Benefit #1: Show Up in Google Maps Searches
Whether searching for local mechanics or a popular spot to get some ramen noodles, Google Maps will quickly populate the search with dozens of red markers, each indicating a local business that meets the search criteria. By simply creating a Google Business Profile listing and completing the verification steps, a clients store location will start to pop up for local searches. This is a great benefit that allows users to instantly see how close they are to their location, increasing the likelihood that they’ll pay them a visit.
Benefit #2: Show Up In Google’s Local 3-Pack
By simply creating a free Google Business Profile listing, a business can greatly increase their odds of making it onto this highly sought after 3- Pack list. The best part about being in the local 3-pack is that not only do these listings show users where the business is located on Google Maps, but they also show up BEFORE organic results—offering a major benefit to their visibility.
Brands that show up on Google’s local 3-pack get a whopping 700% boost in clicks over brands that don’t.
Benefit #3: Earn Trust From Customers
For customers today, one of the biggest hurdles they have to face is that of building enough trust in a business to confidently make a purchase. A business owners job is to help customers make that jump as easily as possible. To do this, one of the simplest steps they can take is that of helping potential customers see that their business has an actual location.
Due to the inherent trust and confidence most users place in Google, a business benefits whenever it pops up in a local search, as prospects will automatically be more likely to trust their brand. In fact, brands that show up on Google are 2.7 times more likely to be considered reputable by consumers.
Benefit #4: Star Ratings Boost Appeal
With a Google Business Profile listing, customers will be able to review a business and leave feedback for others to see. In doing this, not only will they get honest evaluations about what they’re doing right and what they could be doing better, but they also get a star rating next to their business on Google. As long as they’re delivering quality products and a quality experience, over time, they’ll start to collect more reviews and a higher overall ratings. This is especially helpful when there are competing businesses nearby and they want to gain a competitive edge.
Benefit #5: Increase Traffic and Sales
Another challenge local businesses face is that of maintaining an increase in website traffic and keeping a steady supply of foot traffic coming through their doors. While there’s no way to completely avoid the ups and downs throughout the year, having a Google Business Profile listing can greatly help boost a businesses numbers across the board.
Just by having a listing and showing up in local searches, Google has found that businesses are as much as 70% more likely to attract location visits from browsing potentials.
An even more impressive figure revealed that customers who find a brand through a Google Business Profile listing are up to 50% more likely to make a purchase.
Benefit #6: Gain More Insight About Their Business
No matter what kind of product or service a business sells, the more they know about their customers, the better they’ll be able to appeal to them. From the Google Business Profile page, navigating to the “Insights” section will give them a wealth of valuable analytics that breaks down how visible their brand is, who their target customers are, and how customers are engaging with their business.
By learning more about the kinds of customers they’re attracting, they’ll also be able to modify and improve their marketing strategy performance.
Benefit #7: Rank Higher in Results
The more Google likes a business, the higher it will rank them in its Search and Maps results. How does a business get Google to like their site more? By supplying quality, consistent, and accurate information. The more Google can tell consumers about their business, the more it will like them. The Google Business Profile profile is the best way to feed Google this information.
Benefit #8: Increase Engagement
Google Business Profile profiles provide ample opportunities for engagement. Potential customers can access the businesses website or call them in one tap or click.
Even more beneficial is the ability to reserve a table or book an appointment directly through their listing.
Benefit #9: Free Google Advertising
Running a Google Ads campaign is a great way to get to the top of Google, but it can be very technical and expensive. The other way to get to the first page of Google is by improving the websites SEO. This method is more sustainable but it does take time to build.
A Google Business Profile listing, on the other hand, offers a form of fast and free advertising on Google. With it a business gets targeted exposure on the world’s largest search engine. It costs nothing to create, claim, and verify their listing.
This is not to say that a business should not run Google ads or build their SEO through their website—these are marketing strategies that are well worth the time and money. The point is that Google Business Profile is an additional marketing strategy that is cheaper than paid search advertising and faster than SEO.
Benefit #10: Stand Out from Competitors
The Google Business Profile profile displays the essential information potential customers need in order to engage with a business. In addition, it also displays a brief description to help users quickly identify if a particular business is what they’re looking for. An effective Google Business Profile description offers a snapshot of the business, includes relevant keywords, and depicts something unique or authentic to help a business show their value. Through a small snippet of content, the Google business description gives a company an opportunity to stand out from their competitors in a consumer’s initial scan through search results.
What next?
Google’s search results are becoming more and more robust, with answer boxes, related questions, and even results appearing in the search suggest drop down menu. The benefits Google Business Profile affords local businesses are only growing.
The Google Business Profile is free and available to any business.
It is also something that a business can delegate to an agency like ours. Once a business has gone through the initial set up process, they can assign admin rights to their account and let someone else manage it for them. Leaving them free to focus on what they enjoy, and what makes them money.