What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is an easy to use tool to help get visibility for local businesses and organisations. Business owners can register their business on Google My Business for free. Using this tool, they can manage their online presence for Google Search and Google Maps. Verifying your profile on Google My Business will give you an added advantage because potential clients automatically have a certain amount of trust for Google, and by extension, they trust verified businesses suggested by Google.

An Additional Channel to be discovered on Google

If you are serious about your online presence, then you probably have a website and a Facebook page. You might also have a twitter account or a YouTube account. Google My Business is probably the most important platform you should consider to boost your online visibility. The more Google knows about your business, the more they will think that you are a trustworthy source of information. This means that you will rank higher than normal in Google searches.

Allows for Geographic Discoverability

The world is a lot more technologically focused these days. People are now looking at Google to guide them when they need to make a buying decision. Potential customers search online for everything from where to buy pizza to where they should get their car serviced. 46% of online searchers choose a business that is local to them and 50% are more likely to make a purchase. By using Google My Business, you are getting to opportunity to have your business shown to people in your area who are looking for your product or service.

Benefits of Google My Business?

Besides the obvious benefit of getting your business noticed by more people, there are a few nifty features. Once you have verified your business on Google My Business, you will be able to add products to your profile and you can add ‘limited time only’ specials. There is also a direct messaging function and a place for your existing clients to leave reviews.

Add Products

Using this feature, you can display all your most popular products right inside the Google search results page. It shows an image, title, and price. The more content you add to your Google My Business Profile, the more relevant you become and because of this, your online content will rank higher in organic searches.

Add Specials

A major component to ranking high in Google is to make sure you constantly keep your content updated and relevant. Adding specials to your profile not only tells Google that you are keeping things up to date, but it also encourages people to check back regularly to see what is new

Direct Messaging Function

Allow people the option to chat with you (or a designated customer relations operator) to find out more information about your products or services. This not only connects you directly to customers looking to purchase, but it gives them a personal service which will make them more likely to use your company.

Customer Reviews

Reviews are the most important thing for anyone making a buying decision. People want to see that others have used your product service and they thought it was worth the money they spent. This feature not only allows people to put good reviews, but it also allows you the opportunity to respond to people who leave bad reviews. This shows people that you value good service and that you are not only interested in making a sale.

It’s Free

The most important part for any business owner is knowing the cost of a service. The fact that it’s free means that there are no excuses to not join Google My Business right now.

Let Cognite assist you with setting up your Google My Business Profile today!