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Why You Should Use Google Business Profile for Your Small Business
March 9, 2023
Hey there fellow small business owners! In this digital age, having an online presence is vital for any business looking to succeed.
But, did you know that simply having a website isn’t enough? You need to make sure your small business can be easily found by potential customers.
That’s where Google Business Profile comes in! If you’re not already using it, you’re missing out on a ton of potential business.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you should be using Google Business Profile for your small business based on the latest SERPs. So, grab a cuppa, get comfy and let’s dive in!
What Is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a free tool offered by Google that helps small businesses get discovered online. It allows businesses to create a profile on Google and appear in local search results, maps, and other Google services.
With Google Business Profile, small businesses can easily manage their online presence, including their website, contact information, reviews, and more.
Google Business Profile also provides valuable insights into how customers interact with a business’s profile. This includes data on how many people view the profile, how often they click through to the website, and which posts are most popular.
This data can help small businesses better understand their customers and tailor their marketing efforts accordingly.
To get started with Google Business Profile, you need to create a Google account, and then claim your business by verifying your information. Once you’ve claimed your business, you can add your business information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours.
You can also add photos and videos that showcase your products or services and encourage customers to leave reviews about their experiences.
What Are the Benefits of Using Google Business Profile?
Have you ever wondered how to make your small business stand out online? Do you want to be able to interact with customers and gain insights about your online presence?
If so, then Google Business Profile is the perfect solution for you! Here are some benefits of using Google Business Profile for your small business.
Increased Visibility
As a small business owner, you’re always looking for ways to increase visibility and attract new customers. Well, look no further than Google Business Profile!
By setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile, you can significantly increase your business’s visibility on Google search and maps. In fact, research shows that businesses with complete Google Business Profile profiles are twice as likely to be considered reputable by customers.
For example, say you own a small coffee shop in a busy area. Without a complete Google Business Profile, potential customers searching for “coffee shops near me” may not even know your business exists.
However, with a well-optimised Google Business Profile, your business will show up at the top of search results, making it much more likely that potential customers will find and visit your shop.
According to research, businesses that verify their Google Business Profile listing are 70% more likely to attract location visits from browsing users than those without a listing. This just goes to show how important it is for small businesses to utilise Google Business Profile to increase their visibility and attract new customers.
So, if you’re a small business owner looking to increase your visibility online, setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile profile is a must. Not only will it help potential customers find your business, but it will also increase your credibility in the eyes of those searching for products or services like yours.
Improved Local SEO
Google Business Profile also plays a crucial role in improving local search engine optimisation (SEO) for small businesses. By optimising your Google Business Profile with relevant keywords, business descriptions, and photos, you can improve your chances of appearing in the desirable “local pack” of search results.
Let’s continue with the coffee shop example. By optimising your Google Business Profile with keywords such as “coffee shop” and “[local area],” your small business will be more likely to appear at the top of search results when someone searches for “coffee shops in [local area] [city].”
This means that potential customers are more likely to see your business, visit your website or Google Business Profile, and ultimately visit your coffee shop in person.
By providing this information on your Google Business Profile, you’re not only making it easier for potential customers to find you, but you’re also improving your chances of appearing in search results when someone searches for a business like yours in your local area.
Research shows that businesses with a complete Google Business Profile receive 7x more clicks to their website than those without. This just goes to show how important it is for small businesses to utilise Google Business Profile to improve their local SEO and attract more traffic to their website.
So, if you’re a small business owner looking to improve your local SEO and funnel more customers to your local area, setting up and optimising your Google Business Profile is an essential step. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of appearing in search results when someone searches for a business like yours, and ultimately drive more traffic to your website and physical location.
Want to learn more about the power of SEO for small businesses? Click here.
Increased Credibility
Google Business Profile not only increases your visibility and improves your local SEO, but it also enhances your credibility as a small business. By providing customers with important information about your business, such as your hours of operation, contact information, and customer reviews, you’re showing them that you’re a reputable and trustworthy business.
Back to the coffee shop example. If a potential customer is searching for a coffee shop in your area and comes across your Google Business Profile, they’ll not only see important information about your business, but they’ll also be able to read customer reviews.
If your coffee shop has a high rating and positive reviews, this can significantly increase the likelihood that the potential customer will choose to visit your shop over another.
Furthermore, Google Business Profile allows you to respond to customer reviews, which can show potential customers that you value their feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service. In fact, research shows that responding to customer reviews can increase customer advocacy by 16%, while businesses that ignore reviews suffer a decline in customer advocacy by 37%.
This just goes to show how important it is for small businesses to utilise Google Business Profile to enhance their credibility and attract new customers.
So, if you’re a small business owner looking to increase your credibility and attract new customers, creating and optimising your Google Business Profile is an absolute must. By doing so, you’ll not only provide potential customers with important information about your business, but you’ll also show them that you’re a reputable and trustworthy business that values their feedback and is committed to providing excellent customer service.
