Have you heard of Google Company Profile? Maybe so, because if instead we say Google My Business, things change. But do you know how a Google Business profile can help small businesses?
If you've never thought about it before, or thought it was silly because your business is online, you might want to rethink this. Especially in terms of your web positioning. Shall we tell you more about the Google Company Profile?
What is the Google Business Profile?
Before talking to you about how the Google Business Profile can help small businesses, you should know what we are referring to. As we have told you before, this name is actually a facelift of Google My Business. It is a tool that Google makes it available for free to create a listing for your business so that it appears on both Google and Google Maps. Thus, it gives a more solid appearance to the business and at the same time offers us useful information for users.
It is focused on local positioning, because it is linked to the company's address (whether it appears on the file or not). And it serves to attract clients in the area where the company is installed. But it also helps you connect with those people who are interested in your products and services.
What functionalities does the Google Business Profile have?
Now that you know a little more about the Google Company Profile, Do you want to know what it allows you to do? Well, take note because among its functions is:
- Indicate the company's customer service hours.
- Locate the company at the exact address.
- Make your website known.
- Establish what the service areas are (if you only serve one neighborhood, city, autonomous community, country...).
- Add your own photographs. Also here customers can add their photos.
- Publish business news.
- Announce events.
In some cases, Even with this profile you can receive online orders.
In addition to these functionalities that you can manage and control, there is another one that you have no control over but that can be very valuable if used wisely: having customers leave reviews about your products or services. As long as these are positive, they will help others trust your work; and if they are negative, here it will depend on how you take steps to turn them into positive ones.
How the Google Business Profile can help small businesses
After everything you have read, would you have a slight idea of how this profile helps business? If you still have doubts, we will dispel them and you will surely soon create a profile if you don't already have one.
Visibility on Google and Google Maps
We are talking about the Google Business Profile being a Google tool and, therefore, It will be visible on both Google and Google Maps. What does this mean? Well, you will appear much more easily in search results. And that will attract customers, especially locally.
Some businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, etc. It is very good advertising, because when someone searches for this type of business it could appear on Google and also having the file will give more professionalism to the business.
Interaction with customers
La The possibility of customers leaving reviews is always positive. The problem is that many times these reviews are written to cause harm or to get something in exchange for removing it. And while it is a good strategy to build a good relationship with customers through their opinions, sometimes, if not managed well, it can sink a business.
In fact, of everything that the Google Business Profile offers, this is the weakest due to the lack of control that exists (anyone can leave a comment whether they have visited the business or not).
Manage reservations/orders/services
As we told you before, in the profile tab you can enable a section to make reservations (in hotels, beauty centers, hairdressers, restaurants...) or even to place orders online.
This helps by simplifying the process. That is, they no longer have to pick up the phone and call, go to the website or even send a message. By being faster and easier, you can get more clients.
Statistics analysis
Each month, Google usually sends a message so you know the statistics of this profile. That is, if they visit it, how many have done so, if you have had calls through this profile, what route actions have they taken...
All this information is very valuable because it helps you with marketing strategies and to make decisions that bring you closer to customers.
Offer information to potential clients
Hours, telephone number, address, news... The profile is something like a board where users can find useful information that helps them take the step and reach the store or the website to learn more.
In addition, you should know that many times the users themselves are on the lookout for new businesses in their area, simply to try the novelty. And it is a way to make yourself known, also for free, because you will appear if a person is close to your area.
Solid Internet Presence
Finally, another reason why the Google Business Profile can help small businesses is because it gives you a solid presence on the Internet. Many businesses are afraid of negative reviews and decide to “hide” and not post a listing on Google.
However, by exposing yourself, you are making it clear that you are a solid company capable of managing useful information for users and controlling comments, whether they are positive or negative. In other words, you will be providing credibility and trust.
Now that you know how the Google Business Profile can help your small business, don't you think it's worth creating the listing and having users reach out to you by giving you valuable information about your customers? Do you have it active? Have you had problems with her? We read you in comments.