How To Use Google Business Profile To Market Your Business

Let’s face it, marketing can be tricky for small businesses. With marketing budgets shrinking and an increase in channels to choose from, marketing methods need to be targeted, creative and inexpensive. 

Google Business Profile is a tool you can use to grow your business through marketing while increasing brand exposure. Interestingly, 46% of all Google searches are related to location, with a whopping 97% of Google users using the search engine to find a local business. Harnessing the Google Business Profile function means that when a potential customer is searching for the goods and services you provide, it’s your business that pops up in Google, not your competitors.

But what if you don’t have an established brand? Regardless of the size of your business, you can benefit from this tool. Let’s find out how marketing your business with Google Business Profile can help you grow.

What Is Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is an excellent marketing tool for all types of businesses. At its most basic, it’s a free business profile that’s connected to both Google Search and Google Maps.

Customers searching for certain businesses, services or product-related keywords will be directed to your business profile and provided with your business’s location on Google Maps. 

This free tool allows you to tell the world about who you are and what you do, giving people a chance to find you on the world’s largest and most used search engine. We know that more than 60% of consumers check Google reviews before visiting a business. These people are ready to become consumers but just want to check in before making the trip.

Google Business Profile can help increase your brand exposure, create awareness for your company’s products or services and even increase support for local businesses.

Setting Up A Profile For Your Business

Getting your business listed on Google Business Profile is easy. Here’s how:

1. You’ll need a Google account, so create one for your business if you haven’t already. It’s a good idea not to use your personal Google account but instead have a dedicated business one.
2. Add in your business name and click ‘continue.’
3. Select your business type – online, local store or service.
4. Enter your location or the location you’re targeting.
5. Add in your contact information.
6. Verify your details by typing in a mailing address and you’ll receive a verification code via email to prove that you’re a real business.
7. Optimise your profile with photos, your business hours and description – the more information the better, as people are more likely to visit a business with a complete profile.

The Pros Of Using Google Business Profile?

There are a number of benefits associated with using Google My Business, including:

• The ability to interact with your customers on a deeper level – Google Business Profile allows you to provide your customers with important basic business information, such as opening hours, location, services and contact info. It also allows you to respond to feedback, create posts and publish offers, events or other news. You can also thank visitors who leave positive feedback and engage with negative reviewers to resolve any complaints.
• More control over how people view and engage with you online – Google Business Profile is synced with Google Maps, which means your business’ location and information are easier to find than ever before. Around the world, more than a billion people use Google Maps every month, making it an excellent resource for highlighting and drawing people to your business, especially those in your local community. 
• Access to marketing tools that will help promote your business – In addition to Google Business Profile, Google has a huge range of marketing tools, including Google Analytics, AdSense and Google Trends, which have been developed to help small businesses gain a competitive advantage in their industry. 
• Increase local interest in your business – More and more Australians want to buy ethically, sustainably and locally. Research shows 66% of Australians value the idea of shopping locally more than they did a few years ago. Highlighting your location and service area online is one easy step to help draw these customers to your business and increase expenditure.

Take Advantage Of Free Marketing

Google Business Profile is an effective tool to help raise the profile of your business online for no cost at all. Completing your business profile is easy and it’s the first step to being part of the world’s largest search engine. With that kind of free marketing on offer, why wouldn’t you use it to grow your business?

Want to know more about surcharging?

Now you’ve saved money on marketing, it’s time to look at how surcharging can help you save with Smartpay Zero Cost™ EFTPOS. To discover how surcharging could work for your business, get in touch with the team at Smartpay.

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