Why Does Your Business Need a Google Business Profile?

Today, a large percentage of population is using Google and there are around 5.9 million Google searches per minutes! As Google remains the most popular search engines, there is no doubt that the more visible your business are, the more it will show up in search results. Because, people mostly turn to Google for practically everything.

Let’s consider this situation.

It’s a rainy Sunday and you are feeling like going into a nearby coffee shop and read your favourite book. What would you usually do? Grab your phone and type coffee shops near me on Google Maps. Right? That is why if you own a business, you have to ensure that your business is visible on Google search.

But if you run a local business that is struggling to make an impression online, chances are that you might not be using all the tools available to you. And out of many, you might not be working enough on improving your business’s local Google search visibility.

Here’s why you have to consider having a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).

After all, there is no alternative than listing your business location on Google maps and local search results if you want the maximum result.

What is a Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile (formerly GMB) is a free internet-based service that helps you promote local businesses online. In short, it enables business owners to make their businesses stand out while managing how they appear online across Google.

It is one of many important business directory listings. Whenever we search for a particular company or service on Google, we see a detailed listing with information that covers everything from directions to contact details. This is exactly the Google Business Profile that is in action.

6 benefits of having a Google Business Profile listing

The key advantages of listing your business on Google includes:

1. GMB help your business to appear on Google maps

When a business creates and verifies its Google Business Profile, it becomes eligible to appear on Google Maps. So, whenever someone searches for related businesses in your area, they can easily spot you on the map. Google uses the details that you provide in your Google Business (formerly GMB) profile, like business category, keywords, and services offered, to match your business with relevant search queries.

Also, the map listing shows other necessary details like your contact number, hours of operation and address and even directions to your location, making it convenient for potential customers to contact you directly.

2. Boost local SEO

GBP listing is one of the effective ways to boost your visibility in local search results. Because, when people search “near me” services or businesses, Google prioritise showing local results and a GMB listing makes it easier for Google to display your business in these results.

When you keep your GBP listing up-to-date with name, contact number, address, hours of operation, and other details, you are actually signalling to Google that your business is credible. Not just in Google’s organic search results, your business will show up in map-specific searches as well if properly optimised with GBP.

3. Builds trust and credibility

When your business appears on Google with a verified listing, it sends a positive signal to potential customers that your business is reliable as it has been authenticated. It is your Google Business Profile listing that ensures that your business information remains consistent across all of the platforms where most of the customers look up to find information, such as Google Maps, Google Search and other third-party apps.

As a result, customers feel confident and find your business transparent and professional, seeing up-to-date contact information, operating hours and images.

4. Maximise online reputation through reviews

Another most valuable aspect of GBP listing is customer reviews that act as social proof to influence the new customers’ decisions. GBP allows your customers to leave reviews and ratings, and this ends up providing an authentic reflection of your business.

A high average rating increases the perception of your business and encourages your customers to choose your services or products. On top of that, when you respond to reviews, no matter whether positive or negative, it demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction.

5. It provides helpful insights and analytics

GBP provides a wide range of analytics that help business owners understand how customers interact with their listings. And using these data, they can make informed decisions and refine marketing strategies. For example, GBP analytics show how your customers are finding your business listing, whether via direct searches or discovery searches.

This information helps you to determine whether people actually know your brand or discover it through broader searches. GBP provides data on where your business is being viewed alongside tracking the actions of your customers after they view your listing. Like, you can find out whether they click to visit the website or, use the click-to-call feature from your listing or just click for direction requests.

6. It helps to keep customers updated

No matter whether you are adjusting your business hours for holidays or launching a new product or service, you can easily share any details directly on your listing. For example, if you are adding a new service like online ordering through Google Posts, you can create updates, including images, text or event call-to-action buttons to make it easier for customers to interact with your business. All these timely updates help you to keep your customers informed while boosting the overall experience.

7. It is free and easy to use

Setting up and managing a Google Business Profile account is a pretty straightforward process that is completely free. You don’t have to consider any sort of subscription fees or hidden costs. Also, GBP is very easy to navigate, even for those who have limited technical expertise.

It only requires basic information like your business name, address, phone number, website and hours of operation to create a profile. So, the whole process takes only a few minutes. Also, using the dashboard, you can easily update information, respond to reviews, add photos and create posts.

Set up your Google My Business account right now!

So, now that you know the benefits, it is time to turn your business profile into a power marketer with this free tool. Get your Google Business Profile account up and running right now to attract more and more potential customers.

Simply visit google.com/business and click Manage now. Then go through the steps of creating an account. And if your looking for professional help to get an optimised GBP page or want to maximise your GMB page’s potential, contact WebAlive and see your business stands out in local search results.