Hey there, small business owners! Linda Donnelly here, and I’m super excited to talk about something that can really boost your business: your Google Business Profile (GBP). You might’ve heard of it, but do you know how powerful it can be? Let’s break it down, nice and easy.
What’s a Google Business Profile Anyway?
Imagine you have a little storefront in a busy town square. That’s kind of what your GBP is, but online! It’s how your business shows up on Google Search and Google Maps when people look for things near them. It’s like a digital business card that tells people who you are, where you are, and what you do.
Think of it this way: when someone types “best pizza near me” into Google, the businesses that show up on the map? That’s because they have a GBP! It’s your way of saying, “Hey, I’m here, and I’m awesome!”
Why Your Business Absolutely Needs a GBP
Now, you might be thinking, “Do I really need this?” The answer is a big YES! Here’s why:
- People are Looking for You (Online!)
- Did you know that over 70% of folks use Google Business Profiles to find local businesses? (Source: LocaliQ) That’s a ton of potential customers!
- And get this: businesses with complete GBPs get 7 times more clicks! (Source: Google) That means more people are finding you and checking you out.
- It Builds Trust
- Think about it: when you see a business with lots of good reviews and pictures, you trust them more, right? That’s what a GBP does!
- Here is a stat many people miss, 58% of customers say that having a Google Business Profile increases physical visits. This is a huge number!
- 87% of customers engage with businesses that have a 3-4 star rating on Google. That means even if you are not perfect, people still want to work with you.
- Businesses that respond to reviews are seen as 1.7 times more trustworthy. (Source: ReviewTrackers) So, make sure you’re replying to those reviews, good and bad!
- Listings with photos are twice as likely to be viewed as reputable. This means, take pictures of everything!
- It Helps You Show Up on Google Maps
- When people search for something “near me,” Google Maps pops up. If you have a GBP, your business can show up there!
- This is super important because a lot of people use their phones to find places to go.
What Goes Into a Great GBP?
Okay, so you’re convinced you need one. But what makes a good GBP?
- All the Right Information:
- Make sure your business name, address, and phone number are correct. This is called NAP consistency, and it’s super important!
- Add your website address, too.
- Awesome Pictures and Videos:
- People love seeing what your business looks like! Add pictures of your storefront, your products, and your team.
- Videos are even better! Show people what you do.
- Good Reviews:
- Ask your happy customers to leave reviews on your GBP.
- And remember to reply to those reviews!
- Google Posts:
- Use Google Posts to share updates, promotions, and events. It’s like a mini blog on your GBP!
- Q&A:
- Answer questions that people ask. This is a great way to show that you care.
Why Business Solutions Marketing Group Can Help
Now, I know this might sound like a lot. That’s where we come in! At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we’ve been helping small businesses with their marketing for over a decade. We know all the ins and outs of GBPs.
We can help you:
- Claim and Verify Your GBP: Make sure it’s really yours!
- Fill Out Your Profile: We’ll make sure it’s complete and looks great.
- Get More Reviews: We’ll help you get those good reviews rolling in.
- Use Google Posts: We’ll help you create awesome posts.
- And much more!
We specialize in video marketing, reputation management, review removal, and, of course, Google Business Listing optimization. We’re here to help you shine online!
Don’t Miss Out!
A good GBP can make a huge difference for your small business. It’s like having a 24/7 online helper that brings in customers. So, don’t wait! Get your GBP up and running today.
If you have any questions or need a little help, just give us a call. We’re always here to help small businesses succeed!
Remember, your online presence is your new storefront. Let’s make it shine!
