Google Business Profile is a free online marketing tool that small businesses can use to get found online and win new customers. It allows business owners to create a Google+ page for their business, which will help Google index their website and show their business info in Google search results.

In this blog post, we will explain what Google Business Profile is and how it can be used to grow your business.

Using Google Business Profile

Why should I use Google Business Profile?

If you are a small business owner, Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that can help you get found online and win new customers. Google is the most popular search engine in the world, and when people search for businesses like yours on Google, your Google Business Profile page will show up in the search results.

People will be able to see your business name, address, phone number, website, and even reviews from other customers. Getting a Google Business Profile page is a great way to make sure that potential customers can find your business online and learn more about what you have to offer.

By using Google Business Profile, you will be able to take advantage of:

Better rankings. GBP is essential for any business that is looking to take attract a local audience. Their listings will appear in local search results for queries that are specific to the products and services that are being searched for – this provides an advantage as customers are likely to be more inclined to trust a business that is on their doorstep.
Get more control over your business' information. In its basic form, the role of GBP is to provide information about a business in Google's local search index. Not only does this allow you to ensure that your details are listed correctly, but additional tools are included to enhance a user's browsing experience. You can add more information such as product lists, payment types, prices, menus and interactive features(such as photos, videos and reviews), etc.
Manage, display and reply to your reviews. One of the most important features of a GBP listing is the ability for a business's customers to leave reviews. Google actively 'recruits' their users to act as 'local guides' – rewarding them when they rate and review local firms. Having the ability to show off high-quality, positive reviews will improve the visibility of the business and increases the chances that a potential customer would be interested in its services.
Understand the behaviour of your users. A GBP listing is a great way for businesses to learn more about their customer base through its inclusion of extra data that cannot be found elsewhere. As an example of this; on Google Maps, information can be accessed on where requests for directions came from. If a significant number of these requests originate from a location that the business may not have been targeting previously, they can adjust their SEO or PPC ad campaigns to take advantage of a new market.

How to use Google Business Profile

One of the best things about Google Business Profile is that it's free! There is no cost to create a Google+ page for your business and you don't have to pay to list your business on Google. All you need is a Google account (which is also free).

To get started, go to google.com/business and click "Start Now". You will be prompted to enter your business information, such as your name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Once you've entered all of your information, Google will verify it and create a Google+ page for your business.

Need any additional help to set up your own listings or want to learn more about Google Business Profile? Then why not consider getting in touch with the eCommerce specialists here at Advansys?

Advansys – Leading specialists in eCommerce website design.

As specialists in helping all kinds of businesses to achieve eCommerce solutions that will help to improve their online presence, we can say that it's vitally important for any business to prepare themselves for the months and years ahead. Whether you need help with advertising, marketing or even need a completely new website design, Advansys are here to help.

If you would like more information on how we can help to improve your Google Business Profile listings or need any eCommerce advice in general, please don't hesitate to contact our team on 0118 380 0201. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to sales@advansys.com and we'll get in touch as soon as possible.