We’re bringing you a whole new blog series called “Why A Small Business Should Have…” and kicking it off with Google Business Profiles. Now, if you don’t have one already, you need to get on the train fast because you’re missing out on so many opportunities for growth and connection to your target audience. Sure, we can just tell you to do it because we said so, but we’re not like that. We have facts. We have insight. We have the details as to why you need a Google Business profile and what it can do for your business.

Most likely, you open up Google multiple times in the day to find answers to your most pressing questions. It’s become a part of your everyday life and how you find things. If you’re a business owner, you want to be a part of search results as much as possible, and a Google Business profile gives you more chances to be seen, and guess what…IT’S FREE! This easy-to-use tool helps you manage your online presence across Google. It’s not too good to be true because it’s so true. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of it.

The Benefits of a Google Business Profile

Google makes our lives easier. As the leading search engine to help us find what we need, a Google Business Profile is a way for your business to stand out. Whether through a search result or maps, millions of searches are made every day. With that being said, that means a large audience can see your Google Business profile. The next time someone says, “just Google it!” you’re more likely to show up. Isn’t that what all small businesses want? To just show up right at the front of everyone’s Google search? Don’t cut yourself short of opportunities this big by not creating something so small, and our team can do that for you!

Increase Your Visibility on Google Search & Maps

Yes, we already said this, but it’s important to tell you how. One of the biggest benefits of having a Google Business profile is the prime real estate it can occupy in search results. When you search on Google, your first three listings are typically reserved for Google Adwords advertisements or “paid search.” Next, you’ll see a map with a few local results. Then, you’ll see the “organic” results. When users are searching (especially on their phones), the most relevant results are in a highly visible area on the results page. The information that appears about your company is your Google Business profile listing. Some businesses spend thousands of dollars per month on paid search ad campaigns; however, with a highly optimized profile, your business can appear near the top of search results for nothing.

Google Business Posts

Like your social media posts, Google Business has the option for posts, too, where you can promote offers, news, events, product updates, and announcements. Your posts will show up on Google Search and Maps to provide your business with even more ways to connect with potential customers by driving traffic to your website and reinforcing your brand. Take our clients at Aurora Property Group for example:

Clean and simple posts that speak volumes, giving their profile more than just a name, website link, and contact info. With posts about their available homes, the services they provide, and encouraging viewers to join their mailing list, they’re driving traffic to their site and building their email contact list all from their Google Business profile.

Get Insights It’s one thing to create a profile and hope it works and another to actually see just how it’s working. With insights, you get an inside look at how people find your business listing on the web. You get the inside scoop of not only how your business is found but how what customers interact with your listing.

how customers find your listing

where customers find you on Google

customer actions

direction requests

phone calls

photos

what your business is know for

If this feature alone doesn’t get you to sign up, we don’t know what will. No really, this in itself is completely worth it!

Messaging Through Google Business

Another way to directly chat with customers is through your profile on the search results page. You can quickly answer questions and communicate with current and potential customers. The great thing about this feature is that you can turn it on or off depending on your business’s desire.

The Digital World Continues to Evolve, So Why Wouldn’t You?

Setting up a Google Business profile is an easy step to building your online visibility. As a small business, taking every opportunity that aligns with your business model is in your best interest. Don’t let more time go by and miss out on search engine results that could make a difference in your business. Limelight is here to make sure you’re taking advantage of all the marketing opportunities. Let us take it from here and get your Google Business profile up and running!