Getting found online is now seamless these days compare to a few years ago when every business find it difficult to reach their customers who are near to their location.

Truth be told before the arrival of Google My Business, many customers who search for your services are products most likely not found your business on the first 2 pages of the Google account. Due to high competition. More also,  most likely even if your business makes it to the first page, the person searching might not be able to make a purchase because of different locations (different country or state).

Thanks to Google My Business, you can kiss those problem Goodbye.

Now, let dive into what GMB  is all about and how you can leverage it

What is Google My Business?

Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps.

This Google tool lets you show up in search results when people are looking for you online. It’s free, which makes it an affordable marketing tool for small and big businesses to generate traffic to themselves. It will help customers find your business, and to tell them your story.

Why you need a Google My Business account(GMB)

1. It helps you to be discovered and also Stand out by disseminating latest and valid information

Customers search online to get specific information such as directions, opening hours, photos and offers and compare businesses. By sharing the latest information, photos and offers on Google My Business are to tell customers what makes your business special.

It’s crucial you don’t leave your customers in the dark. Or leave them to keep guessing of what you have to offer. while you have the means(tool) where they review what you have to offer. Make sure that when someone searches for your business, they find legitimate information, straight from the source.

Your Google My Business listing includes contact information, business hours, and other essential details. You can post updates to share that you’ve expanded services, temporarily closed, or fully reopened.

One of the importance of  GMB  accounts is that it has a  strong local SEO, so the information you share will rank above other sites who are not in the same location as yours.

Misinformation can lead to bad customer experiences and missed opportunities. Imagine the letdown a customer feels when they make a trip to your store only to find that it’s closed. it’s important you update your GMB with right, timely and relevant information.

A Google My Business account lets you keep customers informed

2.Boost consumer confidence

Google My Business profile gives credibility to your business. Even though Google business is not widely used by most Nigeria businesses. But that still doesn’t change the truth.

Customers are 70% more likely to visit businesses with a Google My Business listing.

Another study found that businesses with complete listings on Google are twice as likely to earn trust from customers.

Trust is a key factor when it comes to making purchase decisions. The more confident a consumer feels, the more likely they are to buy. Credibility gained from Google is enough to sway people to be 38% more likely to visit your store, and 29% more likely to make a purchase.

Google My Business reviews help build trust.

3.Engage with customers

This tool lets you join the conversation about your business. Respond to reviews, answer messages and questions, and get more calls from interested customers.

 4.Set up a free mobile-optimized website in less than 10 – 20 minutes

With GMB, you can build a free website that looks so stunning. The free website builder makes it easy to create and edit your site from your computer and phone. It also gives you information about which photos get a high impression, and where your referrals come from.

 5.Discover how clients find you

This free tool gives you significant information about how clients find you and interact with your listing. You can track information about the number of searches for your business, incoming phone calls and requests for directions.

Why do you need to get your business verified on GBM?

You need to verify your business listing to manage your business information on Google Maps, Search, and other related Google properties. The verification process helps ensure that your brand/business information is detailed and that only you, the business owner or manager, has access to it. Until you have completed verification, you have only limited access to edit the business information that appears on Google.

Verified businesses are twice as likely to be considered reliable by customers.

How to list your business on GMB

There are 4 simple steps on how to list your business on  Google:

a. Go to Google My Business to sign-up and create a new listing.

b. Enter Your Business Name and Address in the Search Box. Select a listing if it appears amongst the suggested matches, or create a new one and provide the necessary information.

c. Verify Your Business: Google will verify that your business is located where you say that it is. You will have to wait for 1-2 weeks for a postcard with a verification PIN.

d. Complete verification and start sharing the latest information.