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What is a Google Business Profile and Why is it So Important?

Writer's picture: Kristen ThompsonKristen Thompson

Let’s imagine you are the proud owner of a brick-and-mortar bakery. You just happen to make the most insanely delicious cupcakes in the city, and the people who have indulged in your confectionery delights can attest to that. But what about someone who’s new to the area, or someone who might just be visiting who has a craving for awesome cupcakes? Studies show that four out of five of those potential customers turn to Google to find local businesses. And if you have a fully optimized Google Business Profile (formerly called Google My Business), and lots of positive reviews, your business will come up in those searches and display all the details a prospective customer needs. From where you’re located to what kind of ratings you have and what your hours are, it all appears in your Google Business Profile. And that’s just the beginning.


A Google Business Profile helps Google parse out important information in a variety of different ways.


Not unlike a business directory such as Yelp or Trip Advisor, a Google Business Profile helps people find you, learn more about you, and make an informed buying decision. Where Google Business stands apart is in the incredible amount of traffic it gets. Google is, by far, the most popular search engine in the world with over 75% of market share. Therefore, having a properly-optimized Google Business Profile is one of the most important elements in local search engine optimization (SEO).


Whether it’s a pin on a map or photos, your Google Business Profile is an incredibly important tool to begin brand building long before your new customer crosses your threshold (physically or virtually).


While you may be an extraordinary baker, you may not be a digital marketing agency professional. But, setting up, and optimizing, your Google Business Profile is not complicated. There are several online guides to help walk you through the process. But, if you are not comfortable going it alone, don’t let that stop you from seeking assistance. It’s THAT important to your business.


Credibility at first glance with a Google Business Profile Details


Say that person with a craving for cupcakes who just arrived in town was told by someone that your bakery has the best cupcakes in town. So, they search for your business by name. What pops up are all the details about your business - a complete snapshot including your address, phone number, photos, customer reviews, business information, hours of operation, and a link to your website.




Google Maps and The Google Local Packs are valuable tools.


Let’s say our cupcake aficionado didn’t know your business name, so they just searched for “cupcakes near me”. They are likely to see a Google Map and a Google Local Pack, which are the first three listings that appear under the Google Map. These listings feature star ratings, number of reviews, website, direction links, the business phone number and hours of operation. These top listings don’t appear randomly. Rather, Google seeks information from Google Business Profiles that fit with your search term, and rewards those businesses with those top three spots who have complete profiles and lots of positive reviews. Be sure to verify your business location by claiming it on Google Maps.


Having a Google Business Profile is an important foundation for your online presence.


Not only can having a Google Business Profile help people find you, it also serves to help establish your brand authority and set you apart from your competition. How does it do this?


1. By making it easier for customers to find and reach you.

2. By marketing your brand to a larger clientele.

3. By reducing operation costs as a Google Business Profile works like a silent salesman.

4. By building stronger customer relationships.

5. By helping to identify your competition and monitor their business strategies.


So, be sure to go in and either claim or setup your Google Business Profile. If you need help, St. Petersburg-based digital marketing agency Thompson Marketing Partners has helped business of all types and sizes expand and refine their online presences through proven SEO strategies. We offer a full range of digital marketing agency services and are experts in developing and executing strategic digital marketing solutions that help clients reach their marketing goals. To learn more, visit http://www.thompsonmarketingpartners.com.

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