How 1,500 Australian Newsagents lose Customers
As Australia's number one newsagency software provider, I believe we found while recently updating our marketing list that we were shocked to discover how many Australian newsagents hadn't claimed their free Google Business Profile (GBP). Out of an estimated 3,000 newsagencies nationwide, we estimate that less than half have one. That is a horrible statistic.
Now, I have spoken about this many times.
This gap represents a significant missed opportunity for most newsagents, considering the sheer volume of online newsagent searches to find their location, almost all by customers looking to purchase something from a newsagency.
Although the figure is not released by Google, looking at our SEO package, it estimates that Australians perform over 55,000 searches every month for "newsagent near me" and "newsagency near me". As I stated, most of these searches customers use to direct them to a newsagency to buy something. Yet, approximately 1,500 newsagents are missing out as their potential customers will never find their business. What these customers will see are other newsagents.
Why go to all the trouble of making your shop the best if no customers come?
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free tool that puts your newsagency on Google Search and Maps. It displays essentials like your location, hours and phone number.
Why It's a Game-Changer for Newsagents
Boosted Visibility
Show up at the top when someone searches for a newsagent nearby. Look at the image above.
Trust Factor
A polished profile with photos and reviews makes customers more likely to choose you.
Local SEO Edge
Climb higher in local search rankings with a well-managed profile.
Smart Insights
Access data on how customers find and interact with your listing.
It is free and low-effort. You can set it up in under 30 minutes.
Turning Losses Into Gains or The Real Cost of Inaction
If you do not have one, with 55,300 monthly searches for newsagents and only half of them visible online, each newsagency gets around 40 monthly searches on average.
Now consider this.
Lost Revenue Impact
No Google Business Profile means missed foot traffic. Say an average sale is $25. If half of those people were coming to buy, that is, 20 customers a month, they should have picked up. In dollars, that would be $500 a month; those newsagents have lost $6,000/year plus possibly much repeat business from those 20 people.
How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile in 5 Simple Steps
Claim Your Spot
Head to Google Business Profile
- Search for your business.
- If not, create a new listing.
- If it is there, check that you have claimed it; if not, claim it.
Add Your Details
Enter your business name, address, phone number, and hours.
Pick categories like "Newsagent" or "Lottery" to match customers' searches.
Show Off with Photos
Use your smart camera to take a few clear shots of your storefront and products. Add them to your profile; this is important as profiles with photos get 42% more direction requests.
Stay Active
At least once a quarter, go into your profile and update it.
Claim Your $6,000: How You Can Win with Google Profiles
With 55,000 monthly searches up for grabs and half of Australia's newsagents missing out, the time to act is now.
Claim Your Profile Today, its free!