For many years when you needed to find a local business to fulfill a need, all you had to do was open up the Yellow Pages and search for what you were looking for.
All the information was located in one place and almost everyone used it
This made the Yellow Pages the standard for local advertising.
Today Google is the central location where everyone goes to find all types of business information – not just local – and today’s technology makes it even easier to find what you’re looking for online.
The same reason being listing in the Yellow Pages was an effective advertising strategy for many local businesses in the past is the same reason being found on Google is so effective and important today.
Using Google My Business to be found online.
When customers are looking for products or services online, the first place they turn to is a search engine like Google.
If your business doesn’t appear in the search results when potential customers are looking for what you offer, you’re missing out on a lot of business.
FACT: 90% of consumers use search engines. They are relying on information available to them online to find, connect and do business with you.
And your Google My Business page is CRITICAL for your business. You can find out more here.
A recent Google report found that 60% of smartphone users contacted businesses directly through Google My Business using the “click to call” option.
Google My Business is no fad, as the majority of consumers have used it as their primary contact method with local businesses.
It provides you with the ability to list your business location on local search results as well as Google Maps.
It’s no longer optional — it’s an essential part of any business’s online presence and often the first place customers look for up-to-date information about your business.
FACT: 40 – 60 BILLION searches happen on Google in the US each month
The listing is free, and you absolutely NEED a Google My Business page no matter what type of business you are… brick and mortar, an online or home-based business or you are a business that does services on location, like local contractors or construction services.
If your business does not have a GMB page, then there is the possibility that you will not show up in a Google Search. Think about what might you be missing out on without one? Potential customers maybe?
FACT: The top 3 spots in the Google Search results get 70% of the visits and 95% of the visits come from the first page.
Here are a few tips to get more out of your Google My Business page:
▪️ Make sure your information is always up to date.
▪️ Use Keywords in your business and service descriptions
▪️ List all the areas that your business services – that way you “show up” when someone searches your service “near me.”
▪️ Update the images of your store, business, and services often.
▪️ Post on GMB as you would on social media (be sure to include keywords). A business that keeps its profile up to date moves to a higher ranking on the search pages.
▪️ Use your Review link and ask your customer to leave a review of your service. 79 percent of consumers say they trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. So the more you have the better.
Once you implement these steps to optimize your Google My Business page – before long you will start to see increased search results and better ranking on Google.
This is just the beginning of getting your business found online.
If you would like help getting ahead of the curve and optimizing your digital presence – book a free 30-minute consultation call and let’s chat!
