Time to 'Google My Business'
Google is one of the most important tools for any business. Once just a search engine, Google is now the epicenter of information for businesses, customers, and everyone in between. Google accounts for over 75% of all desktop search traffic, so don’t ignore Google when you’re strategizing marketing efforts.
Businesses must look beyond just appearing in someone's search results and learn the ins and outs of additional Google elements, such as Google My Business, that will help them succeed as a company. With the correct search keywords and some ad money, your business will be the highlighted search result of your local industry.
For those looking to build up their business’ digital presence, our team is here to support you through (or complete for you) the Google My Business (GMB) process.
Let’s take a deeper look at Google My Business…
Before you start diving into new Google tools, we suggest opening a private or incognito browser window and Googling your business. This will create a ‘before’ baseline for your records.
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Let’s start with the basics. GMB is a phenomenal tool provided by Google that enables business owners to set up a brief profile that displays their business information (name, address, contact number, hours, etc.) in relevant search results. Verifying your business information, allows customers to find your business easily and then share your business with their followers in just one click.
And the best part? Every business can have this for FREE.
Five benefits of having a Google My Business listing:
Placement During Relevant Queries: When a GMB listing is completed, potential clients/customers will easily find the correct information about your business. Here is the digital real estate to convey useful information like your business hours, phone number, link to your website and directions if there is a physical location.
Appearance on Google Maps: For local and small businesses, this is crucial. Locals and visitors alike, use Google Maps in any city to locate nearby businesses for their next meal, hotel accommodation, or shopping. Here is the major takeaway: A verified GMB listing will pop up first for local searches, which triggers instant proximity of a business to their current location. To get verified, Google will send you a document in the mail with a code to confirm your location.
Appearance on Google Local Three-Pack: If you’ve ever done a search for a good pizza spot or a 5-star nail & beauty salon, you’ve probably noticed the highly sought-after local business three-pack. The three-pack listings locate your business automatically on Google Maps, and they also show up before organic results, offering a major boost to your visibility.
Customer Reviews + Reputation: Trusting a brand before making a purchase is one of the biggest hurdles for consumers. GMB allows customers to leave reviews on your business, which can then be viewed publicly by others who view your business listing. This boosts the appeal of the service or product that you are providing and your reputation. Additionally, you are able to respond to reviews, which allows further engagement with consumers.
Gain Marketing Insight: The more you know about your customers, the better you’ll be able to appeal to them, their needs and their desires. GMB provides insights that provide business owners with a wealth of valuable analytics that show brand visibility, target audiences, and potential point of sale. This tool makes it easier to see what is or isn’t working and helps you adjust marketing strategies accordingly.
The digital tools offered through GMB continue to grow and match the changing needs of business owners or consumers. If you need assistance navigating Google’s ever-changing landscape so that you can spend more time running your business and serving your customers, contact us. We’re here to make your job easier.
Earlier this year we set up GMB for Sunday Brunch Agency and are grateful to our clients that have left us reviews. You can check them out here or leave us a review. Cheers!