Did you know that 75 of local consumers ‘always’ or ‘regularly’ read online reviews for business they’re considering using? And, while there are plenty of review platforms out there, the very latest research confirms that Google remains the favoured source of business intel for a staggering 81% of local shoppers.
With that said, it should come as no surprise to learn that Google Business Profile (your free business listing on Google) can be a powerhouse of local lead generation. Here’s how it can benefit your business and boost your local customer base.
It’s the home of your online reputation
As we have seen, Google is the destination of choice for the majority of local consumers on the hunt for local business reviews. Your listing will include reviews left by previous clients meaning it can help to make or break your online reputation. With consumers turning to Google to access customer feedback and read detailed information about previous customer experiences, this is your chance to stand out.
Reviews are a powerful decision-making tool and can give personal insight into what it’s like to do business with you. Get your product offering and customer service right and those positive reviews could help you to close more leads and generate more business from prospects in your local area.
Don’t forget that the recency of reviews matters so make sure you’re proactive about asking for feedback – and always include a link to your GBP.
You can easily share updates and offers
You can use your Google Business Profile to actively promote your current offers, discounts and coupon codes. All you need to do is share a new Post with image, text and link for it to appear in the local listing. This is a great way to generate more awareness for your current promotions. It’s also a quick, convenient and no cost way to encourage more Google local search users to click through to your site.
It’s proven to boost your visibility in local search results
Google Business Profile is often cited as the most important ranking factor for local search. Regardless of your niche, chances are you have a very lucrative pool of prospects in your immediate vicinity. Claiming and then optimising your business listing are two of the most effective actions you can take to improve your local search visibility for desktop and mobile users.
It’s a virtual showcase for your images and videos
Within your business listing, both you and your customers can upload images and videos depicting your business location, products, services and team members. This is an eye-catching way to capture the attention of search users and showcase your offering to those in the market for those products or service close to your physical location. Use this to your advantage and upload as many high-quality images and videos as possible.
Clients can contact you directly via your listing
Your Google Business Profile also provides a direct communication channel with prospects. If you opt in to messaging, Google local search users can connect with you via direct message. This is a great way to quickly answer questions and provide useful information at the exact moment that a prospect is considering your business.
