Why Every Small Business Owner Should Claim Their Google Business Profile
In the digital era, a strong online presence is not just advantageous for small businesses—it’s crucial. Among the most effective tools for enhancing this presence is Google’s powerful feature, the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business), and it is ‘FREE‘. This platform boosts your visibility on the world’s most popular search engine and enhances how you connect with customers locally. If you’re a small business owner, here’s why you cannot afford to overlook this crucial asset.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
Making sure your business information is accurate and up to date can help customers locate you and learn more about your story. This includes important details such as your business name, address, phone number, operating hours, website, products and services, and customer reviews. Having this information readily available can make it easier for potential customers to get in touch with you.
The Importance of a Google Business Profile
Boosts Local SEO
One of the primary benefits of having a Google Business Profile is the boost it provides to your local SEO. When potential customers search for businesses like yours in their area, a well-maintained Google Business Profile increases the chances of your business appearing in local search results, including Google Maps. This enhanced visibility can drive more foot traffic and online interactions.
Builds Trust and Credibility.
A claimed and well-optimized Google Business Profile builds trust with potential customers. It shows that your business is legitimate and actively engaged with its audience. Reviews, photos, and regular updates create a trustworthy image, encouraging more customers to choose your services over competitors.
Provides Valuable Insights
Google Business Profile offers valuable insights into how customers find your business and interact with your profile. You can see how many people viewed your profile, clicked on your website, requested directions, or called your business. These insights help you understand your audience better and tailor your marketing strategies accordingly.
What Happens if You Don’t Claim Your Google Business Profile?
If you don’t claim your Google Business Profile, you’re opening the door to a host of potential pitfalls:
Competitor Hijacking
If you don’t claim your GBP listing, anyone, including your competitors, can claim or create a listing in your business’s name. This could leave you powerless to correct misinformation or present your brand accurately. Anyone can then post false information, add their phone number or even fully block client communications. You protect your business from these potential threats by claiming your listing first.
Losing Leads
Unclaimed GBP listings often appear incomplete and unreliable to potential customers. Google statistics show that claimed listings receive more leads. When customers see the “Own this business?” message on your listing, it signals that you are neglecting your online presence, causing you to lose valuable leads.
Google Removal
Google prioritises accurate and up-to-date information. If your business listing has consistent inaccuracies or outdated information, Google might remove it from search results over time. This means potential customers won’t be able to find your business online.
Inability to Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews are crucial for your business’s reputation. You won’t be able to reply to reviews without claiming your GBP listing. This means you’ll miss the chance to engage with customers, address their concerns, and show appreciation for their positive feedback. Also, by being unable to address possible negative feedback, you risk further damaging your reputation and losing customer trust.
Reduced Visibility
An online presence is crucial for attracting new customers. If your business isn’t properly listed on Google, potential customers won’t be able to find or visit your location, which means they’ll likely turn to competitors who are more visible online. This can lead to a significant loss in foot traffic and sales.
Lower Rankings
Claiming and optimising your GBP listing is essential for improving your local SEO. This helps your business appear in the Local Pack, Google Maps, and Knowledge Panel. Without claiming your listing, you miss out on these opportunities to rank higher in search results.
- The Local Pack is a feature in Google Search results that displays a group of local businesses relevant to the user’s search query. It appears prominently near the top of the search results page, often with a map, business names, addresses, phone numbers, and ratings.
- The Knowledge Panel is a box that appears on the right side of Google Search results (or at the top of the page on mobile devices) when users search for a specific business, person, place, or thing. It provides a concise summary of information about the searched entity.
Missing Out on Free Advertising
Google Posts allows you to promote offers, events, or updates about your business directly on your GBP. This is a form of free advertising that you can only utilise if you claim your listing. Without it, you miss out on a valuable way to attract and inform customers.
Inability to Use Marketing Tools
Many marketing tools, including Google local ad campaigns and third-party listing management tools, require you to claim your GBP listing first. Without it, you won’t be able to take advantage of these powerful tools to enhance your marketing efforts.
Missed Customer Messages
GBP allows you to receive customers’ texts, calls, and bookings directly. If you don’t claim your listing, you miss these opportunities to connect with potential customers and make sales.
Lack of Insights
Claimed GBP listings provide valuable free data on user interactions, search appearances, and customer behaviour. Without claiming your listing, you miss out on these free insights that can help you understand and improve your business’s online performance.
