.5 billion users every day, Google is the most used search engine in the world. You can imagine the benefits of using this active search engine. When a business uses the Google My Business Profile, its visibility increases and it reaches a wider audience. By using this profile, your business can take up more space in Google’s search results, potentially attracting more clientele.
The Profile Allows for Presentation Control
Additionally, businesses that use the Google Business Profile control their company’s presentation and guide first impressions. Through this page, a business can update its profile with its logo, links, and images. If a company wants to upload a menu, pictures of their products, and include links to their website and Facebook, they can. By putting your best foot forward, you can cultivate your business’s image.
Access Reviews and Ratings on Google
Customer reviews and ratings can convince people whether to try your business. The Google My Business Profile allows customers to leave reviews and ratings. By utilizing this feature, your business can establish credibility within the community. By having more reviews on your profile, Google asserts more authority in your business as well. Additionally, customer feedback can help your business improve in areas where there may be a disconnect.
Interact with Your Customers on Google Business Profile
When Google users search for your business, they can call, direct message, or email you through your profile. Businesses can include information such as their phone number, email address, and links to social media profiles and websites. By connecting this information straight to your profile, your customer has direct access to you. This relationship leaves the customer more satisfied than the alternative of having to scroll for all the information.
Leverage Google Maps
People often search for businesses near them on Google Maps. When a business updates its Google My Business Profile, Google's search results will automatically improve your presence on Google Maps, too. The more information your business adds to the profile, the more likely your company will show up in Google search results.
Boost Local SEO
When a business fills in all the correct information in Google My Business, it indicates to Google that you offer services/products in a specific area. A fully utilized profile can increase website traffic and drive more reviews.
Google Business Profile Is Free
Above all, this profile is free! Any business can use the Google My Business Profile to turn Google searchers into customers.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
By controlling how your business appears, you can acquire traffic, engage customers, and convert Google searchers into clients.
Create an Account
If your business does not already have an account, go to Google My Business and sign up with your business email address. From here, you can input your business name, business category, address, and contact information. Adding fun attributes like “women-owned” or “free Wi-Fi” can help your customers better understand your business.
Decide Business Category
Choosing the right category for your business can be difficult. It is best to pick a category that is most directly related to your business. Specifying your business category increases the likelihood that your business is discovered.
Complete Your Profile
If you already have a profile, it is essential that the information on your business profile is completely filled out and accurate. By providing accurate information, Google can better match your business with customers.
Upload Photos
By uploading high-quality photos, your business can stand out from the competition. These photos also extend credibility, as customers are more likely to believe your business is legitimate and reputable. Posting photos also improves your business’s visibility on Google Search and engages your audience.
Encourage Reviews and Questions
As noted above, reviews can build credibility. Encourage customers to leave reviews or star ratings for your business. If a client leaves a positive review, reinforce their comment by thanking them. On the other hand, if a review is negative, address the issue and attempt to make it up to them. Additionally, people may leave questions in this section, and answering these can lead to satisfied customers. By replying to customers, you are also improving your SEO!
The better your business understands Google My Business Profile, the better Google will optimize it. When your Google My Business Profile is on point, searchers will respond positively and may become customers!
Do you still need help, though? Cork Tree Creative can guide your business through the complicated world of marketing, SEO, Google Analytics, and more. Our creative, analytical team can help your business.
