If you are a business owner and what if I tell you, You can manage your business using a single tool that too with minimum cost and human resources? Well, yes that is possible. Google Business Profile is the perfect solution that will get all your business needs covered.
In this technology-driven world, where things like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and Machine learning play a vital role; creating a digital presence for your business has become very important. Especially for small businesses, it is very important to use as much as possible automation to run the business. This not only makes it transparent but also reduces the cost that is being paid on human resources.
This is where Google Business Profile comes into the picture which was Google My Business (GMB) formerly.
What is Google Business Profile?
To reach out to maximum customers, Google Business Profile is a tool where you can list and manage your business on Google. To make an online presence on highly used applications like Google search and maps Google Business Profile can be helpful. Using the information that you provide on your business profile users/customers can easily reach out to you. Google business not only creates an online presence but also lets customers learn more about your business. This results in improved customer relations.
What’s Different Between Google Business Profile & Google My Business?
Google has come up with several new updates which will make it easier for business owners to manage their business here are the updates you must know.
#1 Change in Name
Google has renamed Google My Business to “Google Business Profile”.
#2 No more GMB App
Google in its official notification mentioned, “In 2022, we’ll retire the Google My Business app so small businesses can take advantage of the upgraded merchant experience on Google Maps and Search.” Business owners now can manage and set up their business profiles directly on search and maps.
#3 GMB Website
With the change in its support, the Google Business Profile web portal will transition to primarily large businesses with multiple profiles with the new name “Business Profile Manager”.
#4 Enhanced messaging options
GMB was allowing business owners to chat through maps with their customers. But with the new update, you can chat directly through Google search as well.
Note: Grow Your Business – Local SEO Guide
How to Start With Google Business Profile?
To get on Google Business Profile you have to follow a few simple steps:
A) Register Your Business on Google
On Windows/Desktop
If you have already registered your business you can skip this step. But if you haven’t; visit the Google Business Profile page and register by filling in all the required information like business name, address, category, etc., and then you are good to go.
On Phone/Tablet
Follow the same steps mentioned above:-
B) Claim/Verify your Business profile
Verifying and Updating your profile has become easier now. With the new updates, you can directly update your profile on Google search as well as on Google Maps. Just make sure you are logged in with your Google account.
On Windows/Desktop
● You just have to search your business on search or maps.
● Select your business name.
● Click claim this business < click manage < follow the verification steps.
You can access your business profile to update it with information like your business logo and your opening and closing timing, and what services you provide to your customers.
On Phone/Tablet
● Open Google Maps on your phone/tablet.
● In the search bar search your business name and select yours.
● Claim this business < I own or manage this business.
● Select verification options and follow the steps.
C) Update Business Information
To stay connected and engage with your customers you must keep updating your profile with information like your opening and closing timings, your logo, your business photos, the services you offer, etc.
On Windows/Desktop
● Make sure you are logged in with your account.
● Search your business name or simply “my business” on Google Search or Google Maps.
● Open your business profile < Click edit profile < Business information.
● Update your information and click “save” every time you update anything.
On Phone/Tablet
● Open Google Search/Maps on your phone/tablet.
● Open your business profile.
● Click Edit profile < Business Information.
● Update your information and click “save” every time you update anything.
D) Share offers posts
To attract more customers you can post about offers, discounts, and benefits you provide.
On Windows/Desktop
● Make sure you are logged in with your account.
● Search your business name or simply “my business” on Google Search or Google Maps.
● Click on Promote < Add photos.
● Select the required photo and add.
● To delete any photo select the photo and click on the delete icon on the top right.
On Phone/Tablet
● Open Google Search/Maps on your phone/tablet.
● Open your business profile.
● Click on Promote < Add photos.
● Select the required photo and add.
● To delete any photo select the photo and click on delete on the top right.
E) Talk to Your Customers with direct messaging
To create strong customer relationships Google Business Planner provides the feature of direct messaging where customers can interact with you directly. To do so you have to turn on chat from Google Maps.
On Phone/Tablet
● Open Google Maps on your phone/tablet.
● click on updates > click on chats > click on a business.
● In the settings tab, you will find the option to turn on and off the charts.
Note: Why does Google My Business listing get suspended and how to resolve it?
Benefits Of Google Business Profile
1) Accessibility
The most important feature of Google Business Profile is the accessibility that it provides. If you are a small business owner then this feature will save you a lot of money. Because with the help of Google you can access all the required tools and data anytime and anywhere. You can even manage almost everything on your smartphone.
2) Security
Google is known for its security and privacy. With Google Business Profile you can keep your data safe. Features like 2 Step verification and login monitoring prevent malpractices.
3) Cost-Effective
Google provides highly profitable plans to its users. Especially if you are a small business owner and your requirements are less then you don’t even need a single penny. Also the pay per person model of Google makes it convenient for the user.
4) Cloud and Storage
With Google, you get massive cloud storage where you can store your data in all formats. You can access this data of yours according to your convenience. Business owners can also share these data with their customers.
5) Better Customer Engagement
With the help of Google Business Profile, you can build the trust of your customers using the features like messaging and review responses with direct interaction.
Conclusion
To grow your small business with zero expense and a high productivity rate Google Business Profile is the best suitable platform. You just need to update customer-friendly information that will provide value to your customer on your profile and let google make business for you.
