Google is a proper noun, but in today’s society it is also a verb. Have you ever asked someone a question and when they didn’t know the answer they respond with “Google it”.
Google is a massive search engine but it is also a yellow pages. For the youngins out there, the yellow pages is a big book, often used as a make shift booster seat for kids at the kitchen table in the late 80s/early 90s, that was issued to all telephone customers. The yellow pages contained the name and phone numbers of businesses in your local area.
We now use Google when we need to search for a company’s contact details. If you are a business in 2024, it is highly recommended that you have a Google Profile for your business. This way when someone is in your area and uses google maps or just searches the web it will allow your business to be found.
Here’s how it works:
1. Google My Business: When you optimize your Google Business profile with the right keywords, accurate information, and engaging photos, it tells Google that your business is relevant and trustworthy. So, when someone searches for a service you provide in your area, Google is more likely to show your business in the top results.
2. Google Maps: Similarly, when people search for businesses on Google Maps, SEO (Search Engine Optimization) helps your business appear prominently in the local map packs or the list of businesses nearby.
This is crucial because most people use Google Maps to find local businesses, and appearing at the top benefits your company.
Benefits of having a Google profile for your business:
- Increased Visibility: A Google profile helps your business appear in local search results, Google Maps, and Google My Business listings, making it easier for potential customers to find you when searching for products or services related to your business.
- Credibility & Trust: A well-maintained Google profile with accurate information, customer reviews, and photos can enhance your business’s credibility and trustworthiness. Customers often rely on Google reviews and ratings when making purchasing decisions, so having a presence on Google can help establish trust with your audience.
- Engagement & Communication: Google profiles allow you to interact with your customers by responding to reviews, posting updates, and sharing important information such as business hours, contact details, and promotions. This engagement can foster stronger relationships with your audience and encourage repeat business.
So, by using Google My Business and being on Google Maps, you make it easier for people to discover your business online, find important information about it, and ultimately, become customers. It’s like having a digital storefront that helps you connect with local customers and grow your business. How is your business showing up on Google today?