Google My Business

If you are searching for Google My Business , you may want to know how to get your company listed on Google and attract more local customers.

Google My Business is now called Google Business Profile. It allows businesses to manage how their company appears on Google Search and Google Maps.

A well-maintained profile can help customers find your business, check your opening hours, view your contact details and learn more about your services.

What is Google Business Profile?

GMB profile was previously known as Google My Business. The service gives businesses a way to manage important information that appears when customers search for the company.

Your profile can include:

• Business name
• Address
• Telephone number
• Website
• Opening hours
• Business category
• Photos
• Customer reviews
• Services and other business information

For a local business, this information can make it much easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

How does it work?

When someone searches for a business or service on Google, they may see local listings alongside the normal search results.

For example, someone searching for a plumber in Johannesburg may see local plumbing companies, their locations, telephone numbers and reviews.

Your profile gives you a place to manage the information Google displays about your company.

However, creating a profile does not guarantee that your business will appear at the top of every local search. Google considers several factors when deciding which businesses to show.

Local search and SEO

Your business profile and SEO can work together as part of your online marketing strategy.

SEO focuses on improving your website so that it can appear in Google’s organic search results. Meanwhile, your business profile helps Google understand your company and its local presence.

For example, your website can provide detailed information about your services, while your profile gives customers quick access to your location, contact details and reviews.

As a result, keeping both your website and profile up to date can support your overall online presence.

Paid advertising

Google Ads is different from a business profile.

With Google Ads, you pay to display adverts for selected searches. You can choose keywords, set a budget and measure the results of your campaigns.

A business profile, on the other hand, provides information about your company for local searches and Google Maps.

Therefore, the two services can serve different purposes. Paid advertising can help you reach potential customers through adverts, while your profile can help people discover your company through local search.

Why your profile matters on Google my Business

A complete profile gives potential customers useful information before they contact you.

For example, customers can check your location, telephone number, opening hours and website. They can also read reviews and look at photographs of your business.

Keeping your information accurate is important. If your telephone number or opening hours change, update the profile so customers do not receive outdated information.

You should also respond to customer reviews where appropriate. This gives you another opportunity to communicate with people who have interacted with your business.

Improve your local presence with Google my Business

Start by making sure your business information is accurate and complete. Use the correct business category and provide useful information about the services you offer.

Next, make sure your website supports the information shown on your profile. Your business name, location and services should be clear and easy for visitors to understand.

It also helps to add genuine photographs and keep your information up to date. Encourage genuine customers to leave reviews, and respond to them professionally.

However, avoid adding information simply to fill space. Your profile and website should provide useful details that help customers decide how to contact your business.

Google my business For South African businesses

A GMB listing can be particularly useful for companies that rely on local customers.

Whether you operate a shop, professional service, trades business or office, customers may search Google before deciding which company to contact.

Starcom can help businesses improve their online presence through SEO, Google Ads and website services. We can also help you understand how your website and local search presence can work together.

Get your business found on Google

GMB may have a new name, but the purpose remains similar: helping customers find useful information about your company when they search online.

Your Google Business Profile should form part of a wider online strategy. Your website, SEO, reviews and paid advertising can all play different roles.

If you want help improving your visibility on Google, contact Starcom to discuss your SEO and online advertising requirements.

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