If you don’t have Google My Business, you’re missing out on customers
Do you own a local business and are you looking for ways to boost your online presence? Then you probably know important to be where your customers are. And increasingly, those customers are using Google to search for local businesses in the area.
If you’re not using Google My Business, you’re missing out on a valuable opportunity to connect with your customers and grow your business.
Best of all, GMB is a free platform that Google provides to help businesses connect with customers online.
Let’s dive in…
What is Google my business?
GMB was created to implement a seamless way for business owners and their customers and potential customers to interact. The concept gives business owners “power” over their interactions and communication with their visitors and customers.
With everyone on their mobile phones and other portable devices these days, people would opt to look for a place nearest to them. For example, you need to find a steakhouse eatery because you have a ravenous group of friends joining you for dinner. The logical thing to do is to use Google to find a steakhouse close by or “near me”.
That said, Google my business affords businesses their listing in search engines so that customers can find what they need by using their phone to search.
Here are 10 benefits of using Google My Business:
1. Increased visibility in search results
When people search for businesses near them, your business will be one of the first results they see if you have a verified Google My Business account. This means that people can actually find your local business when people are actively looking for exactly the type of product or service you provide. Think about how this changes the game when you have increased customers inside your store!
2. More accurate information
Your business info will be displayed prominently, including your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. You are able to update relevant information accordingly and keep the pubic up to date with your latest offers and news.
3. Enhanced maps listing
Your business will appear on Google Maps with the correct address, accurate business hours and logo. This makes it easier than ever for potential clients to choose you over the competition.
4. One-click calls
Your business will appear with a clickable phone number so users can call you with one tap. Making it easy for people to contact you is crucial if you want to build a thriving local business.
5. Easy access to directions and reviews
An “About this place” link on Google Maps has easy access to your reviews, products, services, photos etc. You also have the option of sharing your address and more.
All these features helps to establish your authority and expertise in your niche, which enhances the “know, like and trust” factor of your business. It also means that existing clients are able to easily refer to you to their friends.
6. Customers can share their point of view with a review
Humans are social animals and the opinion of the pack matters greatly to us (whether we admit it or not!). In the online space, positive reviews can make or break the public’s perception of what you sell, so getting as many 5-star GMB reviews as possible should be a priority.
To help improve your sales based on reviews, it’s best to ensure your customers have an exceptional experience with your business and that you provide excellent customer service. While negative reviews exist and happen to the best of us, it should be considered a learning experience. Be sure to respond politely and professionally to any negative feedback because people reading the reviews need to see your response.
How do you get more positive, 5-star reviews? Ask for them! Send out an email newsletter or post it on your social media once a month, requesting reviews.
7. Interaction with your customers is easy too
GMB has a “Message” or “Inbox” section where you can manage all the queries submitted via GMB. You should endeavour to respond to these messages at least once per day so that you don’t leave potential customers hanging. You can even download the GMB app so that you receive notifications on your phone when someone sends a message or leaves a review.
We cannot overemphasise how quick, personal communication with the public will improve your business.
8. Increased website traffic
Another amazing benefit of GMB is that it increases traffic to your website. This can be a major driver of lead generation and sales for your business, because it’s another link in the chain to get people to buy from you. And we should mention, that it is a requirement to have a website before you open up your GMB account.
9. Share latest information, events, products and more
The “Posts” section allows you to provide information to the public about the latest news, products or services you have on offer. Much like a social media post on Instagram or Facebook, you can add an image (or several images), write a headline and caption to share more information.
Remember to always include a Call to Action to encourage readers to take the next step. They can click to Learn More, Shop Online, Call and more. Play around and see which post options work best for you.
10. Reduced marketing spend
GMB is a FREE tool that every local business should set up! It increases your authority and makes you more searchable online, and thereby helps you reach more people when they are searching for businesses who do what you do. This is a form of organic marketing, meaning you aren’t paying for ads but using the features they give you to enjoy the many benefits of being on Google My Business.
Get started with Google My Business
Sign up
Simply sign into Google Business Profile Manager to create your account. Enter all the details they request from you and submit your account for verification. NOTE: it’s really important not to change your address because your account will need to be re-verified!
We also suggest that if you need to make any changes, do so incrementally otherwise your account may be suspended. Google My Business is a finicky beast and you best treat her with respect.
Use the features
Go ahead and upload your logo, cover image and more. Create a post at least once per week and also add a few photos at least once per week.
Check your Analytics
It’s loads of fun to dive into the “Insights” tab and see how much traffic you are getting. As you use the platform more consistently, you should see an upward trend in the metrics.
What else does Google my business have for small businesses?
- Restaurant owners have flexible use to customise their menus – restaurants can add and customise their menus in GMB without using a “middle man” to manage this.
- Product posting – GMB users can also share details about their products via the app adding videos, pictures and customised descriptions.
- Add offers on your posts – there’s also the benefit of adding call-to-action buttons, promo titles, starting and ending of promo times, links, and coupon codes to name a few.
- Improves your overall SEO – Google’s tools are tuned-in for SEO purposes which gives you an advantage for having your business found online.
Closing thoughts about the benefits of Google my business
If you haven’t already, it’s time to claim your business on Google My Business. The benefits are many and varied, and will only continue to grow as more people shift their search behaviour towards local results.
By claiming your business and verifying your information, you can make sure that your customers can find you easily online, learn more about what you offer, and connect with you directly through Google Maps and other tools.
What are you waiting for? Sign up now!
If you want to learn more about marketing your business online using free and paid options, join our free Facebook Group – Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs.
