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  The need for an online presence cannot be overemphasized. This is because, with the advancements in digital technology, the number of persons with internet access is increasing every day. If you own a business, whether it is a product-based business or service-based business, one powerful tool that can significantly boost your business’ visibility and attract customers to you is Google My Business. Google My Business (GMB) is a free and easy-to-use tool from Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.
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Think about it for a moment; how many times have you gone on Google to search for a product or service and see a list of businesses that you can buy from? Or if you’ve ever used Google Maps, you may notice how Google suggests certain businesses within the area to you. Now, imagine your business being suggested to others in that way. What impact can it have on your visibility and sales? Verifying and editing your business information helps customers find you, tell your story, and engage with them directly. This post will walk you through the steps to effectively use Google My Business to increase your business visibility and drive growth.

Setting Up Your Google My Business Account

To start, you need to set up your Google My Business account. If you don’t already have one, here’s a step-by-step process to setting one up.
  1. Visit the Google My Business website and click the “Start Now” button. You’ll need a Gmail account to sign in. You can create one if you don’t have it already, it is free.
  2. Once signed in, you’ll be prompted to enter your business name. Make sure to use the official name of your business to avoid any confusion.
  3. You’ll be asked to enter your business address. This is crucial as it helps Google place your business on the map and make it easier for local customers to find you. If your business doesn’t have a physical location, you can choose the “I deliver goods and services to my customers” option, which allows you to list your service area instead.
  4. After entering your address, select your business category. This helps Google understand what your business is about and match you with relevant customer searches. Be specific and choose the category that best describes your business. For instance, if you run a fashion boutique, select “Clothing Store” rather than a general “Retail Store”.

Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile

Once your account is set up, the next thing to do is to optimize your Google My Business profile. Start by adding your business hours. Ensure the hours you list are accurate as the information will let customers know when they can visit or contact you. Include any special hours for holidays or events to keep your information up-to-date. The next step in optimizing your profile is to add high-quality photos of your business. Photos can significantly enhance your profile and attract more customers. Include pictures of your storefront, interior, products, and even your team. Visual content helps potential customers get a feel for your business before they visit and can significantly increase their trust in your business.
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Managing Reviews

Customer reviews are a powerful component of your Google My Business profile. Positive reviews can boost your business’s reputation and attract more customers. So, encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews by providing excellent service and occasionally reminding them. You can also share the direct link to your Google My Business review page to make it easier for them. Responding to reviews, both positive and negative, is crucial. Thank customers for positive feedback and address any concerns raised in negative reviews. This shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving your business.

Google My Business Posts

Google My Business posts are a great way to keep your audience informed and engaged. You can share updates, special offers, events, and news directly on your GMB profile. These posts appear in your business listing on Google Search and Maps, providing valuable information to potential customers. When creating posts, keep them short and relevant. Use attractive images and clear calls to action to encourage customers to engage with your content. Regularly updating your posts keeps your profile active and helps maintain customer interest.

Leveraging Insights

One good thing about Google My Business is that it provides valuable insights into how customers interact with your listing. You can see how many people viewed your profile, how they found you, and what actions they took. This data can help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement. For example, if you notice a high number of profile views but few clicks on your website link, consider improving your profile’s call-to-action or ensuring your website link is easily accessible. Also, with insights on what search keywords threw up your profile, you can better improve your SEO to enhance your online presence and ensure that more people can find your business.
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Concluding Thoughts

Using Google My Business is a powerful way to increase your business visibility and attract more customers. The good thing about it is that it is free. Imagine having your business listed on the world’s No. 1 search engine all for free. Isn’t that cool?
Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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This article was first published on 20th August 2024

samson-ogunmola

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