Why is a Google Business Profile listing so important to my business?
Have you ever looked at the businesses that appear on Google Maps and wondered how you can get yours added? Well wonder no longer, the answer is a Google Business Profile listing. In this guide we’ll explore what Google Business Profile is, what it can help you achieve and how to get on Google Business Profile.
Let’s get started.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is like a social network for businesses. In fact, it’s very similar to the now defunct Google+ network.
With Google Business Profile, business owners can set up pages and fill in their business details – including things like opening hours, photos, menus, services offered and so on.
Of course, exactly what your Google Business Profile page will include depends on the kind of company you run.
The great thing is, that Google Business Profile is flexible, meaning it’s suitable for all kinds of businesses.
It can be used by businesses that have a storefront, such as bars and coffee shops, and those that don’t, such as plumbers and freelancers.
And it’s free, so you don’t have to worry about budgeting for using it.
What benefits will a Google Business Profile listing bring to me?
We’ve already touched on one of the biggest advantages of having a Google Business Profile listing – appearing on Google Maps. If you’ve got a storefront, this will make it easier for customers to find their way to you.
Having a Google Business Profile listing also mean you have a chance of featuring in the main Google results when someone does a local search.
The best way to see this is with an example:
The information in the map and under it is all drawn from Google Business Profile listings, and it completely dominates the results pages.
You’ll see similar results for any combination of “shop type and locality”, and it even works for things like “coffee near me”.
Wouldn’t you just love to be the first business people see when running this kind of search in your area?
That’s a huge reason why getting a Google Business Profile set up is a good idea.
Aside from that, a Google Business Profile also allows people to leave reviews of your business. (Check out the star ratings on the results example above).
This is great as it lets you know what people think of you, and lets you show off your successes to the wider public.
On top of this, you also get access to metrics including: The number of times your listing has been viewed, the number of times someone has got directions to your business via the listing, the number of phone calls generated by your listing and the number of clicks through to your website from your listing.
How can I get a Google Business Profile listing?
As already mentioned, Google Business Profile is free. All you need to do is register, fill in your details, upload photos and verify your business. (You verify your business by returning a postcard to prove your business is based at that address.)
Now, all of this may seem easy enough. But of course, it’s just one more thing on to the already-full plate of a business owner. After all, you don’t just have to fill in this information once – you have to update it every time your opening hours, menu, prices and so on change.
The good news is that when you get an Express Media Web Hosting Website package it includes Google My Business Listing.
And when we are setting up your Google My Business page, we’ll use information from your website to help speed things up, making the whole process quicker and easier.
If you’re planning on launching a new business website, or are thinking of replacing your existing business website, then Express Media Web Hosting offers a quick and easy way to do so. Plus, you get access to a range of useful, time-saving features such as Google Business Profile listing that others vendors just can’t match.
How can I make sure my Google Business Profile listing performs as well as possible?
Although Google Business Profile can help your business show up in map results, like most things related to search engines it’s not guaranteed.
However, there are a few steps you can take to increase your chances of appearing at or near the top of map results.
These are:
- Add photos
- Maintain your accurate business hours
- Provide a business description
- Regularly add posts, like promoting a new product
- Respond to reviews as they come in
Google has more guidance on improving your local ranking here.
In summary
Having a Google My Business listing is crucial. It can literally drive customers to your door. And you can bet your rivals are using it. So, make sure you get your listing today. If you want more tips on how to attract customers to your local business, check out this guide.
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