Looking for an easy way to promote your business online? Why not try to attract new customers with a free, updatable business listing on Google My Business
There’s a saying that 80% of success in life is about showing up – it’s hard to catch opportunities when you’re not there. These days, that doesn’t need to mean in person – maintaining an effective online presence ensures you are ‘there’ when people go looking! Not sure where to start? Try Google My Business (GMB), a simple, free tool to ensure customers can easily find you online.
If you’re new to online marketing, creating a GMB listing is a great place to focus your early efforts. After all, when people search for a local product or service, they’re usually very close to making a purchase – one in two people who conduct a search such as “watch repair near me” visit a store that day. So, it’s important the information about your business that shows up when people search Google is as accurate, complete, and optimised as possible.
It’s easy to set up. All you need is:
Your business name.
Your location.
Additional locations (if relevant).
Your business type.
Your contact number.
Your website (if you have one).
Once you’ve verified your listing (by phone or direct mail), it will:
Allow customers to find you on Google Search and Google Maps.
Allow you to promote your business with photos and posts.
Track business analytics to see who is searching for and clicking on your business.
Another important aspect is that it will allow customers to rate your business, and you can respond as well. Bear that in mind when conducting your business! It’s also easy to update if your business changes, and offers the option to create a simple and free website, which can be edited from your computer or phone.
Driving results
Regular maintenance and management of this channel can drive significant results.
Some businesses report as much as 80% of enquiries coming through their GMB listing.
Posting updates and photos can significantly increase enquiries.
Your Business Profile appears when people are searching for your business or businesses like yours on Google Search and Maps, so make sure you stand out, and bring customers in!