Getting your business noticed on Google has never been more important as more people rely on the tech giant for information. Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use platform which promotes business listings.
If you’re not sure about putting the time and effort into promoting your brand on Google My Business, you should be. One of the biggest pieces of advice we give our clients at Chilli is that you must play the ‘Google game’. Google receives more than 90% of all online searches, and the more you use their products, the better the platform will rank your business.
Optimising your digital presence is no longer just an option, it’s the key to survivability for small businesses navigating the current climate.
What are the benefits of Google My Business?
There are several benefits to Google My Business and if you’re not making the most of the platform, you are missing out on some serious exposure. According to HubSpot, 46% of all Google searches are looking for local information, so it’s safe to say that if your business isn’t showing, your competitors are.
Whether it’s search results or map listings, Google receives over 3.5 billion searches per day. That’s a pretty big audience who could find your listing! Here are five reasons why Google My Business should be part of your overall marketing strategy.
- It’s free!
We’ve mentioned it already, but Google My Business is a free platform to increase your business’s exposure online. This gives your customers and clients access to your opening hours, website, contact details and more, all with a simple click.
There are countless local business listings which do the same, but they often come with a hefty annual fee and, let’s be honest, might not actually get you any results. If you’re just starting out or if you have a limited marketing budget, Google My Business is an incredibly valuable resource.
- You get higher visibility in Google Search and Maps.
One of the biggest benefits of Google My Business is the increased exposure it offers businesses through placing them in what we call ‘prime real estate’. When you make a Google search, the first three listings are reserved for paid ads. Next, you will see a map with your local results highlighted, followed by organic search results.
These map results are located in a highly visible space and are made up of the information in your Google My Business listing. Having your profile appear in this space means better local exposure and ultimately, potential increased revenue.
- You can collect Google reviews and use them to your advantage.
Google My Business is a great place for your customers and clients to leave a review, demonstrating the quality of your product or service to a wider audience.
When researching local businesses, searches are on the lookout for ‘social proof’ – the number of positive reviews, comments and engagement your profiles receive. A 5-star Google listing with multiple reviews from happy customers will go a long way in encouraging a searcher to click on your website and make an enquiry.
- It provides a better experience for your customers.
Google My Business isn’t just a platform to display your contact details and directions, it’s a valuable resource where you can share regular and engaging updates while connecting with current and potential customers.
The platform allows you to customise your branding, get more engagement through video content and chat directly with customers who find your profile in search results.
- You can collect valuable insights.
Implementing any marketing activity is fruitless unless you measure your results. Google My Business provides a great way for businesses to gain insights that they can’t get through other platforms.
Once you have set up your GMB profile and begin posting regular updates, you can measure the number of views you receive, what people are searching for when they find your business, your level of engagement and number of clicks, as well as an accurate representation of your audience demographics.
Make the most of your SEO
In an increasingly digital world we all have to play the ‘Google game’. Setting up your Google My Business profile should be the first step for any business looking to optimise their SEO and boost online visibility.
Need help with your GMB listing or other digital marketing activities? Give our friendly team a call or send us an email today!
