In the digital world, it is essential that your company is highly visible online. An effective way to increase your visibility and findability with low investment costs is to maintain a Google My Business (GMB) accounts. A well-maintained Google My Business account is a must for successful online marketing, especially for small companies, but also for associations and the self-employed.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free tool from Google that allows you to manage your company's online presence in Google Search and on Google Maps. Here you can store your contact information, opening hours, photos, reviews and much more. Potential customers will see this information when they search for your business or similar services in the neighbourhood.
Improve local visibility
Local SEO helps to make your company more visible in local search results. With a GMB account, you will automatically appear in local search results and on Google Maps. This is particularly important for businesses that rely on local customers - such as restaurants, retailers or regional service providers. A well-maintained GMB account can ensure that you end up in the "Local Pack" - the first three local search results displayed on Google.
By providing accurate business information and utilising features such as short posts that highlight news or offers, you can speak directly to your target group. This not only improves customer loyalty, but also increases the likelihood that customers will visit or contact your company.
Building trust and customer loyalty
Customer reviews are crucial today. A GMB account allows customers to submit reviews and make them visible to others. Positive reviews are of course always welcome. They increase the trust of new customers and even improve your ranking in search results. Google sees reviews as an indication of the relevance and quality of a company. But "negative" reviews are also valuable feedback that helps you to improve your offering. How you deal with negative reviews is crucial here.
How do I deal with negative reviews?
Companies can respond directly to reviews via their GMB account. This promotes active customer communication. You show potential customers that your company is customer-orientated and committed. Answering questions and responding to criticism also contributes to a "good" online reputation.
Answering questions in detail and dealing with criticism helps outsiders to recognise the appreciation you show your customers.
Higher click-through rate (CTR) thanks to appealing content
With a GMB account, you can upload photos and videos that are displayed in search results and on Google Maps. Visual content attracts more attention and can significantly increase the click-through rate (CTR). Customers are more likely to click on entries with appealing images.
Up-to-date and detailed information in the GMB account ensures that potential customers can find the information they are looking for quickly. This increases the likelihood that they will click on the link to your website and interact with your company. Important information here includes opening hours, telephone numbers and the address.
The complete profile is important
- Make sure that your name, address and telephone number (NAP) are correct and consistent.
- Enter your current opening hours and update them if necessary.
- Add your website and other contact options.
GMB offers comprehensive Analysis toolsthat provide valuable insights into customer behaviour. You can see how customers found your listing, what actions they took (e.g. calls, website visits) and what search terms they used. This data is extremely useful to continuously optimise your SEO strategy.
Useful links:
- Create Google My Business
- Tips for optimising the GMB profile
- Benefits of a GMB account
- Guide for local SEO
Summary
A GMB account is an important tool for your company's online marketing: . From boosting local SEO to improving customer loyalty and increasing the click-through rate - the benefits are numerous. Companies that regularly maintain their GMB account together with their website strengthen their online market presence in the long term.
With a GMB account, you ensure that your company, association or organisation is easy to find online and makes a positive first impression. The work is a worthwhile investment.
And if you don't want to deal with this at all, or don't want to deal with it regularly, speak to your Website gardener from MaiNetCare an.
