Google My Business, now called Google Business Profile, allows business owners to reach their customers through Google searches and Google Maps.
Having a Business Profile allows your business to become more visible on Google, gain credibility through reviews, and handle your business details efficiently.
In this Google My Business guide, we’ll look at the ins and outs of the business platform powered by Google, so you can get the most out of your account profile. What we will cover:
- Why you should have a Google My Business account for your company
- How to set up your Google My Business Profile
- How to optimize your Google My Business Profile
Let’s jump straight to the basics.
What is Google Business Profile (formely known as Google My Business )?
Google My Business is a free tool through which you can easily customize how your business appears on platforms like Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping.
It basically allows you to connect with your existing customers, attract new ones, post updates about your business and list products or services.
Even without a physical store, you can create an account if you’re interested in interacting with your customers. For instance, if you are a freelance writer, you interact with your clients online, but you can still create a Google My Business account to boost your online presence, showcase your skills, and make it easier for potential clients to find and connect with you.
Google My Business is 100% free and gives you access to a ton of features.
What are the main benefits of Google My Business?
We’ll explore five key ways in which you can propel your online game and take your business to the next level by leveraging Google My Business.
Boost sales through Google Maps searches
Having your business on Google Maps makes it easier for potential customers to find you. When someone searches for a product or service in your area, your business will show up on the map and… They will buy from you! It will take you only a couple of clicks and an outstanding 28% of local searches showed on Google Rankings lead to purchases.
Build customers’ trust
Customers are 2.7 times more likely to trust you, and therefore buy from you, if they can find a full profile of your business through a Google search. People rely on Google, and they feel more confident when making a purchase when they easily see who you are, what you offer and what others think of your business.
Getting verified on Google My Business requires that you provide some details, which will change depending on the nature of your activity, such as category, location, website, and phone number before you actually appear on the search results page. Users view this process as an “extra-security” step in their customer journey and feel reassured when buying.
Get free advertising
Google Ads and SEO are incredibly effective – don’t get us wrong! But they require more technical knowledge, time and money.
Google My Business is a top alternative to gaining exposure on the world’s most trusted search engine for free. You can optimize your profile in a couple of steps (keep reading to get there!) and effectively rank for your category.
This is a great complementary marketing strategy that you can implement ASAP to start seeing results within a relatively short span of time.
Have an extra competitive edge
In a small snippet of content, your Google My Business account allows you to stand out from competitors when users scroll down through search results. A clear description serves as a quick guide for users to determine if your business aligns with their needs.
A well-crafted Google My Business page provides a snapshot of your business, using spot-on keywords, and highlighting your value proposition – what makes you fit for purpose.
Learn more about your clients
Through Google My Business, you can gain valuable insights and analytics about your customers, including demographics (age, gender, location) to what they love about your product or service. This will allow you to better meet their needs and add value to your offer.
Reviews are the hidden gem of any business, holding immense power in influencing customer decisions. Trustpilot says 9 out of 10 users read reviews before buying and 93% base their decisions on an online review. Yeap, it’s jaw-dropping.
Reviews play a pivotal role in shaping potential customers’ perceptions and choices. They offer a real-life, unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of others who have interacted with a business. Positive reviews serve as a testament to the quality of products or services, instilling confidence in prospective buyers. Negative reviews provide insights into areas that may need improvement, allowing you to address concerns and enhance the overall customer experience.
How to set up a Google My Business account
Setting up a Google My Business profile is a simple process. Let’s go for it:
- Sign in to Your Google Account:
Make sure you are signed in to the Google Account you want to associate with your business.
- Go to Google My Business:
Open your web browser and go to the Google My Business website: Google My Business.
- Click “Manage Now” or “Start Now”:
Click on the “Manage Now” or “Start Now” button on the Google My Business homepage.
- Search for Your Business:
Enter your business name in the search bar. If your business doesn’t appear in the search results, click on the option that says “Add your business to Google.”
- Enter Your Business Details:
Fill out the required information, including your business name, address, phone number, business category, and website. Ensure that your information is accurate and consistent with other online listings.
- Verify Your Business:
Google may need to verify that you are the business owner. Verification methods can include a postcard sent to your business address or a phone call. Follow the on-screen instructions for the verification process.
Now that your profile is verified, let’s look at how you can optimize it and keep it updated to boost your online visibility and attract more customers.
How to optimize your Google Business Profile
OK, so you know what Google My Business is, what it can do for your business and how to set up an account. It’s time to step it up!
Describe what you do
Write a short, clear description. What sets you apart? Highlight your unique selling points and let prospective clients know why they should choose you.
Pick the right categories
Selecting accurate business categories is crucial. It’s like giving Google a clear roadmap to guide users to your business.
Keep it simple, stay true to your core offerings, and think about how potential customers would search for businesses like yours. This accuracy boosts your chances of appearing in relevant local searches and connecting with the right audience.
Provide basic details
Make sure your contact details are correct – phone, website, and address. Accuracy matters for customers trying to reach you. It’s a strategic move to ensure that the bridge between your business and potential customers is sturdy, reliable, and easily navigable.
Add some good pics
Upload clear pictures of your place, products, or team. People like visuals, and it helps them get a feel for your business. Providing potential customers with a genuine picture of what your product or service can do for them will make a difference in a digital landscape where first impressions matter.
Post regular updates
Share updates, promotions, or events. Keeping things fresh shows you’re active and gives customers reasons to check-in. It’s not just about providing information; it’s about fostering a sense of connection and giving people compelling reasons to check in regularly. So, let the updates flow and keep the conversation alive!
Encourage reviews
Ask customers for reviews. Respond to them, whether it’s a thumbs up or a comment. It shows you value their feedback. A simple request can make a difference.
Whether it’s a positive or negative one, every review adds to the authenticity of your business. Also, taking a moment to respond shows that you care and value their time.
Engage with your clients
Respond to questions in the Q&A. By being responsive, you not only assist current clients but also create a welcoming space for potential customers to learn more about what you have to offer.
Check out insights
If you can’t measure it, it doesn’t exist, the saying goes.
Take a look at your insights to see how people find and interact with your profile. It’s crucial to improve your performance and align your value proposition with your customers’ needs.
Keep opening hours updated
Regularly check and update your business hours, especially if they change. Nothing is more infuriating for a customer than walking to a shop and finding a “closed” sign on the front door.
Link your social media profiles. It’s an easy way for customers to find out more about your business.
In a digital world cramped with information, you can stand out by creating an online community and using that as your added value. So, don’t forget to link up – your social media holds the key to a richer, more engaging connection with your audience!
Mastering the art of Google My Business can be a game-changer for your business in 2024. By harnessing the power of this free tool, you can elevate your online presence, attract more customers, and boost sales. So, take the plunge, follow this guide, and unlock the full potential of your business in the Googleverse. Your journey towards a more visible, trusted, and successful business starts here!
