Google My Business Profile - How To Set it Up & Why You Should Create One!

"What's Google My Business?"

"What does Google My Business have to do with Small Businesses?"

"How do I create a Profile on Google My Business?"

"What do I need to set up a Google My Business Profile?"

If you've ever wondered what the fuss is about Google My Business, why businesses have their profiles set up or even how they go about it, then you've come to the right place.

Before we continue, here's an example of a Google My Business profile for the online women's clothing store, Serah Kassim.

Now, let's get right into it!

If you want to maximize the potential of your business online, then you're missing out if you haven't created a Google My Business profile. Google My Business (GMB) helps prospects or potential customers near your location find you while searching for something relevant to your business. GMB lets you reach a large audience, appear in local searches, and interact with customers for free. This makes it an opportunity for small business owners to build a strong online presence whether they have a website or not. This article discusses why you should and how to launch a google my business profile. 

What is Google My Business?

Image Source: Smallbiztrends

Google My Business is a platform that lists businesses on Google Search and Maps. Your GMB listing can display your name, address, contact information, hours of operation, and more. You can guarantee your information is correct, up-to-date, and optimized for industry searches.

Key Features of Google My Business

Now that you understand Google My Business, let's explore its main features and functions:

Business Information Setup

GMB accounts start with accurate business information. Add your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and category e.g., restaurant, hair salon, bookshop etc., to build customer trust, and post content consistently.

Business Description and Attributes

GMB lets you write a great business description highlighting what makes your business special. Your products, services, and mission may capture your audience. Google My Business lets you add unique selling points of your organization (e.g., "wheelchair accessible," "outdoor seating," and "free Wi-Fi" ) to enhance your profile.

Photos and Videos

For your GMB listing, a picture is worth a thousand words. To showcase your business, add high-quality photos and videos. Showcase your best visual content to influence a user's engagement with your organization.

Customer Reviews and Responses

Customer reviews build your business's credibility. Business owners can respond to their Google My Business Profile reviews. Engaging with consumers shows excellent customer service and can attract new customers.

7 Reasons Why Small Businesses Need Google My Business

Small businesses typically serve local clients, which Google My Business helps them target. Here are 7 reasons why a GMB profile matters for small businesses:

1. More visibility online

Google is where people look for goods and services like yours. A GMB profile ensures your business appears in Google Maps and search results. This makes it more likely that new customers will come to your physical location.

2. Better local search ranking

Local SEO relies heavily on Google My Business. Google uses GMB information to show relevant results when someone searches for a business nearby. By filling out your GMB profile with accurate information, relevant keywords, and exciting content, you can improve your chances of ranking better in local searches and getting ahead of the competition.

Related: How to Optimise your Bumpa Website for more Visibility on Google in 2023!

3. Improved engagement with customers

With a GMB profile, your customers can quickly discover what they need to know about your business. They can easily find your address, phone number, work hours, and website. Plus, GMB works with Google Maps, so possible customers can easily find their way to your location. This smooth interaction helps give your customers good experiences, which makes them more likely to choose your business over others.

4. Displaying reviews from past customers

Reviews and testimonials are a vital part of building trust and trustworthiness. GMB shows customer reviews prominently, so potential customers can see how good your products and services are. Positive reviews are a potent form of social proof, and carefully reacting to negative reviews shows that you care about your customers. Accept reviews from customers and use them to improve what you offer.

5. Building trust with potential customers

Having an excellent GMB profile gives your business more credibility. When users see that your profile is up-to-date, complete, and has good reviews, they are likelier to do business with you. Also, getting Google's stamp of approval through verification gives people more confidence that you're a real business.

6. Provides valuable insights that help businesses grow

Google My Business gives you helpful information about how your customers act and how they connect with your business. You can find information about how people found your shop, where they are, and their activities on your profile. Use this knowledge to learn more about your audience and ensure your business meets their needs.

7. Cost-effective way to promote your business

The best thing about having a Google My Business listing is that it's free! You get free access to a set of powerful tools that you can use to showcase your business. You can use GMB to promote your business without spending much money. You can post updates and share pictures and videos.

8. Drives traffic to your website

After working with a web designer in Nigeria to build your website or creating your e-commerce website with Bumpa, you could find it challenging to get organic visitors. While not mandatory, a link to your website is one piece of information you can add to your GMB profile. Hence, you can get clicks to your website from your GMB listing. Also, you can take this further by posting snippets of articles or sales promotions on your website as updates on your GMB profile.

How to Create Your Google My Business Profile in 6 Steps

Now you understand why small businesses need a Google Business Profile; the next question is, how do you set it up? Below are six steps you can follow to create a Google Business Profile.

Step 1. Create a Google My Business account.

Visit business.google.com and sign in with your Google account to start. You can easily create one during the procedure. After logging in, select "Start now" to begin setup.

Step 2. Verify your business

Google will verify your business ownership once you provide basic information like its name and address. You can verify by email, phone, or postcard with a code. Follow the instructions for your preferred method.

Step 3. Enter your business information

Complete your GMB profile after business verification. Enter your business name, physical address, phone number, website URL, and the category that best describes your business (e.g., restaurant, gym, fashion store).

Step 4. Add a business description and attributes

Create a business description that conveys your brand, products, and services. Showcase your mission, values, and competitive advantages. Use GMB characteristics to add details like delivery, complimentary Wi-Fi, etc.

Step 5. Upload images or videos that showcase your offers

Visuals attract and impress clients and upload high-quality photos and videos of your products, services, and business atmosphere. Make sure your images are well-lit and reflect your brand.

Step 6. Request reviews from past clients

Reach out to your happy customers and encourage them to submit reviews on your GMB profile. Ensure that you respond to all testimonials. Managing customer reviews on Google My Business is crucial. It shows you appreciate customers and are committed to excellent service. 

Once your GMB profile is set up, update it regularly to give your potential customers a good experience. Update your GMB profile if your business hours, items, or location change. Post updates, promotions, and special deals on Google Posts. GMB listing is one of the core services of an SEO professional. So, if you are having issues setting up your Google My Business profile, you can always hire an SEO expert to help you set it up. 

Conclusion

Every small business needs a Google My Business (GMB) profile for digital marketing success. Integrating GMB into your marketing plan creates a brand presence that connects with customers. Regular updates, customer reviews, and high-quality visual posts on your GMB profile will boost your online presence. Use GMB to build trust, relationships, and a local reputation.

Also, the adventure continues after setting up your GMB profile. Keep your customers in mind, provide excellent service, and use GMB data to expand your business. A well-maintained and expanding GMB profile may open doors and position your business for success in the ever-changing internet landscape. 

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