Google business listings, formerly known as Google My Business listings, allow you to create a free online profile for your local business on Google. This profile appears prominently in Google Search and Maps whenever someone searches for local businesses like yours.
What are Google business listings and why do you need one?
Having a Google business listing is essential for any business with a physical location that serves local customers. It provides the following key benefits:
- Increased visibility – A Google business listing helps customers find your website and information about your business when they search for related products or services near them. This drives more clicks, calls, directions requests and customers to your front door.
- Manages your business information – Your listing allows you to showcase accurate business info like your address, opening hours, phone number and photos across Google services. You can also highlight key services and attributes about your business to stand out.
- Customer reviews – Users can leave reviews about their experience with your business, which builds up your local reputation over time. Positive reviews reinforce why new visitors should choose you.
In short, Google business listings enable searchers and maps users to conveniently find and connect with your business at critical local search moments.
Creating Your Free Listing is Simple:
Signing up takes just 5 minutes and your profile goes live shortly after. Here’s an overview:
- Go to google.com/business and click “Get Started”
- Enter your business name and address
- Verify your ownership of the business to confirm you have the right to manage the listing
- Fill in key details – description, photos, contact info, opening hours etc
- And done! Monitor and manage your listing over time
What types of businesses benefit most from google business profiles?
The types of businesses that benefit the most from having a Google business listing typically include:
Retail Stores – Local shops, boutiques, galleries, stores selling electronics, clothing, furniture, etc. It allows nearby searchers to easily find store locations and information.
Restaurants – Cafes, bakeries, bars, fast food chains, fine dining and other food-related businesses. Helps people search for places to eat near them.
Service Providers – Plumbers, electricians, home contractors, gardeners, tutors, auto shops, tailors and any small service business relying on local customers. Makes you discoverable in search results when people need your services.
Health & Beauty – Hair salons, spas, gyms, yoga studios, dentists, chiropractors, massage therapy and cosmetic procedures clinics can attract new local clientele.
Real Estate – Realtors, rental properties, building developers and related real estate agencies should list their business to tap into searchers scouting out areas or searching for homes and apartments.
Hospitality & Entertainment – Event venues, hotels, cinemas, amusement parks, museums, concert halls and similar venues catering to local leisure visitors or tourists. Helps drive foot traffic.
Essentially most businesses with a physical location – either a store, office, venue or service area covering a particular geographical area – can benefit greatly from creating a Google Business listing to boost their local visibility. It allows nearby customers to easily find them when searching online.
Creating and optimising your free Google business listing is the quickest way for local searchers to discover and engage with your business. Given how influential Google is, make sure your business leverages this essential tool to attract more local customers.
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