With the dawn of Digital Transformation, the entire business world is driving its journey from offline to online. The COVID-19 induced pandemic opened the gateways to digitization in every sector. According to a survey, 97% of people explore a local business online than anywhere else.  With the increasing businesses expanding footprints to a digital future, Google My Business has turned to be a crucial aspect of an online presence. This free tool enables small enterprises to create and manage their google listings appearing when customers find businesses on Google Maps and the Search engine.

What is Google My Business?

As the name depicts, Google My Business enables enterprises to create a business listing on Google. It enables the business owners to offer the crucial information customers look for while visiting your store or website like the contact details, opening/ closing times, or a link to your store website. In addition, it has incorporated a new feature that permits you to post a link to your articles or upcoming events.  

Google My Business is similar to the virtual phonebook, which makes finding your business easier on Google and online directories. It enables reaching potential customers through the information available on Google. In the post-pandemic scenario, where businesses are reopening at a blistering speed- it is important for a newly flourishing business to keep its Google My Business profile updated. The business enterprises failing to constantly refresh their profile details will bleed their potential customers.

According to an expert report, 64% of consumers have used Google My Business to find contact details for a local business.

Why is Google My Business Important for Newly Flourishing Businesses?

For businesses with plans of increasing their virtual presence, Google My Business plays a vital role. It has a wide range of benefits for your business.

Let’s Dive in deep to understand why Google My Business is Important for your business.

1. Build Trust Amongst Customers

One of the major challenges faced by businesses in this highly competitive environment is building trust amongst customers. As a business owner, the best way to list your business as a reliable entity is by uploading your company or store location on Google My Business. Communicating the desired information to your potential customers through a legitimate source i.e. Google is the primary advantage of Google My Business listings for newly thriving enterprises.

Generally, Brands listed on Google are likely to be considered 3 times more reputable by consumers. Consumers rely on Google and consider it to be trustworthy due to the known fact that enterprises ought to follow a verification process to get listed on Google search.

2. Customer Reviews Boost Your Appeal

93% of people are influenced by online reviews when they make a purchase decision. Google My Business enables your consumers to share feedback about your business for your potential customers to see. According to a study, online customer reviews contribute 10% to the search engine rank results. Customer reviews not only help you evaluate your business but also integrate the star rating system for your business on Google. It helps you understand what needs to be done better to deliver an enhanced customer experience.

Customer reviews are believed to be actual feedbacks or testimonials from the customers and thus add credibility to your business. Collecting positive reviews will raise the overall rating of your business delivering a competitive edge. It will not only make your products and services reliable in the market but, will also generate leads and increase sales.

3. Appear on Google Maps to Bolster sales

86% of mobile users locate nearby businesses through Google Maps. Customers spotting your store or company in their locality are more likely to walk into your premises. In addition, 50% of the customers are likely to purchase from your store when they spot it on Google Maps. To increase sales and gain a competitive advantage, business owners should create a Google My Business listing and complete all verification steps. Once the business is verified, its location will start popping up for local searches

4. Increase Website Traffic

Local Businesses struggle to increase website traffic and store visits. Google My Business helps to boost these numbers by getting listed on Google and appearing in local searches. 70% of enterprises on Google My Business are more likely to entice potential customers for in-store visits. Businesses with complete information are easier to match with the right searches offering relevant results for each local search.

Google My Business enables you to pull 35% more clicks to your business website. Thus, listing your business on Google My Business helps you raise traffic both on the web and in-store.

5. Increase Engagement with your Brand

Delivering ample opportunities for customer engagement, Google My Business enables potential customers to access your website or contact you with just a click. It also offers the ability to book an appointment directly through the local listing. The ability to interact with customers offers an incredible opportunity to build brand recognition and loyalty creating an opportunity for future conversions.

6. Avail Customer Insights

It is an advertising mantra, the more you know your customers the better is your approach to appeal to them. Google My Business navigates you through the customer insights section offering valuable analytics on your target audience, brand visibility, and customer engagement. It helps you to gauge the performance of your business and design strategies to attract more customers. In addition, it also notifies the business owners of the customer segment the business profile is attracting thus enabling them to enhance the performance of marketing and advertising campaigns.

Conclusion:

With the Covid-19 induced pandemic, where the entire business world is expanding its digital footprints, Google My Business plays a vital role to enhance online presence. Google My Business is a listing tool with powerful features that enables enterprises to create a business listing on Google. In the virtual world, it is important for thriving businesses to leverage Google My Business to stay ahead of the competition and enhance their online presence.

Companies like RANKBIZZ are the GMB specialists that help visionary businesses to enhance their virtual presence and drive more customers to their website and store.