10 Things You’ll Wish You Knew About Having Your Business Page on Google

You want to grow your business and Google wants to help. Find out why you should be on and actively managing your Google business page on a regular basis.

10 Reasons to Love What a Google Business Page Can Do for Your Business

1. Your Google Business Page Gets Your Business Found Online

What makes your Google business page a must-manage part of your SEO (search engine optimization)? Roughly seven in 10 searches happen on Google, and 97 percent of U.S. consumers use search to find local businesses just like yours (BIA/Kelsey).

2. A Google Business Page Puts Your Business Front and Center

When your Google business page appears in online search, so do your reviews, map, phone number, website and hours of operation—everything a consumer needs to see to choose your business over those of your competitors and take instant action. When someone looks for your business online, your Google My Business information will be displayed prominently in search results along with your address, phone number and teasers for reviews.

3. On-the-go Trust and Brand Awareness

Customer reviews and high star ratings show up along with your business listing in Google search when you have a Google page. Studies show that stars lead to new business with consumers; in fact, eight out of 10 U.S. consumers trust online reviews just as much as they do recommendations from friends and family. Another big benefit of using Google My Business and managing your brand pages on a regular basis is consumer trust. According to support.google.com, “Businesses that verify their information with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.”

4. Your Google Business Page is Device-Neutral

Today’s marketer must ensure their websites and emails are mobile-friendly. With your Google business page, it’s not a problem, and your business will appear on search results on every kind of device, including PC’s, tablets and smartphones.

5. Instant Contact

Your Google business page lists your contact information and phone number, and your phone number is click-to-call friendly. If someone finds your business on a smartphone, they can simply click on your phone number and instantly call your business with any questions they have, to book a reservation or even make a purchase.

6. Dashboard… Included!

Log in to your Google business page and you’ll be taken right to the metrics that matter most. Find out about new customer reviews and get insights about page views that help you understand where your customers are coming from whether they are clicking through to your website or clicking-to-call.

7. Manage All Locations, Add and Edit Information Instantly, From Anywhere

Multiple locations? No problem! You can log in to your Google My Business account from anywhere, on any device that connects to the internet and make changes to your business information or add new locations, so that new customers can discover your business as you grow and all customers have the option of visiting the location most convenient for them. Make updates on your PC or download the Google My Business mobile app and manage your business listings on the go. The Google My Business mobile app is available from the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store.

8. Control Your Brand Image

By playing an active role in adding and managing your Google My Business listings, you ensure that your brand image, messaging, logo and imagery are consistent with the overall brand you are building. Your Google My Business pages also let you upload photos that can be instrumental in showing searchers what your business is about and enticing them to take the next step—whether that means visiting your website, calling, booking an appointment or coming to your business location.

9. Improve Your Local Ranking on Google

Even if people doing an online search don’t search for your business by name, your Google My Business pages make it more likely for your business to be displayed not only in search results. Adding and managing your Google business page also enables your business to be included in Google map search results, along with your high star rating, hours and photos. In addition, when someone does a search for a business “near me” your business locations can be displayed – but only if you add and manage your business page on Google My Business!

10. Give Customers a Virtual Tour of Your Business

Google has a cool feature that allows you to provide customers with a virtual tour of your business before they even visit it in person. Someone from the company comes and takes photos inside and around your space. This allows people to have a street view as well as an inside view. This is especially helpful for businesses in the restaurant industry. Having a Google Virtual Tour for your business is proven to increase your business’s visibility and results in 41 percent of customers actually visiting after the tour.

If you still need to be convinced or you want to know how Google My Business pages have helped other business owners just like you, check out some of these Google business success stories. Once you’re ready to set up and manage your business pages on Google My Business, get started here.