Google Search and Google Maps are now the top choices for small businesses in the realm of Digital Marketing. The internet has become a valuable tool for attracting customers and fostering strong relationships, thanks to digital transformation.
When users search for “IT store + CITY” or “Pizza near me” on Google Search, they are looking for practical information like options, operating hours, location, customer reviews, and more, rather than articles or news.
Even large corporations have recognized the potential of attracting more prospects through location-based search queries using this tool.
For businesses wondering how to reach potential customers searching for their products and services, Google My Business is the solution. By utilizing this platform, companies can ensure that they are easily discoverable by interested individuals.
To learn more about Google My Business and how to leverage its benefits, refer to the comprehensive guide below:
– What Is Google My Business?
– The Advantages of Google My Business
– Setting Up an Account
– Optimizing Your Google My Business Page
Google My Business is a platform provided by Google that enables you to manage the appearance of your company on Google search results. This means that you have control over your business listing and the information that is displayed by the search engine.
To get started, it is recommended to search for your own business and see how the results appear. For example, if someone searches for “sports store Los Angeles,” they will see a map and the Local 3 Pack, which consists of the top three local listings ranked by distance and relevance.
Google Search can differentiate between when you have a specific query or when you are looking for suggestions.
The information displayed in the Local 3 Pack is sourced from Google My Business profiles. This is where your strategy begins. By conducting a simple search, you can see all the information that users can access about your business. In this case, your business listing is sharing space with two other companies.
At the bottom of the list, users have the option to view more choices. Ideally, your brand would be among the top three results.
If you haven’t achieved that yet, it’s time to start from the beginning and create a comprehensive profile!
Within Google My Business, your profile contains all the necessary information for prospective customers, including the business name, description, address, category, opening hours, website, contact information, products and services, reviews, and even photos and videos.
You can also display specific details to potential partners, such as restaurants and hotels.
It’s important to note that all this information will be available in your Knowledge Panel, which users can access by tapping or clicking on your business listing.
The more data you provide about your company in your profile, the better your customers will understand it.
Now, let’s discuss the benefits of Google My Business.
One of the main goals for marketers is to position their company’s brand at the top of search result lists.
The Advantages of Utilizing Google My Business
Marketers are currently striving to elevate their brand’s visibility to the top of search engine result pages.
Google’s interface has been optimized to provide information effortlessly, resulting in half of the searches yielding zero clicks. This indicates that users can quickly access the information they require without navigating through various websites.
Therefore, it is essential to secure a prominent position on Google’s search pages and Google Maps listings.
Once users obtain the desired information, they promptly proceed to other tasks, often engaging in multiple activities simultaneously.
Given that around 90% of searchers click on results displayed on the first page of Google, it is evident why business listings are highly valued.
This is the preferred method of market interaction for customers in most cases.
Enhanced Visibility
In the past, if you wanted to attract customers to your roadside restaurant, you would have to rely on outdoor advertisements. This way, your business would catch the attention of passersby and residents.
However, in today’s digital age, our focus is on mobile screens. A well-optimized profile ensures that your business is visible whenever a potential customer requires your services. Google My Business places your business on the map, providing an invaluable opportunity.
Irrespective of your company’s size or industry, appearing in Google search results is highly beneficial.
Gather Reviews
A common trait among searchers is the desire to find social proof of quality. Google My Business enables you to collect online reviews and leverage this information to your advantage.
In the realm of digital marketing, this trend holds significant value. Whether you implement a robust Content Marketing strategy or deliver exceptional customer service to encourage positive reviews, a 5-star rating can make a substantial impact.
It is important to note that reviews play a crucial role in local pack results, making your daily efforts a potential competitive advantage in highly visible locations.
Discover valuable information
Customer feedback is crucial for any business strategy. By paying attention to what they have to say, you can make significant changes to how your team operates or the products you provide.
Reviews play a key role in making decisions like these. However, not everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts openly. Online reviews offer a more convenient platform.
Moreover, they allow individuals to take their time and carefully highlight their strengths.
For more in-depth insights, Google My Business offers comprehensive data on various aspects, such as:
– the search terms used by customers to locate your business;
– the number of views your business receives;
– the actions customers take on your listing;
– demographic information about your audience (gender, location, age groups);
– the number of clicks on your website;
– the number of direction requests.
This underscores the importance of optimizing your profile.
