As a local store owner, you may feel that investing time into your Google search ranking is useless as it means competing with larger retailers like Coles and Amazon. There is some truth in this for some cases, but this isn't the case for primarily local businesses. This information appears when they search for your business or a related topic. Here David can meet Goliath on equal terms. It does not matter how big you are; you get the same size.
So how can retailers use this to get more customers and grow their business in our competitive market if they are local?
You can do this in just 20 minutes based on our experience and with zero cost.
Background
One of the significant changes since COVID is that people plan more of their shopping and try to save time more. To save time and distance, they will research on Google and, to some extent, Bing for what they want; for example, on Google, "Where is the closest newsagency to us?" and "Is this florist open now?"
Now if Google does not know, you will not appear. There is a missed sale.
The best way to get Google to know you are to have a Google Business Profile (GBP).
The Google Business Profile is a free tool that creates a business listing and forwards your business details to Google. It helps you get into Google Search and Maps and connect with your customers in various ways.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is an online page with your business information, such as your name, address, phone number, website, hours, reviews, photos, posts, and more.
It helps you show up in Google Maps searches.
Why are these map searches vital in retail today?
Today, many people use Google Maps to find nearby businesses, get directions and check opening hours.
Here is an interesting survey
You can expect this trend to grow.
What are the benefits of a Google Business Profile?
There are several benefits with your Google Business Profile, for example:
- You can communicate with your customers online through reviews, posts, messages, and bookings. Use this to engage with your customers, share updates and promotions, answer queries, and encourage repeat purchases.
- It provides free advertising and traffic to your shop. You increase your chances of being found by potential customers searching for your products or services.
- The analytics feature on Google Business Profile will let you see what people looking for your business are looking for now.
- It helps you stand out from your competitors by showing your unique selling points. Highlight what makes your business different from others in your niche. Showcase your value proposition or brand personality.
- It does more and helps you build trust and credibility for your business through social proof and ratings, as customers can leave reviews, ratings, photos, and questions on your Google Business Profile. Which shop do you go to with no rating or five stars?
How to Create Your Google Business Profile
Creating your Google Business Profile is easy and free. Here are the steps:
1. You need a Google email account. If your business does not have one, make one.
2. Click here and sign in with your Google account. Alternatively, search your business name on Google and click "Own this business" or "Claim this business."
3. Choose a method to verify your ownership to ensure no one else modifies your profile without authorisation.
4. Please fill out your profile with details about your company, including its name, location, contact information, categories, hours, offerings, etc. Do not miss questions if possible. There is a reason for each question.
5. Put up some quality pictures.
6. Search for your business on Google to check everything looks good. If anything needs improvement, update your profile accordingly.
Do not stop there.
Once you have your Google Business Profile working, look at Bing Places for Business. You can seed the information in Google Business Profile for Bing with the required information.
Also, ask your customers what they use, as some people use, for example, Yelp, Tripadvisor, Glassdoor, Trustpilot, G2, etc. Generally, each business sphere has one or two review/rating sites, highly trusted and popular.
Conclusion
By using your free Google Business Profile, retailers can increase their visibility and attract more customers. This profile lets you appear on Google, engage with your customers, and get feedback. It can help you build trust and credibility with potential customers and increase sales.
Unfortunately, if you need help creating your Google Business Profile, I think you will find Google support terrible, so call me if you are a client.
