Why Google My Business (GMB services) Is So vital for Awareness and Footfall

GMB services can help put your business on the (Google) map.

2020 has been a tough year for businesses to say the least. Big, small and local enterprises alike have been forced to shut their doors for extended periods of time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And those that have continued to trade have seen uncertainty and confusion affect buyer behaviour. Support at this time is vital for businesses, which is why services and platforms like Google Maps and Google My Business (GMB Services) are becoming so important to brand survival.

GMB helps search engine users discover products and services in their area, offering a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses to manage and boost their online presence. Famous faces like Anthony Joshua and Sheridan Smith appear in Google’s most recent ad campaign, encouraging customers to help local businesses by dropping them a Google Review.

Google My Business support can take your business from surviving to thriving during these tough times. Here are some of the main benefits of the initiative.

Celebrate being local

Many local businesses look for ways to transcend their postcode, but it’s important to do this without sacrificing the benefits of being able to market yourself as a trustworthy, local brand with a face and story customers can trust.

Search engine users in search of a business or trade often specify the location as a key priority. In fact, 92% of searchers select businesses on the first page of local search results, highlighting the importance of local search engine optimisation.

Google My Business encourages real customers to leave genuine reviews for services in their area, cementing a sense of community that can see your business organically climb the ranks of Google search results.

Cost-effective visibility via GMB Services

As we mentioned earlier, GMB services are free, allowing you to list your business on the biggest search engine on the internet at absolutely no expense to you. Google My Business support gives your customers easy access to your opening hours, contact information, website and physical location with just a touch of a button.

An up-to-date and fully realised GMB profile proves to Google that you are relevant to searchers looking for help within your industry. This means you’ll want to make sure your information is correct on a regular basis, and that it is consistent across all online profiles, including Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Put your business on Google Maps

Google Maps is one of the largest online location platforms in the world, boasting upwards of 154.4 million users. Ensuring that your business is quite literally on the map should be a box on every business’s to-do list – particularly as customers move more and more towards smaller, local brands.

46% of all enquiries on Google are from searchers specifically looking for local businesses, and Google Maps is often the first port of call to confirm close proximity.

One of the key benefits of GMB is the prime real estate it offers in first page Google results. GMB profiles appear as a ‘3-pack’ beneath the map preview itself, highlighting the most relevant local businesses that can meet the user’s needs.

This 3-pack used to be a list of seven to 10 businesses but was changed in recent years to better serve mobile users. As such, the Local 3-pack has become a valuable and highly visible spot in search results.

*shout out to our two favourite local sandwich shops used in the example above – Whitley Bait and Park View Deli) – Check them out, they’re awesome!

Looking for an online marketing agency in Newcastle that offers GMB services?

As a digital marketing agency in Newcastle, with plenty of experience in North East SEO, Local SEO, and Locally Targeted Google Ad Campaigns – ROAR Digital Marketing can help you get the most out of your campaign with our specialist consultancy services. Find out more about the benefits of Google My Business support.

Get in touch with our team today by calling 0191 259 4737 or why not request a callback here