Missed our latest free webinar explaining why every business should be using Google My Business? We’ll catch you up here – but don’t forget to register for the next free webinar in our limited series.

Below you will find five of the most important things you need to know about Google My Business. If you’ve never heard of Google My Business before but own a business, you’re going to want to know this!

#1: What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a platform that can be used to manage Google Business Profiles, such as making improvements or updating key information in line with ongoing business changes. Naturally, your next question is going to be… what’s a Business Profile?

Well, a Business Profile is what a Google user could potentially see when they make a relevant search. Specifically, a Business Profile could be displayed on:

1. Google Maps results 
2. Google local search results 
3. A Search Engine Result Page (SERP) when searching for the specific business

When most people talk about Google My Business, they’re referring to both the Google My Business platform and the Business Profile it manages. Although, they’re actually two different things.

#2: Who should be using Google My Business?

This one’s really simple. Every business should be using Google My Business to manage its Business Profile. Even if you don’t have a website presence – which you should! – there is a real business opportunity in utilising Google My Business.

Your business might already have a Business Profile without realising it. This is because anyone can create a Business Profile even if they don’t own the business. It’s then up to the business to claim the Profile via Google My Business so they can take control. You will need to verify that you’re the business owner to take control of the Profile.

#3: Why should you have a Business Profile and GMB?

A Business Profile has the potential to attract more leads, especially local leads who may search for your products or services nearby.

This is because the Business Profile will feature on Google Maps and local search engine result pages. And it will include key information to encourage consumers to take action.

For example, a Business Profile could include:

• Contact information 
• A link to your website 
• Reviews 
• Photographs of products or services 
• Other information automatically populated by Google

Google My Business is the platform that allows you to manage this as the verified business owner. The Profile then has the potential to positively influence consumer behaviour.

#4: Google My Business and increased website leads

One of the most important aspects of a Business Profile is a link to your business website. This creates another way for prospective clients to land on your website conveniently. If you have an encouraging Business Profile which then leads to a professional and user-friendly website that meets the user’s expectations, you’re more likely to receive an enquiry or make a sale.

Many businesses invest in a fantastic website but fail to generate as many leads as they could through a Business Profile. You should avoid this mistake if you want your website to become a real selling machine.

#5: The best ways to improve your Business Profile

Our free webinar went into the fine details of how to make the most of your Business Profile for increased leads. Here is a crash course on some of these methods with stats to back them up:

1. Make sure your contact information is up to date. Around 64% of customers use a Business Profile to get contact details.
2. Include professional and bespoke images to your Profile, including your logo. Don’t use any stock images as this can lose consumer trust. Profiles with images are typically considered twice as reputable as those without.
3. Encourage reviews as much as you can without incentivising or paying for fake reviews. The businesses with the most reviews while keeping the highest scores rank best. It’s estimated that 90% of people will read reviews before purchasing, so they’re really important.
4. Respond to positive and negative reviews. The way you respond to negative reviews will be the most important.
5. Optimise your Business Profile for search engines without making key mistakes that Google can punish you for. This is best discussed with an expert. Our online marketing team are always ready to help. Give them a call for more information and advice.

Register for our next free webinar now!

Don’t miss out again and register for the next webinar with WEBPRO. We continue our free series by taking a look at one of the misunderstood marketing strategies in the modern age – email marketing.

Email marketing offers a unique way to maintain existing clients who are likely to spend more, which can be cost-effective compared to trying to acquire new leads. We reveal all the secrets of the trade in our upcoming webinar.

Register your place now to avoid disappointment.