Increased Engagement
Increasing engagement between your small business and potential customers is another advantage of creating a Google Business Profile. By utilising the various features that Google Business Profile has to offer, such as posts, Q&A, and messaging, you can create a more engaging and interactive experience for your customers.
Let’s take the example of a small cocktail bar that has just updated its menu. By creating a post on their Google Business Profile about the new menu items, they can not only inform their customers about the new drinks but also engage with them by asking for feedback or suggestions.
This can create a sense of community and loyalty among customers, as they feel like they’re part of the decision-making process for the business.
Furthermore, the Q&A feature on Google Business Profile allows potential customers to ask specific questions about your small business and receive answers directly from you. This can increase their likelihood of choosing your business over competitors, as they feel more informed and comfortable with your offerings.
Messaging on Google Business Profile also allows customers to easily reach out to your business with questions or concerns, creating a more personalised and convenient experience for them. In fact, research shows that businesses that respond within an hour are almost 7x more likely to have meaningful conversations with decision-makers.
By increasing engagement with potential customers through Google Business Profile, you’re not only building a stronger relationship with them but also improving your chances of converting them into loyal customers. And as we all know, customer loyalty is crucial for the long-term success of any small business.
In fact, research shows that customers are 70% more likely to visit and 50% more likely to consider purchasing from businesses with a complete Google Business Profile. This just goes to show how important it is for small businesses to take advantage of the engagement features offered by Google Business Profile.
So, if you’re a small business owner looking to increase engagement with potential customers and build a stronger relationship with them, make sure to utilise the various features offered by Google Business Profile. By doing so, you’ll not only create a more personalised and engaging experience for your customers but also increase your chances of converting them into loyal customers.
Increased Reviews
Another key benefit of having a Google Business Profile is that it offers the potential to generate useful customer reviews. Online reviews are a crucial factor for small businesses, as they help build trust and credibility among potential customers.
With Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews directly on the profile, which can then be seen by anyone searching for the business online.
It might not come as a surprise that businesses with a higher number of positive reviews are more likely to attract new customers. In fact, 46% of consumers trust online business reviews as much as personal recommendations from friends or family.
This just goes to show that having a strong online reputation can make all the difference in attracting new customers and growing your small business.
By actively encouraging customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile, you can not only boost your online reputation but also increase your search engine visibility, as mentioned earlier. The more reviews your business has, the higher it will appear in Google search results.
For example, let’s say you’re a small business owner who runs a local pizza restaurant. By encouraging your customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile, you can increase your chances of ranking higher in local search results for keywords like “pizza restaurant near me” or “best pizza in [local area]”.
This can lead to more website traffic, phone calls, and ultimately, more sales for your business.
So, if you’re a small business owner, then don’t underestimate the power of customer reviews that can be harnessed by Google Business Profile. They can be a valuable asset to any business looking to improve its online presence and attract new customers.
Improved Data Insights
Lastly, having a Google Business Profile can provide small businesses with improved data insights. This means you can see how customers are interacting with your business listing and gain valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about your marketing strategies.
By using Google Business Profile, you can track and monitor a variety of metrics, including how many times your business has been viewed on Google, how many clicks your website has received, and how many phone calls you’ve received from customers. You can even see how many people have requested directions to your business through Google Maps.
For small businesses, this type of data is extremely helpful. It can help you understand which marketing strategies are working and which ones aren’t, allowing you to adjust your approach and focus on the tactics that are driving the most results.
For example, let’s say you own a local bakery that’s just started using Google Business Profile. After a few weeks, you notice that you’re receiving a lot of clicks through to your website, but very few people are calling your bakery or asking for directions.
This could indicate that your website is doing a great job of showcasing your products and services, but that customers are having difficulty finding your location. Armed with this information, you could adjust your marketing strategy to focus on improving your visibility on Google Maps, making it easier for customers to find your bakery and visit in person.
This just goes to show how important it is to use Google Business Profile to gather useful information and ensure your business is accurately represented online.
So, if you’re a small business owner looking to gain a competitive advantage through valuable data insights, make sure to set up a Google Business Profile and use its insightful reporting features. By doing so, you’ll be able to make more informed decisions about your marketing strategies and create better experiences for your customers.
Bottom Line
Google Business Profile is an essential tool for small businesses looking to increase their online visibility, improve local SEO, boost credibility, increase engagement, gain data insights, and increase customer reviews. By taking advantage of this free platform, small businesses can compete with larger corporations and attract more customers in their local area.
At Novo Digital Agency, we offer web design and SEO services that can help small businesses take their online presence to the next level. Our team of experts can help you create a stunning website that showcases your brand and attracts potential customers, while also implementing SEO strategies that improve your online visibility and increase your rankings in search results.
So, don’t let your small business fall behind the competition. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed online!
Want to grow your business faster?
Novo Digital Agency delivers customised, results-driven web design and SEO solutions for businesses of all sizes across Australia.
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