When people think of digital marketing, they usually think about Google Ads and landing pages, social media marketing and SEO. Google Business Profiles that are managed with a Google My Business account are often forgotten about.
But there are so many awesome reasons why you shouldn’t forget about Google My Business. And we’re here to explain why. Alternatively, reach out to WEBPRO now to discuss the benefits of a Google Business Profile for your business.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business (GMB) is an online platform that is used to manage an online Business Profile.
You’ve probably seen and interacted with online Business Profiles countless times. These Profiles appear when you search for businesses and service providers in a specific location on Google, or when you make a similar search on Google Maps. Profiles usually include images, contact details, website links, reviews and sometimes a chat function to get a quick quote.
Although Google My Business is the platform used to manage the Business Profile, many people refer to the Business Profile itself as Google My Business as well.
What are the benefits of GMB and Business Profiles
Having a Business Profile online and GMB to manage it can be highly beneficial to businesses. Here are some of the main benefits of making the most of these tools:
- Owning a Business Profile is a 100% free online marketing method
- The Profile makes you visible among competitors, especially in the local market
- The Business Profile verifies you as a legitimate service provider (most people trust Google!)
- You can show off your positive reviews to influence consumer decisions
- You can generate more website traffic
- You make it easy for people to get in touch and make enquiries
The consumer journey often includes verifying businesses and consulting reviews before getting in touch. A GMB Business Profile is proving essential within this process, so if you don’t have one you will be missing out.
Which businesses should be using GMB?
All businesses should be using a Business Profile to increase their visibility and exposure. They should be used in conjunction with a website for added benefits, but not having a website makes an online Business Profile even more essential.
You should be aware that anybody can set up a Business Profile for any business. Someone could start a Business Profile for your business if they so wished. This can make people uncomfortable and want to take control of the Profile. The only way to take control of a Business Profile is to claim it as yours through the Google My Business platform.
How to improve your GMB Business Profile
There are lots of ways to improve a GMB Business Profile and score better results. Some tactics are based on individual business needs, but on the whole, businesses should:
- Use its real business name instead of using SEO keywords
- Add professional and bespoke images
- Keep contact details up to date
- Encourage reviews and respond to negative reviews professionally and factually
- Make sure it links to your website
Using your own images is so crucial. A Business Profile with bespoke images is seen as twice as likely to be a reputable business than those without.
Our proven Google My Business services
Owning a Business Profile and running it using the GMB platform is completely free. But that doesn’t mean you’ll always make the most of this marketing method.
Our team can put you on the right track to GMB success by providing our comprehensive Google My Business services. Contact us now to discuss how we aim to increase your conversion rates with a no-obligation free quote.
Recap: Google My Business is the platform used to claim a Google Business Profile and manage your profile. These profiles have a wide range of benefits from an online marketing perspective, especially penetrating the local market and increasing visibility. They’re also great for verifying your business, showcasing reviews and generating more leads. However, to make the most of these benefits, you need to get your Profile right and avoid common mistakes.
WEBPRO Knows
More than 50% of Business Profile interactions result in a website visit.
