The Importance Of Google My Business
You may believe that if your business is small and local, it doesn’t have to be on Google. Although that might have been true years ago, this is not the case today. It’s easy to forget that everything is available online. Therefore, it is costly for businesses and customers.
Google Search is the number one place customers go to when searching for products/services within their local area. Google Search is the first place 81% of people go to when they need information or recommendations about local businesses. A Google My Business listing is the quickest and easiest way to be found in a Google search.
What’s Google My Business?
GMB allows local marketers to manage and promote their businesses on Google Maps. Customers can easily access information about your company, including name, address and hours of operation.
Here are five reasons Google My Business is an essential tool for small-scale local businesses.
Increase online visibility
A Google My Business listing can help you increase your online visibility. People will search for products and services by typing a few words into the search bar. Google then generates three listings. This is also called the Local 3-pack. It’s the ultimate Local Search and the place you want to put your business. After you verify your Google listing, potential customers will be able to find you on the map.
Increase traffic and sales
A Google My Business listing will increase your online visibility and can help you increase traffic and sales. Your Google My Business listing gives customers a peek into your business. Customers can browse and make purchases online, which will increase their likelihood of visiting your physical store. Your website is most likely your first impression. Make it count.
Build rapport with your customers
Customers are the most important thing for any business, local or international. It is vital to engage with customers and build a relationship with them. When you create your Google Listing, you will have the ability to communicate with them, keep them informed, and understand their needs and wants. You’ll build trust and gain long-term loyal brand advocates who will keep coming back to you because they believe in your business.
Get Ratings and Reviews
Your business will be more credible if customers are able to reach out to you and leave feedback, ratings, or reviews on your Google Listing. Positive reviews from customers will also encourage them to leave reviews on other platforms, like Yelp, Facebook and Trip Advisor. Google also uses ratings and reviews to rank your business in search results. The more positive reviews, the better. A review is a publicity and marketing that you don’t need to spend money on. Google My Business profiles are a cost-effective marketing tool you can use.
Outshines Competitors
Take the first step to stay ahead of your competitors if they don’t yet have a Google My Business listing. GMB was a great tool for many, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Business owners were able to inform their clients and customers about any changes to operating hours or temporary closures. This saved time and energy as customers didn’t have to travel far to check if the business was still open.
If you are a small business owner, you need a Google My Business profile. It’s easy and simple to create one, but we can assist you.
You risk losing your online visibility which can lead to fewer customers and fewer sales. To grow your business, you have already invested time, money and effort. Why not get a Google My Business listing? Google is a powerful platform. Don’t let your business falter. You’d be amazed at what Google can do for your business.
We have helped thousands of small businesses in Canada to improve their online presence and Google search rankings. Call us for a discussion about which listing package best fits your business’s requirements.