Neglecting your Google Business Profile means surrendering control over your online presence, leaving your business adrift while competitors sail ahead. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your brand and connect with customers – claim your profile today and chart a course for digital success!
Step-by-Step Guide to Claiming and Optimising Your Profile
How to Claim Your Profile
Claiming your Google Business Profile is straightforward in 5 easy steps:
- On your computer, go to Google Maps.
- Type your business name in the search bar.
- Select the correct business name from the results.
- Click on “Claim this business” and then “Manage now.”
- If you need to choose a different business, click on “I own or manage another business.”
- Pick a verification option and follow the on-screen instructions. Google will guide you through several verification options, typically via phone, email, or mail (Tip: email is the fastest).
Once verified, you can then manage and optimise your Google Business Profile by adding business hours, and photos, responding to reviews, and more.
Optimizing Your Profile
Businesses with a complete Business Profile are 70% more likely to attract customer visits and 50% more likely to drive purchase consideration, according to Google.
You can manage your Business Profile on your mobile device using the Google Maps app. On your desktop, you can handle it directly from Google Search in your browser.
So after claiming your profile, take these steps to optimise it:
- Fill out your business description thoroughly, using up to 750 characters to highlight your products, services, and unique offerings.
- Make sure to include relevant keywords in your business description and posts to improve search visibility.
- Add High-Quality Photos and/or Videos: Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.
- Keep Information Updated: Regularly check and update your business hours, holidays, contact info, website, and service offerings.
- Respond to both positive and negative customer reviews to establish trust and foster engagement. Failing to respond can have a negative impact on your ranking.
- Post regular updates: Share promotions, events, and news to keep your profile engaging for customers. Aim for at least one new weekly post to keep your profile active and engaging. Extra tip: Regarding Google posts, prioritising quality and relevance is more effective than focusing on the number of posts.
Google provides valuable insights into how people interact with your profile. Use this data to understand what works and what doesn’t, enabling you to make informed decisions to enhance your online presence going forward.
Updates and Changes to the Platform
Google continually updates its platforms to improve user experience. See below some updates and actual upcoming changes to the platform:
Enhanced Social Media Integration
Google now includes social media posts from linked profiles (such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X/Twitter, and YouTube) in the ‘Social Media Updates’ section on the Google Business Profile. This integration enhances the business profile by incorporating fresh content directly from the brand’s social media channels.
Tighter Content Regulations
Google is enforcing stricter policies to combat duplicate and spam content on Business Profiles, aiming to uphold quality standards. Businesses should expect heightened scrutiny and potential removal of posts containing duplicated images, logos, or irrelevant links. The emphasis is on promoting authentic, original content to maintain a positive user experience.
GBP Websites Being Discontinued
Starting March 2024, Google will discontinue GBP Websites, the basic websites generated automatically from your Google Business Profile data. These simple websites provided a quick and hassle-free way for businesses to establish an online presence without the need for complex web development. However, these free websites will be deactivated as of this date, and visitors will be redirected to the respective business profile until June 10, 2024. Businesses relying on GBP Websites should explore alternative website solutions for their online presence. For those of you impacted…
- Consider Easy-to-Use Website Builders: Explore user-friendly website builders like GoDaddy, Wix, WordPress, and more. These platforms offer do-it-yourself solutions, allowing you to create and customise your website with ease.
- Or Leave the Website Transition to Us!: Worried about transitioning from your Google Business Profile website and having to do it all yourself? Don’t stress! Our expert team at Marketix AI is here to take care of everything for you. Whether you need design guidance or a completely new website that is affordable and converts, we’ve got you covered. Schedule a free Website assessment today through the link here, and let’s turn your online vision into reality together!
Conclusion
Claiming and maintaining a Google Business Profile is not just about maintaining an online presence—it’s about actively shaping how that presence works in favour of your business. For small business owners, this free tool is indispensable in navigating the competitive market and connecting with customers effectively.
Ensure your business benefits from the advantages of a Google Business Profile. Claim yours today and start managing your online presence effectively. If you need more detailed guidance, we’re here to help. Consult with us at Marketix AI, where our digital marketing experts can offer advice tailored specifically to your business needs.
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More Resources:
Google Business Profile FAQ: https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/faq
Disclaimer: Marketix AI operates independently, and is not affiliated with entities like Google.
