Google is an integral part of what the internet was, and still is to this day. The most popular search engine by far, Google has arisen to such popularity that it even has a word in the dictionary. Today, most consumers find and support their local businesses just by googling what they need and looking through the hits. In this article, we will cover the steps necessary to get your business on the top of Google’s businesses page so when a customer is looking for something your business offers, you’re the one who gets the call.
What is a Google My Business Profile?
Google My Business or GMB for short, is a simple way to market your business to relevant consumers and users of google. GMB is an easy and intuitive way for google to filter key information into the user’s hands. It also allows for your business card to easily pop up when Google’s users are searching for what your business offers, or if they search for your business in specific. GMB is extremely helpful for securing new clients and bringing additional revenue to your business. Find out more below.
Why Does My Business Need a GMB?
A GMB does a lot for your business passively, and behind the scenes. It not only attracts consumers, but will also attract other businesses to work with you as well! When making a search or query on google, GMBs will appear before any website. This is because Google owns the GMB, and not the website. Therefore, they are allowed to prioritize it because they own it. GMB is also very critical to local business. It is very important for businesses that provide a service. This is since your business will appear at the top of the webpage because you are local to the potential client, as GMB is also based on proximity.
In fact, GMB is the sole reason that I go to where I go to participate in my hobby. I was looking around for a local business that sold hockey cards made by Upper Deck, and I was having serious issues finding one. Thanks to GMB, I found a local business that sold exactly what I was looking for, and now I have been shopping there for years and know the owner quite well. Lastly, upon signing up for GMB, you receive a grant of $500 in google ads! This is amazing as a small business, as it may potentially net you many clients and be able to consistently spend on google ads. It’s a win-win for both parties.
What Information Can You Include in a Google My Business Profile?
GMB includes a plethora of information about your business and is fantastic for giving the user a massive amount of information that is easy to digest. For instance, a GMB can provide but isn’t limited to:
- Phone Number
- Address
- Hours of Operation
- Services Provided
- Products for Sale
- Pictures
- Google Reviews
- Posts (i.e., FAQs, other questions)
- Social Media Profiles
- Website URLs
- And More!
How does GMB impact SEO Ranking?
If your business can rank in the top 3 for the keyword you are targeting, your business will see a rather sizable increase in website traffic, client influx, and calls to your business. Some more tips would be to include products you sell on your GMB. This will help your business be noticed in your niche. For example, take my hockey cards story earlier. If I google “hockey cards” that local store will pop up, and I will go there and give them my business. This is massive for any business, including services and other sales!
Quick Statistics
- Around 90% of the world that uses google only looks at the first page of results. This is most often me included!
- 90% of people read reviews before purchasing
- There are over 3.5 billion searches a day on google
- The average business is found in 1009 searches per month through GMB
- There was a 61% in received calls through GMB from January 2020 to July 2020
Conclusion
Google My Business or GMB is a fantastic resource for any new or established business that does not possess a GMB profile just yet. A GMB profile can attract many new customers to your business, as well as provide valuable information a consumer needs to make an educated decision prior to purchase. This will only help your business in the long term. GMB also improves your website’s SEO, as you will receive more traffic through GMB. If you found out what you read helpful, consider reading our other articles at astrotechllc.com/blog/!
