As a local business owner, you know that online marketing can be incredibly powerful for growing your business, generating sales and acquiring new customers.

And if you're not using Google Business Profiles, you're missing out on a huge opportunity.

In this blog post, we will explain why Google Business Profiles are so important and how you can set them up for your business.

Why Do I Need a Google Business Profile?

They used to be called "Google My Business".

Recently, Google has renamed this tool to Business Profiles.

By creating a Google Business Profile, you increase the visibility of your company in search engine results (including Google Maps, Google Search and Google Shopping)  when consumers perform searches for your business (or the category under which your business exists. Like, "restaurants near me", on Google.)

These profiles provide valuable information to potential customers about your business, such as your hours of operation, contact information, website, directions and way more.

Customers can also leave reviews on your Google Business Profile, which builds trust in your brand, leading to more sales & customers.

Without a Google Business Profile you...

1. Run the danger of losing customers. You don't have control over what's included in your Business Profile if you don't have a Google My Business account, and according to a BrightLocal poll, 68% of customers would abandon a local company if they discovered incorrect information on the internet.
2. Risk a bad reputation. You can't reply to your Google reviews if you don't have a Business Profile. And being able to manage them is essential because they are both a Google ranking factor and the most important influence on consumer purchases.
3. Lose out to competitors. An unkept storefront is comparable to having an empty or barren Business Profile. If you don't look after your business, how can customers trust that you'll look after them? They'll be far more inclined to click on and respond to a Business Profile in the search results that contains lots of interesting facts and appears active.

Here's What Really Makes This Tool So Powerful

Phone calls, email and your website are great methods for turning clicks into customers.

However, there will always be drop-off.

In modern times, it's all about instant gratification and easy access.

Think about Amazon and how they've made 1-day, or even same-day shipping the norm. Or how about that 1-click buy button?

It's why people prefer shopping on Amazon. It's extremely easy and convenient.

A similar evolution has taken place online. Companies that have created the easiest and most efficient customer experiences are the ones that thrive. Those that fail to keep up, well, they don't.

All that to say this.

With Google Business Profiles, you're able to empower your customers to schedule appointments, take dining reservations and even order food from your restaurant right there in Google.

That means they don't need to click away to your website, which brings on the risk of abandonment (more for some than others).

Instead, you capture a lead, sale, or order right there in Google. Simple. Easy.

There's absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain when it comes to setting up GBP. Here's how you can go about it.

How to Setup a Free Google Business Profile

As a pre-requisite, you need a Gmail account. If you don't have one, you can create one at www.gmail.com. Make sure that when you're creating your account, you tick the box that says "To manage my business".

Step 1: Go to https://www.google.com/business/

Step 2: Click "Manage Now" in the top right hand corner, if using Desktop.

Step 3: Proceed and answer all the basic questions about your business. Some information can be added later.

Step 4: Choose whether you're a storefront or a service provider. If you prefer customers don't visit your location, you can instead utilize radius, zip code, city, or state targeting.

Step 5: Choose your business category. Sometimes an exact category will not be available, so choose the closest category to your business.

Step 6: Add your business contact details. While this step is optional, we highly recommend you enter the requested information, such as your phone number and website.

Step 7: Verify your Google Business profile. You can either verify by mail, or in some cases, phone or email.

Profile Optimization Tips:

- Add photos/videos of your business. This will increase trust and legitimacy.
- Make sure your logo has been added.
- Collect Google reviews. One way to boost your reviews is by emailing happy customers with a link to your review page and asking them to leave a review. Perhaps throw in a discount code, or a small gift card to show your gratitude.

With an optimized Google Business Profile, you'll open up an additional channel that can help you drum up additional business, build brand awareness and make it easy for potential customers to reach out to you. It's free, and it works for you 24/7.

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