Google My Business (now called Google Business Profile) is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. It helps customers find your business, learn about it, and contact you.
Think of it as your business’s online storefront on Google. Here’s a breakdown of what it offers:
- Increased Visibility: A complete and optimized profile helps your business appear in Google Search results and Google Maps when potential customers search for products or services you offer in their area. This is crucial for local businesses.
- Information Management: You control the information that Google displays about your business, including Business name and address, Phone number and website, Hours of operation, Categories and attributes (e.g., “restaurant,” “pet-friendly”)
- Customer Interaction: Google Business Profile allows you to interact with customers by directly respond to reviews (positive or negative), answer questions, post updates and announcements (e.g., special offers, new products)
- Insights and Analytics: You can track how customers are finding and interacting with your profile, giving you valuable insights into your online performance. This includes things like how many people viewed your profile, how many clicked to your website, and how many requested directions.
- Free Marketing Tool: It’s a completely free tool provided by Google, offering a powerful way to market your business online and reach a wider audience.
In short, Google Business Profile is essential for any business that wants to be easily found and contacted by customers online. It helps you control your online presence and provides valuable tools for managing your business’s reputation and visibility.