How Google My Business Supports Your Business

You’re passionate about your business and when you want people to find you online, so why not design a flashy digital storefront that invites potential customers to your site? 

In today's fast-paced digital-driven day-to-day, an online presence isn't just an option, it's a necessity for a business of any size.

Fortunately, Google My Business (or "Google Business Profile") can help your brand thrive. Let's explore how Google My Business (GMB) can support your business's growth, engage with your audience, and open doors to new opportunities.

Your Business Profile ensures that your brand stands out to customers on Google Search and Maps by showcasing personally tailored details highlighting what matters most to your customers. This keeps details including your business name, location, contact info, and operating hours easily accessible. You can also link to your website to showcase what's most relevant, be it your product line, menu, or service offerings.

Connect with your customers by reacting to reviews, ratings, or personal messages and encourage engagement by responding promptly. Upload photos and post exciting updates like promotions to attract more customers, or add a cover photo of the front of your physical establishment to help people identify it from the street. The call button and directions on your profile make it easier for customers to get in touch or find a location nearby.

There are two types of accounts available: 

1. Individual User Accounts: For smaller businesses, solo entrepreneurs, or businesses that operate from a single location.
2. Location Groups: Efficient management for businesses with multiple locations under a single account. Those with ten or more locations can use a bulk upload spreadsheet for efficiency. 

Post frequently, share customer reviews and testimonials, and optimize your profile for better visibility to fast-track success.  

Google My Business is designed to scale with your business, so if you experience growth and open new locations, they can easily be added to your account, or upgrade your account to another plan from the free version to a paid option like Google My Business Plus or Google My Business Premium to access advanced tools and additional features.

Keep up with the dialogue of your audience to build trust and brand loyalty. Google's 'Insights' feature can be used to monitor customer interactions and help you promptly respond or adapt to customer preferences or even make informed business decisions, such as crafting a targeted ad campaign to enhance online visibility or meet a specific business goal. Your 'Insights' will also show the frequency of your business appearing in searches and identify the queries that help drive traffic to your site.

Your profile must remain under your control when collaborating with your team to maximize the platform's potential. 

Claiming and verifying your business is essential to safeguard your digital presence. Regularly reviewing and updating your profile, especially during special events or holiday hours, ensures that customers can rely on the details they find online. It's about consistency and reliability, which are essential for customer satisfaction and building trust online.

To streamline the process and ensure all areas of your brand's digital identity are kept up-to-date, you can assign roles and responsibilities within your team by sharing access with various permission levels like Owner (full control), Manager (day-to-day assistance), and Communication Manager (handles engagement). This versatile structure simplifies profile management by prompting seamless cross-team collaboration.

Overall, Google My Business isn't just a passive tool; it's a strategic platform that can position your brand to conquer a corner of the digital world within your industry and position your business for success within Google Search and Maps.

According to Google, a well-maintained listing typically receives five times more views than unclaimed ones. Businesses of all sizes, from startups to established enterprises, should be quick to harness the power of Google My Business and embrace the benefits brought by a digital storefront. So invite new customers in with a direct line of communication grow your business, engage with your audience, and stay ahead in the digital landscape with a Google My Business Profile.