Why You Need A Google Business Profile in 2024
In 2024, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business, whether you’re a small local shop or a larger enterprise. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal for boosting local visibility is the Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). If you haven’t set one up yet, you’re missing out on a highly effective and free way to drive more traffic, increase credibility, and engage with customers.
Let’s break down exactly why your business needs a Google Business Profile in 2024 and how it can help you achieve your marketing goals.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free business listing tool provided by Google. It allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Google Maps. When someone searches for your business or the services you offer, your Google Business Profile helps them find key information, like your location, business hours, reviews, and even directions to your store.
In 2024, with local search becoming more competitive, having an optimised and regularly updated GBP is more important than ever.
Boost Your Local SEO
Improve Your Local Search Rankings
If you want your business to show up in local search results, a Google Business Profile is one of the best ways to do it. When someone in your area searches for services or products you provide, Google looks at a variety of factors, such as proximity, relevance, and prominence.
By optimising your GBP with accurate information and relevant keywords, you increase your chances of showing up in the local search “Local Pack”—those top three businesses that appear alongside a map at the top of the search results. This is prime digital real estate, especially for businesses that rely on local customers.
Increase Visibility on Google Maps
Did you know that a majority of customers are using Google Maps to find businesses near them? Your Google Business Profile is directly integrated with Google Maps, meaning your business is more likely to appear when potential customers search for directions or local services. The clearer and more accurate your profile, the better your chances of being found on the map—bringing in valuable foot traffic or encouraging users to call or visit your website.
Build Credibility and Trust
Provide Essential Business Information
A well-maintained Google Business Profile gives potential customers all the critical information they need about your business, like your Name, Address, Phone Number (NAP), and business hours. Keeping this information accurate is essential for building trust—after all, nothing frustrates customers more than arriving at your location only to find you closed early or moved to a different address!
Customer Reviews: The Ultimate Trust-Building Tool
In 2024, online reviews are more important than ever. People trust recommendations from other customers. Your Google Business Profile allows customers to leave reviews about their experience with your business. Not only do positive reviews enhance your reputation, but they also significantly affect local SEO rankings.
Managing reviews is a critical part of maintaining your GBP. Responding to both positive and negative reviews shows potential customers that you value feedback and are committed to providing excellent service. Keep the tone professional and helpful, and always offer solutions if there’s a negative review.
Engage Directly with Customers
Real-Time Interaction with Google Messages
Customers expect real-time interaction, and Google Messages, which is built into GBP, allows you to communicate directly with them. Whether they have questions about your services or want to confirm your business hours, this feature lets you respond quickly, enhancing your customer service.
In 2024, speed matters. If customers can’t get quick answers, they’re likely to move on to a competitor. Utilising Google Messages to provide fast responses can keep leads engaged and drive them towards a purchase.
Gain Insights into Customer Behaviour
One of the best features of Google Business Profile is the ability to see Insights on how customers are finding and interacting with your business online. You can track:
- How many people visited your profile
- How many called you directly from the profile
- What keywords they searched for to find you
- The number of clicks to your website
This data is invaluable for making informed business decisions. You can use it to see which posts or updates bring in the most customers, refine your SEO strategy, and make adjustments to your marketing campaigns based on what’s working.
It's Free and Easy to Manage
A Cost-Effective Tool for Any Business
One of the most appealing aspects of Google Business Profile is that it’s completely free to use. Whether you’re a small business trying to stretch your marketing budget or a larger business with multiple locations, GBP offers a cost-effective way to boost your visibility online.
While there are paid options for local ads (such as Google Ads), having a well-optimised and regularly updated Google Business Profile can help you reach local customers without spending a cent.
Simple to Keep Updated
Google makes it easy to manage and update your profile, whether you want to adjust your business hours, post a special offer, or add new photos. This flexibility ensures that your business information is always accurate and up to date, helping you stand out from competitors who may not be as active with their updates.
Drive Traffic to Your Website and Store
Increase Organic Traffic to Your Website
Your Google Business Profile includes a link to your website, making it a great tool for driving organic traffic. A complete and optimised profile encourages customers to visit your site for more detailed information, like your services, pricing, or blog content.
Bring Foot Traffic to Your Store
For businesses with a physical location, keeping your GBP accurate and optimised can drive more people to your store. Customers are more likely to visit a business if they see that the location is convenient, the hours are correct, and the business has positive reviews. You can even post special promotions or events to encourage visits.
Showcase Your Brand with Photos and Updates
Photos and Videos to Stand Out
The saying “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been more relevant. Adding high-quality photos and videos to your profile helps you stand out and gives customers a clearer sense of what to expect. Whether it’s photos of your product, your team, or your storefront, these visuals can make a big difference in your click-through rate and conversion rate.
Regular Posts and Updates
Another great feature of GBP is the ability to post updates directly on your profile. Whether you’re running a special promotion, hosting an event, or launching a new product, posting regularly on GBP can help keep customers engaged. These posts can also improve your ranking by showing Google that you are actively managing your profile.
Integration with Other Google Services
Google Ads Integration
If you’re running Google Ads, your Google Business Profile can enhance the performance of your local campaigns by linking the two. This combination allows for highly targeted ads that can increase your visibility in local searches.
Google Analytics for Better Tracking
You can track the effectiveness of your Google Business Profile by integrating it with Google Analytics. This allows you to see which actions customers are taking, whether they’re clicking through to your website, calling your business, or checking your location on the map.
Dominating Mobile Searches
Mobile Search is King
In 2024, most searches are conducted on mobile devices, and a fully optimised GBP is key to capturing mobile traffic. Customers searching for services near them are more likely to take action if they find your business on their phone, making a strong Google Business Profile vital for staying competitive.
Conclusion
In 2024, a Google Business Profile is no longer optional for businesses looking to thrive online. From boosting your local SEO to building credibility and driving traffic, a well-maintained and optimised GBP can be a game-changer for any business. It’s free, easy to manage, and gives you the tools to engage with customers and drive growth.
Ready to optimise your Google Business Profile and take your local SEO to the next level? At MJH Digital, we specialise in helping businesses like yours get the most out of their digital presence. Whether you’re looking for a website audit or want to jump on a call to discuss how we can boost your business, get in touch today!
