Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business) is a tool that allows “businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.”
The three main benefits of a Business Profile (as listed by Google) are managing information, interacting with customers, and expanding your presence.
Manage Essential Information
If you want to have control over what users see when they search for your organization, a Business Profile will let you update these things manually. Whether it’s your address, hours, health and safety measures, or website, Google Business Profile makes it easy to edit and update crucial information as needed.
If there’s other crucial information that you’d like to provide upfront, frequently asked questions can be answered publicly by businesses and customers alike.
Connect with Customers
With the posting feature, businesses can promote special offers or provide information and updates about events or new merchandise.
Customers can also review your business or the products and services you provide, and upload pictures about their experience. Businesses can then interact with these customers, thanking them for positive reviews and working with them to resolve negative experiences. If necessary, businesses correspond directly with customers via private message. This is a great way to build trust with your customers.
In addition, businesses can gain valuable insights into where customers are coming from, and how they’re searching for their services. Are they calling? Interacting with Smart Campaigns? Google Business Profile lets you better understand your customers and expand your presence.
Expand Your Presence
Businesses are able to share photos, logos, and a cover image to further differentiate themselves from competitors. They can also add specific attributes, such as women-owned and LGBTQ+ friendly, to help people learn more about their business.
Other Benefits
Depending on the type of business, there are other ways that Google Business Profile can help you stand out. If you’re a restaurant, you can accept food orders for delivery and pickup, or take reservations. You can also add menu items, making it easy for customers to see what foods and drinks you offer.
If your business sells merchandise, it’s easy to list your products on your business profile. That way, customers will know the kinds of things you sell before even stepping foot in the store.
Do you offer services? Businesses can highlight their services and credentials on Google Business Profile, and customers can request a quote or book and appointment directly from your profile.
Managing multiple locations? Multi-location businesses can create a business group on their Profile to manage multiple business profiles at once. With the help of third-party tools like Uberall, businesses can auto-respond to reviews, make creative changes at scale, and more!
It’s easy to get started on Google Business Profile. First, simply claim your business and create a Business Profile. To do this, go to Google Maps or Search and “add” or “claim” your business. Next, personalize the profile using the resources above. Finally, continue to manage and update your profile with the latest information.
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Our team of experts at Relevance Advisors is here to help your B2B business succeed. Learn more about how we can help you leverage Google Business Profile and other tools to improve your business.
