What is Google Business Profile, and Why is it Important?
The days of small businesses not selling over the internet are long gone. Still, knowing the first steps to take when cracking into the online market can be challenging. Fortunately, there is one clear place to begin, and that is to set up a Google Business Profile account.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) allows you to manage everything related to how your business appears in the Google search engine.
It includes:
Accurate hours of operation
A map and directions to your shop’s location
Photos
A forum for customers to ask questions
Review and reputation management
Reservation and appointment booking services
Restriction/health and safety information
Promotions or special events
Contact information
Website address
Proof-of-performance data
Buyer’s journey insights
In addition, a Google Business Profile is free and comes with a mobile app to update information or respond to reviews on the fly.
The benefits of a Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile helps your current customers get the information they need on you, and it’s a great way to find new customers for free, simply by showing up in their local search results. In fact, 80 percent of local searches end up in conversions. In other words, filling out a Google Business Profile is essentially signing up for free advertising - and one of the most effective advertising options out there.
The number of people who include online searches in their buyer journey increases yearly. In 2020, it was found that 81 percent of buyers will do some online research before making a purchase, and 60 percent start with a search engine. Having a Google Business Profile account moves you further up to the top of those searches, skyrocketing your chances of being selected by a potential buyer. Comprehensively filling out your profile and consistently supplying up-to-date information will help even more.
Having a Google Business Profile listing also helps to earn potential buyer trust. Research shows customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider a company reputable if they have a Google Business Profile Listing, and 50 percent are more likely to purchase from a company found through their Google Business Profile Listing.
So, do you have a Google Business Profile? If not, it’s time to get one.