10 benefits of Google My Business for local business
A free yet very effective tool used by businesses – Google My Business or GMB – has been created by Google to give businesses online visibility. All businesspersons and most importantly, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) need to create a GMB profile which is even more helpful as it improves business visibility, enables registration of local customers, and helps develop the firm regardless of its low-cost investments.
Below are 10 advantages that a GMB will provide for MSMEs and simple instructions on how to create one.
10 Benefits of Google My Business for Your Business
1. Helps businesses Gain More Exposure
There is a greater chance that through a GMB profile, Micro small, and medium enterprises will appear in the local searches conducted on search engines such as Google. Whenever potential investors search businesses around them, chances of coming across your business increase substantially. This feature is even more important for businesses that are targeting local customers who are more likely to convert.
2. Contains up-to-date business details of the owner’s call-to-actions
Customers are able to easily find important self-data like their business physical address, business telephone contact, business website, business operation times & even how to get there. The availability of such accurate information creates faith and eliminates missed opportunities.
3. Builds Consumer Confidence in the Business
A properly updated GMB profile encompassing customer reviews encourages consumers’ confidence in the firm. Customers would be more willing to do business with a firm that is properly articulated in the online space.
4. Encourages Customer Engagement
The GMB enables the customers to connect with their business in more personal interaction, for example by allowing customers to leave reviews, respond to questions, or update them i.e. through Posts. This connection fosters a sense of loyalty amongst customers.
5. Promotes Your Products and Services
MSMEs may promote their services by creating photo and video snapshots of the services as well as detailed descriptions of the products. The customers can see what you have to offer even before they come to your premises.
6. Supports Local SEO
GMB supports how high up a business appears on the local pages when searched. This is important within the local business because it seeks to reach customers around them, hence making a business more visible in the region around it.
7. Enables Customer Reviews
When customers use GMB, they have the chance to leave their comments on your profile that let them see what they went through. Such customers who submit positive ratings can help in swaying potential customers and further the development of the business.
8. Provides Insights and Analytics
GMB gives insights into how many of the customers engage with your profile in your business. This includes how they got to know about you, where they are based, and what they did after finding you, such as calling your business or visiting your website.
9. Aids In Cost-Efficiency In Marketing
GMB does not come with any usage charges, which is a plus for local businesses that have tight budgets. Its features enable businesses to market themselves with very little advertisement costs.
10. Enhances Mobile Interface
With a growing number of users turning to their mobile devices for searching, a GMB profile helps ensure that your business is visible to people who are searching on the move. Using Google Maps to find your business becomes even more convenient.
How To Set Up Google My Business Account
Establishing a GMB profile is straightforward and does not require any technical expertise. Here are the steps to create your account and update it.
1. Access the Google My Business Page
You may go to Google My Business and select the option labeled “Manage Now.” Make sure that you have a Google account. If you do not have one, you should make an account first.
2. Provide Your Business Name
In the search bar, write the name of your business. If the business already exists, get it. If not, go to create a new listing.
3. Select Business Type.
Choose the category that best describes the activities of your business. This is very important because it decides the way people searching for your business will view the business.
4. Enter the Geographical Location of Your Enterprise.
If you operate from a brick-and-mortar store or an office, include the complete address. It would also assist customers to find the location more easily if you use a map to pin your exact location. If there is no such location but you offer services to certain places, you may indicate the area of service.
5. Furnish the Business Contacts.
Enter the telephone number and web page if any. This helps the customers to reach you instantly.
6. Claim Your Enterprise.
Google asks for verification to authenticate your business. Generally, businesses receive a postcard at the address they have registered containing a code that they use to verify their details. Please read the message in the postcard as these instructions will assist you in verifying your profile.
7. Improve the Quality of Your Enterprise.
After verification, the next stage is the optimization of the profile and this should be done by uploading pictures of the business, the products, or pictures of the services that are being offered. Edit the hours for operation of your business, post updates on business posts, keep the customers posted, and reply to any reviews. Put your edge on to make the profile unique.
8. Stay Consistent and Change Over Time
Make sure to keep your particulars such as hours of operation or services rendered. It’s better to be updating these from time to time so that the customers are tuned to you.
Conclusion
Google My Business is the solution for small businesses to grow, providing them with clear visibility, trust, and engagement for free. It makes sure that small businesses can keep up with the competition by being simple to use yet robust. Setting up and optimizing your GMB profile helps in reaching and developing a trusted bond with local audiences. For those who have not done so yet, start today and use Google My Business to launch your business on the global map!
