It’s become like second nature to us. An automatic, never-ending cycle. We have a question. A need. An issue. We pull out our phone or computer and type whatever we need into Google. It spits out millions of websites and places where we can find solutions or answers. We search and receive what we need. Close the tab. Rinse. Repeat.
And we all know that we do this. But someone else knows this too. Someone with a lot more power and influence: Google. And being the intelligent media guru they are, Google has developed a tool that turns this natural human action into production for both Google and the people who use it to grow. It’s called Google My Business, and if you think you’ve never seen it before, you’re probably wrong.
Any search that Google believes has local intent, a “Local Pack” is featured. Here’s what is looks like:
Why Google My Business is Important
The data and media added to your Google My Business is what populates the Local Pack. Google My Business is a rising tool that is being used more and more frequently in recent history. And it makes sense why.
Google is a business, just like all of the entities that use it to grow. Although they harbor websites that solve the questions that its users have, they would much rather you simply stay on the Google page as opposed to go to another website. And therefore, Google My Business was created and manicured to provide for the growing use of the search engine as a tool for local commerce and information.
88% of consumers who do a local search on their smartphone visit or call a store within a day! In fact, nearly 46% of all Google searches are seeking local information.
As the Local Pack has grown, the result is a drop in clicks to websites. Even if your website ranks on the first page (which is valuable!), it is very likely listed BELOW the Local Pack – which makes optimizing your Google My Business as one of the most important items on the checklist for local business owners.
How Google My Business Drives Revenue
Using Google My Business efficiently is one of the best things a small business can do to grow their online presence. Here’s why.
As the Local Pack has grown, the result is a drop in clicks to websites. Even if your website ranks on the first page(which is valuable!), it is very likely listed BELOW the Local Pack – which makes optimizing your Google My Business as one of the most important items on the checklist for local business owners.
Among the items that a user can derive about your business via Google My Business are images of the business, business description, services provided, hours of operation, and reviews. When optimized, these all drive new business to you! The sad truth is that many local business owners haven’t even claimed their business on Google, therefore not controlling the message/services/description of the business. There are two options. You can leave it up to Google and its searchers to produce accurate information about your business, or direct the message and improve your opportunity to maximize revenue by being prevalent when individuals are searching for a service or product provided by your local business.
Time to optimize
Optimizing your Google My Business right now is something that every business should do. GMB is the first of the Google “mini social networks” to really catch on and pick up in popularity. Now is the time to jump on the Google My Business train and use it as a tool that will help your business grow. It’s truly the future of network business interaction.
Google My Business is an amazing tool, but can be confusing if you don’t have a set plan. At Searchalytics, we are able to optimize your Google My Business listing and make sure you’re getting the most interaction from this resource. Contact us for more information about how we can grow your local business using Google My Business and many other online tools!
