Google is the most visited website in the entire world. The site currently controls more than 92% of the search engine market.
As we move into the digital age, it's important for businesses to be successful online.
Creating a Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business, is a critical step in attracting new clients through Google Search and Maps.
Google My Business (GMB) is one of the best resources at your fingertips to increase your online visibility and establish connections with potential customers.
Did you know, according to research, GMB or Google My Business features are the most important thing for getting a high enough score to be shown in the most important parts of search engine results?
In this brief but informative blog post, we will discuss why you should be concerned about Google My Business and how it can have a huge impact on the performance of your business. So let’s go!
Google My Business (GMB) is now an essential part of the online presence of all businesses and is typically the first place that customers look when they are looking for the most up-to-date information about a business.
If you have a Google Business Profile, you will have the ability to list the location of your company on Google Maps as well as in the search results for local businesses.
In order to provide customers with information that is pertinent to their needs, you should include accurate business details, such as your
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Website URL
- Business hours
- Photographs
- And a full description of your company
How do you keep track of the reviews on GMB and respond to them?
After logging into your GMB dashboard and clicking on the "Reviews" section, you will have the ability to both monitor and respond to reviews. Improving your internet reputation can be facilitated by responding to reviews, whether they are positive or negative.
Take note: You don't need to be concerned about anything because Google offers a safe platform in the shape of GMB. Nevertheless, it is absolutely necessary to comply with best practices for the purpose of securing your account, such as turning on two-factor authentication.
Since Google My Business is a feature that is offered at no cost to users, there are no fees associated with utilizing this platform. The creation and management of your GMB profile is not subject to any upfront financial obligations.
Remember that managing your Google My Business page well is important for getting more local customers and making your online presence better, so put in the time and effort.
What else does GMB have to offer you? Here are some of the additional advantages why you need Google My Business.
1. You're Visible in Google Maps Results
Consumers value a company's proximity to their own area when looking for local services. Google Maps is their go-to for locating local establishments. Using Google My Business, a customer may easily locate your business on Google Maps and get step-by-step driving directions.
2. Perhaps Google will include you in its local 3-pack
Google's prized Local 3-Pack displays three relevant local businesses in response to a user's query. The easiest thing you can do is register for a free Google My Business listing and hope for the best. There are many SEO tactics you may use to try to get into the 3-Pack. The chances of acceptance are boosted as a result.
3. GMB provides trustworthiness for your business
In the eyes of the public, a company with a physical location is more legitimate than one that only exists online. Customers are more likely to buy from you if they find you through a Google search, given how much faith people put in the search engine. Before a business can be listed on GMB, it must pass a comprehensive verification process. That's why it's safe to assume they're legit.
4. Customers can be attracted to your company more easily if they read positive reviews about it online.
One of the most effective kinds of web advertising is customer evaluation. Customers rely on reviews to save them time and energy when searching for a local business. Customer satisfaction is directly proportional to the number of good evaluations you get.
5. Google My Business is available at no cost
It can take a lot of time and money to run an ad campaign on any site. In addition, you can't be sure that all the time and money you put into your marketing plan will pay off. You can connect with thousands of people who are searching for things like yours for free with Google My Business. The best part is that it's an ongoing marketing effort that you don't have to work hard to keep up with.
The steps that need to be taken in order to create a Google My Business profile
Step 1: Make sure you're signed in to the Google Business Profile Manager.
If you are already connected to a Google account, Google Business Profile Manager will automatically log you in as well. In any other case, provide the login information for your regular Google account or establish a new Google account.
Step 2: Include the business you run in the listing.
Please enter the name of the business you represent. Click the "Add your business to Google" button if the option does not display in the drop-down menu. Then click the Next button after choosing the category that best describes your company.
Step 3: Indicate where you are located
If you have a storefront or other client-facing location, click yes. Then give your company's address. You may also be asked to mark the incident on a map. If your organization offers in-person services or delivery but no physical location, you can list your service areas.
Then click next. Google will ask for your main region if you don't provide a physical address. Select from the drop-down menu and click Next.
Step 4: Fill in your name and email address.
People can reach you by calling your business or going to your website. You don't have to enter a phone number if you don't want to be called.
After filling out all the fields, click "Next."
Step 5: Business verification
Provide your physical address, not a PO Box. Your Google Business Profile does not display this information, which is just used to validate your business.
Enter your address and click Next. Account verification options will appear. Physical businesses must receive a postcard to verify their location. Email is a reliable way to verify service-area businesses.
Enter your five-digit code on the following screen (or visit https://business.google.com/) and click Verify or Verify business.
Step 6: Edit your profile
Set your company hours, message options, description, and photographs. The following section of this tutorial will explain how to optimize your profile material.
When ready, click Continue. The Business Profile Manager dashboard awaits.
What are the potential consequences of failing to manage my GMB profile?
If you don't keep your Google My Business page up to date, potential customers may see information that is incorrect or out of date, you won't be able to respond to any negative reviews, and your business may drop in the rankings of local search results.
Take note: Contacting Google's support team for assistance is something you should do if you run into problems with your Google My Business profile, such as verification issues or inaccuracies.
Make sure you get all the benefits your Google Business Profile has to offer!
Every business should pay attention to Google My Business because it is a great asset. It helps with brand awareness, credibility, local search engine optimization, consumer engagement, insights, inexpensive marketing, a user-friendly mobile interface, and continued success in what you do. Increasing your online visibility and gaining new clients is as simple as improving your GMB listing and making the most of its features.
Don't ignore the benefits that Google My Business can offer. Get the most out of Google My Business by starting to optimize your listing immediately. It's important for the future of the business you run in the digital age.
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FAQs
Can I use GMB for more than one of my business's locations?
Yes, Google My Business enables businesses that have numerous locations to manage and optimize their profiles for each location, making it an extremely useful tool for multi-location companies.