Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is a free tool that allows businesses to control their online appearance across all of Google’s services, including Maps and Search.
Whether you run a brick-and-mortar store or an online store, it’s a simple approach to convert people who find you on Google into consumers.
Research shows that 81% of US shoppers value being able to quickly discover a nearby retailer when conducting an internet search.
A Google Business Profile can increase sales by making it easier for people to find your company, learn about your products, and share news and updates about it.
So, how can you set up a business profile and maximize it for your business? You’ll find the answers in this blog.
What is Google Business Profile
You can control how your local business appears on Google by creating a Google Business Profile. Small business owners that have physical stores can create a profile for their company to make it easier for customers to locate them.
It aids clients in learning about the goods and services you offer, locating your business, and getting in touch with you.
A great way to boost your presence across Google services is to create this free profile. Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Shopping may display data from your Google Business Profile.
Only companies that interact with customers can have a Google Business Profile. This includes both companies that have a physical presence and companies that offer services by meeting with clients in other locations.
Google Business Profile
Why do you need a Google Business Profile?
Here are some reasons that using Google Business Profile is really necessary. Scroll it down!
Increased visibility across Google
You can run the top retail business in the world, giving your customers a singular shopping experience. However, it would be challenging to increase your reach and attract new customers if no one can discover you online.
Customers can find your business through Search, Maps, and Shopping with the use of a Google Business Profile.
Increased visibility across Google
Control your business information
Starting a relationship with customers online requires making a solid first impression.
Once your business has been verified, you can control the information that people using search engines find when looking for your company or its goods and services.
You can use this opportunity to attract attention to crucial information and showcase your brand’s personality.
You can personalize elements such as:
- Phone number, store hours, health and safety measures
- Cover photos, logos, and services
- Attributes such as women-owned, Black-owned, LGBTQ+ friendly
- Text or video posts to highlight offers and events
- Products for sale
Furthermore, you can use the Google My Business app to manage your business wherever you are, change your company’s information, and respond to customer feedback.
Get customer reviews
Reviews are a crucial feature of social proof and a significant way to increase credibility and trust.
Customers can share as much, or as little, information about their interactions with your company as they’d like thanks to Google’s combination of star ratings and space for in-depth reviews.
All of it helps in future consumer decision-making over which stores to visit and what products to buy.
Customer reviews
How to set up Google Business Profile?
Now that you understand what a Google Business profile is and why you should have one. Therefore, it’s time to set one up for yourself with just these simple steps!
Step 1: Sign in to Google Business Profile Manager
First, you head to the Google Business Profile page and click Manage now.
Step 2: Add your business
You have the option of adding a new business or finding an existing business profile on the following screen. Next, click Add your business to Google if you’re a new retailer.
Add your business
Then, you fill in your business name and business category. Now choose a category that represents your business.
Step 3: Add business address
Next, you’ll be asked to add a location. If you have a physical store, mark “Yes” and then click Next. Then, you’ll add your business address.
Add business address
Step 4: Add contact information
You should add your contact information so that potential clients can get in touch with you. On your business profile, you should also give your phone number, website, or both.
Add contact information
Step 5: Verify your business
Notice that you do not use a post office box. Instead, you can enter your physical address. This information is not shared with the public or visible on your Google Business Profile; it is just used to verify your business.
Verify your business
Step 6: Customize your profile
In this step, you enter your business hours, messaging preferences, business descriptions, and photos.
When you’re ready, click Continue. You’ll find yourself in the Business Profile Manager dashboard.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that having a Google Business Profile is critical to your business.
Both brick-and-mortar retailers and eCommerce businesses can lean into the power of Google, providing valuable information to local customers and influencing where they shop.