Google Maps for small businesses
Google Maps is a critical tool for small businesses in the digital age. It provides a platform for local businesses to connect with their target audience and improve their online visibility. This research paper delves into how small companies can harness the potential of Google Maps to enhance their online presence, attract customers, and ultimately boost their success.
To have a Google My Business listing, your business must have a physical location that customers can visit and must serve customers within a specific service area or at one particular location. Adding your company on Google Maps is free unless you plan to use it on your website or mobile.
How do I use Google Maps for my business?
Claim your business through Google Maps.
- On your computer, open Google Maps.
- In the search bar, enter the business name.
- Click the business name and choose the correct one.
- Click Claim this business. Manage now. …
- Select a verification option and follow the on-screen steps.
You could only benefit from potential customers with a presence on Google Maps or if your profile needs to be completed. Each month, Google delivers billions of local searches, and more than 30% of all mobile searches are related to location. Make sure potential customers know how to find you.
What does showing up on Google Maps mean for your business?
These days, more and more people are using Google Maps to decide where to go, which presents a significant opportunity for your business to engage new potential customers. By taking advantage of Google My Business and setting up a Business Profile on Google — a free online listing that lets you share critical information about your business, products, or services — you can become more accessible to discover and more appealing to potential customers. Learn below how a strong presence on Google Maps can benefit your business.
- Help users find and view your location
- Start conversations with potential customers
- Drive more traffic to your website
- Showcase your business with images
- Increase footfall by listing your open hours
- Build your reputation with reviews
When Google Maps users think about a destination, many want a glimpse of what to expect when they arrive. That sneak peek can spark excitement in potential customers, and that enthusiasm is reflected in their search behavior.
1. Adjusting your opening hours
The first step to helping potential customers find your physical location is verifying your Google My Business profile. Once verified, business owners can submit the site of their store, and it will appear on Google Maps. Google users will then be able to access directions to the store with the tap of a finger, and the business will appear prominently in mobile search results. These outcomes mean your company has the best chance of attracting new potential customers.
Each month, Google delivers billions of local searches, and more than 30% of all mobile searches are related to location. Make sure potential customers know how to find you.
For businesses that travel to where a customer is rather than having a physical shopfront, it's also possible to show a service area radius rather than highlight the business's specific location on Google Maps.
2. Start conversations with potential customers
The internet has changed how people interact with businesses, but many shoppers still like to pick up the phone to shop before making a purchase. Google delivers hundreds of millions of calls every month, and on Google Maps, placing a call is as simple as tapping the phone icon.
Whether to reserve a table for dinner or enquire about a product, offering potential customers the chance to talk on the phone will help them decide. Offering a quick and easy way for potential customers to get in touch could give you an edge over your competitors.
3. Drive more traffic to your website
A complete Business Profile can help drive more traffic to your website and physical store. When you include a link to your website, people who discover your business on Google Maps can access it with a single tap.
Google Maps users looking at local businesses often decide where to go. Including a link to your site lets them learn more about you when deciding whether to purchase.
4. Showcase your business with images
When Google Maps users think about a destination, many want a glimpse of what to expect when they arrive. That sneak peek can spark excitement in potential customers, and that enthusiasm is reflected in their search behavior. Hungry people, for example, love to look at food when deciding where to eat. According to Think with Google, over the past two years, mobile searches for "menus" have increased by 55%, which shows how important images can be if you're hoping to attract people to your restaurant.
It's not just restaurants; all businesses can benefit from uploading photos to their Business Profiles. Google research shows that companies with images get 42% more requests for directions. For business owners, adding and updating pictures on Google Maps is easy; once you upload them to your profile, they'll automatically appear in the business listing when users do a relevant search.
5. Increase footfall by listing your open hours
There's nothing worse than being excited to visit a venue only to discover it's closed when you arrive. Business owners can help potential customers avoid disappointment by listing their opening hours on their Business Profile on Google. This means that Google Maps users will see a closed sign when you're not open, and they can filter their searches based on which stores are available now. It will also display a "closing soon" tag if customers need to hurry to catch you.
6. Build your reputation with reviews
A complete profile gives your potential customers everything they need to visit your store and make a purchase. But that's true for the other businesses that appear on Google Maps, too. If Google users try to choose between two options, there's nobody they trust more than each other: positive reviews can make them more comfortable using a business.
Business owners can respond to reviews of their stores through the dashboard. If you'd like to receive more reviews, try putting up a sign in your store reminding people to leave their thoughts on Google Maps. You could also have staff mention this to happy customers after they've made a purchase. Businesses that have claimed their short names can also request reviews directly from customers by sending their custom URLs via email or message.
Responding to reviews is an opportunity to build brand loyalty with existing customers and engage with potential new ones. Those who look at your reviews and replies on Google Maps will feel reassured that your business cares about the service it provides and takes feedback seriously.
Completing these steps is easy with Google My Business and could attract new potential customers to your store. The more discoverable you are on Google Maps, the easier it is to appeal to potential customers and get them excited about your offer. It also provides valuable feedback from past visitors — and gives you a way to entice them back for more.
Additional Quick Tips
I. Understanding Google Maps for Small Businesses
A. Introduction to Google Maps and its Importance
Google Maps stands as a critical tool for local businesses. This section provides an overview of Google Maps, emphasizing its pivotal role in connecting small companies with their local audience.
B. The Impact of Online Visibility on Small Business Success
Exploring the profound influence of online visibility on the success of small businesses. Insights into how a strong presence on Google Maps can be a game-changer.
II. Setting up Your Google My Business (GMB) Profile
A. Claiming and Verifying Your Business on GMB
Step-by-step guidance on claiming and verifying your business on Google My Business, the foundation for a robust presence on Google Maps.
B. Completing Your GMB Profile with Accurate Information
Highlighting the importance of accurate business information on GMB and tips for creating a compelling business profile.
C. Adding High-Quality Images to Your GMB Listing
The impact of visual content on customer engagement and strategies for enhancing your GMB profile with captivating images.
III. Optimizing Your GMB Profile for Local SEO
A. Using Relevant Keywords and Descriptions
Insights into leveraging keywords and compelling descriptions to optimize GMB profiles for local SEO, increasing discoverability.
B. The Role of Customer Reviews in Local Search Rankings
Exploring the significance of customer reviews and strategies for managing them to boost local search rankings.
IV. Leveraging Google Maps Features
A. Posting Updates, News, and Events on Your GMB Listing
Guidance using the "Posts" feature to share real-time updates and events directly on your GMB listing.
B. Using Google Maps Advertising Options
Insights into advertising options on Google Maps and how small businesses can leverage them for increased visibility.
C. Enabling Messaging and Responding to Customer Inquiries
The importance of enabling messaging features and best practices for responding promptly to customer inquiries.
V. Monitoring Performance and Making Data-Driven Decisions
A. Utilizing GMB Insights to Track User Engagement
Strategies for using GMB insights to monitor user engagement and make informed decisions for business growth.
B. The Significance of Customer Reviews and Ratings
Understanding the impact of customer reviews and ratings on building trust and credibility.
VI. Showcasing Success Stories and Virtual Tours
A. Sharing Customer Success Stories and Testimonials
The power of storytelling in building trust, featuring strategies for sharing success stories and testimonials.
B. Integrating Google Street View for a Virtual Tour
Exploring the benefits of integrating Google Street View to offer customers a virtual tour of your business.
