What is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB), now called Google Business Profile, is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including searches and maps.

With Google My Business, you can draw in and interact with customers when they look for your business on Google. 

You’re able to reply to customer reviews, share pictures of your newest products, services, or promotions, and update your business information. Your Google My Business listing allows you to showcase your business online.

Here is what GBP looks like:

key features of Google My Business 

Google Posts

Google Post is a feature in the Google Business Profile that lets businesses create and share content on their profile. These posts appear in Google Search and Maps, offering a direct way to connect with potential customers

My business Insights 

My Business Insights provides data on how many people view your profile, how they find it, and what actions they take afterward. It categorizes searches into direct, discovery, and branded.

Direct searches are when customers look specifically for your business name or address, indicating existing brand recognition. 

Discovery searches occur when customers search for a product or service you offer without using your name, highlighting your visibility to new potential customers and branded searches involve customers looking for a related brand, showcasing the effectiveness of your brand partnerships.

Photos and videos 

Google My Business enables businesses to display their products, services, and premises using photos and videos. Utilizing high-quality visual content can leave a lasting impression on prospective customers.

Messaging and appointment booking

Certain businesses have the option to activate messaging on their Google My Business listing, enabling direct communication with customers. Moreover, customers can schedule appointments directly from the business’s Google profile, eliminating the need to visit an external website.

 By providing a streamlined appointment system, businesses can  concentrate on delivering quality and exceptional services to their customers 

Customer reviews

Customer reviews play a crucial role in Google My Business (GMB), exerting significant influence on a business’s online reputation and customer trust.

When customers leave reviews directly on a business’s Google profile, they offer valuable insights to potential customers about others’ experiences. Businesses have the opportunity to respond to these reviews, interact with customers, and showcase their dedication to ensuring customer satisfaction.

Why do I need a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile can be highly beneficial for several reasons:

1. It makes it easy for potential customers to find information about your business when they search on Google

When someone is looking for a product or service, they often turn to Google to find information. Therefore, if your business appears prominently in search results, it increases the likelihood that potential customers will find information about what you offer.

This visibility can lead to increased traffic to your website, more inquiries, and ultimately more business opportunities.

1. It provides essential information, making it convenient for customers to reach you.

When you list details like your business address, phone number, website, and hours of operation, potential customers can quickly access the information they need to contact or visit your business.

For example, if someone is searching for a premier business directory in Ghana, having this information displayed prominently in the search results makes it easy for them to find and visit your establishment.

1. Google business profile provides insights and analytics about how customers find and interact with your business profile

Google Business Profile offers information regarding how customers discover your business. This encompasses whether they directly searched for your business name, explored categories or services you provide, or used branded terms associated with your business.

1. Having a verified Google Business Profile adds credibility to your business. 

When your business has a verified Google Business Profile, it signals credibility to potential customers. This verification indicates that your business is genuine and trustworthy, as Google has confirmed its legitimacy.

It adds an extra layer of assurance for people searching for businesses online, as they can trust that your presence on Google is legitimate and reliable. This credibility can positively influence their decision to engage with your business, whether it’s visiting your website, calling, or making a purchase. 

1. It’s the easiest way to maintain and manage your online presence 

Maintaining and managing an online presence often presents challenges, with numerous platforms, strategies, and updates to juggle. Yet, a verified Google Business Profile offers a simplified approach, streamlining this endeavor.

Its intuitive interface facilitates effortless navigation and updates for business owners. Additionally, it offers essential insights and analytics into customer interactions and discovery methods, enhancing understanding of your business’s online performance.