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Why Google My Business (GMB) is a Powerful Tool for Small Businesses 

digital marketing tool

What is Google My Business?

GMB is a simple yet effective digital marketing tool for your strategy. As a google product, you can count on the platform to have great integration with the search engine giant’s other platforms. A GMB account allows your business, no matter its size, to gain visibility and leads. 

Learn about the Google My Business features below and how they work with your digital marketing strategy. 

GMB Features & Benefits

Once you claim your business and create your GMB profile, you can enjoy these features and benefits. 

Be There When People Need You 

There is no point in your business having an online presence if people can’t find you when they need you. When you set up a GMB profile, you have the opportunity to use target keywords. 

Your profile includes images and a description. This means that users can learn what your business does and whether they’ll benefit from your product or service. The more photos and details you include in your profile, the more trust you build with customers. People want to know what to expect from your business. 

Visibility on Google Maps 

As mentioned, Google My Business has fantastic integration across the search engine’s various platforms. This includes Google Maps, which is a vital tool for local SEO. When users search for a business or service on Google, the GMB profile of nearby establishments will typically appear at the top of search engine result pages.  

Users can easily find your business and help you reach those closest to your business. All businesses should have a GMB profile as part of their online presence, but for local SEO, it’s essential. GMB is essential for small businesses looking to draw searchers to your brick-and-mortar store location. 

All the Details in one Place 

Everything anybody wants to know about your business is available in one location. The physical address, website, business hours, expected wait times, and more! To go the extra mile, including several images helps potential customers trust your business. Trust built among potential customers is key to conversion as they’re more likely to visit your store or site if more details are available.  

Again, trust should be a big part of your digital marketing strategy. The more details you have, the more trust you build. Plus, with a phone number and website link, there’s an easy path to conversion. 

Reviews on Hand for Prospect Customers 

Reviews are gold when it comes to marketing online. And GMB takes advantage of this, showing customer reviews and testimonials below your profile. When people see that others have had a great experience with your business, they’re more likely to convert.  

Simply having reviews is one thing, but responding is also a great opportunity. Whether positive or negative, a response shows that you’re listening to customers and grateful for their feedback. 

Give Your Brand a Personal Touch 

Reviews aren’t the only way to build a good reputation with customers and reach people directly. You can use your GMB profile to post updates and share the latest brand news with customers. 

Post your latest products, events, or anything exciting within your brand. Just like social media marketing, this helps connect with consumers, new and old! 

Don’t Forget to Keep Things Up-To-Date

None of the details will be useful for customers if they’re inaccurate. Businesses should actively update their profile, ensuring their details are accurate and up-to-date. 

Imagine you decide to close on Sundays from now but don’t update your business hours online. A customer approaches late Sunday morning, and you’re closed, despite checking the hours online beforehand. They will be less likely to return in the future as they have lost trust. 

Enjoy the Extra Visibility!

And just like that, you’re working towards a growing online reputation. When businesses utilise their GMB profile to the full extent it will generate leads, increase foot traffic, and help with local SEO.  

If you haven’t set up a profile for your business, there’s no better time to claim your business than now. For those with an existing profile, take this opportunity to ensure details are still accurate. Enjoy your added visibility, courtesy of Google My Business. 

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