Improve Search Results, Gain Visibility
Google isn’t just the most popular search engine; it’s the world’s most-visited website. Businesses can gain visibility, be found by potential customers, and increase website traffic by creating a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business).
What is Google Business Profile?
Approximately 3.5 billion searches are conducted on Google every day. Of those searches, almost half are for local businesses. Google Business Profile is an easy-to-use online tool that allows business owners to create a free business listing from Google.
Businesses can provide details and photos that are helpful to customers, including business location, services, and products. Google Business Profile is a free service and allows business owners to convey their unique story about how and why they are beneficial to customers. It’s also possible for owners to verify the business and its online presence.
With this vital tool, it’s easy to manage an online presence across Google, including Search and Maps, and edit business information if or when changes are necessary.
It’s important to note that Google Business Profile is only available to brick-and-mortar businesses that have contact with customers or provide services by meeting with clients (like electricians, landscapers, or plumbers).
Other Google tools like Google Ads and Google Analytics are more appropriate for gaining visibility for online-only businesses.
Why your business needs Google Business Profile
Today’s small businesses, especially those just starting out, need all the help they can get to gain customers. If you’ve invested in creating a website, you want customers to be able to find it. But even businesses who haven’t yet created a website will be able to reap benefits from a Google Business Profile.
Creating this free profile means information in your Google Business Profile may appear in searches, maps, and Google Shopping. This gives you the ability to attract customers who may never have heard of your business. It’s also a great asset for pulling in locals who seek a service or shop in the neighborhood. Studies show 93% of Google searches include the words “near me,” that’s an increase of 500% in the last two years. That’s a lot of potential customers.
Beaucoup benefits
Google makes regular changes to its algorithms. Having a Google Business Profile assures you’ll stay in the mix. Benefits include the ability to manage your information and make changes when necessary. Update hours, the products and services you provide, or your street address.
Having a Google Business Profile provides business owners with insight into how customers search for your business and where they come from. For example, it’s possible to learn how many people call your business directly from the phone number within the listing.
Interact with customers by reading and responding to reviews. Post photos (a restaurant might post menu items; a contractor might show completed projects such as a newly rehabbed bathroom). Photos significantly boost traffic. Businesses that add photos receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps. They also get 35% more click-throughs to their websites compared to businesses that don’t have pictures.
A Google Business Profile also provides excellent marketing opportunities. You can spread the word about what you offer and then track the performance of the campaigns.
Make the most of your Google Business Profile
Businesses need to keep their page optimized. Make sure all information is updated and add photos often, so the search engine sees your page as newly updated.
Want to learn more about Google Business Profile and other helpful marketing information? Be sure to sign up for the T.E. Digital newsletter. Need additional assistance creating a profile or with local SEO? Contact a member of our team who will be happy to help you.
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