If you’re a small business, one of the most effective ways to improve your online presence and drive more traffic to your website is leveraging Google My Business (GMB).
GMB is a core Google product that helps its users find and discover relevant local businesses based on an individual’s search results. Given that Google is always trying to make its search results more helpful and relevant to its users, GMB is a great step in the right direction.
Despite the incredible SEO benefits of using GMB, most small businesses don’t even realize that they have the option of claiming their GMB listing. T3 is here to help you take advantage of this essential service.
Filling out
your GMB profile helps ensure Google has the most up to date
information on your business. This profile incentivizes Google to
give your business more visibility when someone searches for terms
relevant to your company.
Since the launch of GMB, Google has added more features for small businesses to improve their profile and visibility online. For example, with GMB, you can add your specific location using Google maps, post your operating hours, and even highlight your customer reviews.
The GMB
profile populates instantly in the corner of the Google search page,
making it easier for potential customers to see if your website is
relevant to their needs. Customers no longer have to click the link
to your site to find out more!
In addition
to providing general information about your business, the GMB
platform also allows you to promote sales or timely offerings. If you
run a massage parlor, for example, you can add the call to action
“book a massage now” right inside your GMB page.
While GMB
is currently free, leading industry experts believe that in the
future. GMB will add additional “pay-to-play” features.
This feature will allow small businesses the opportunity to pay for a
higher ranking of their GMB profile.
If Google
decides to roll out the paid GMB promotional options, their decision
will have a huge effect on advertising and online marketing for small
businesses. Given that Facebook continues to grow and expand its
advertising product, to compete, Google must also continue to
innovate its ad offerings
Even though
their current advertising product – Google Ad Words – generates a
significant amount of revenue, adding promotional options on a GMB
page may be a significant game changer.
Though
Google has not officially confirmed, the chances are high that in the
next year, Google will allow small businesses to promote their GMB
page for a fee. If you have not actively filled out your GMB page,
the time to do so is now.
One of the best things you can do for your business is to take advantage of your GMB page! Fill it out and keep it updated to improve your online visibility and generate more traffic to your website and business. T3 is here to help; contact us today!