In Today’s fast-paced world, having an online presence is essential for UK small businesses.
GMB is a free and powerful tool from Google. My Business is a free and powerful tool that helps your small business to appear in Google search results and Maps, so your customers can find your business online easily.
Whether you own a small business like a boutique, a shop, a small cafe, or a plumbing service, it can be any business, Google My Business boosts your business’s visibility and credibility.
Google My Business allows you to showcase your business details, post business-related updates, respond to customer reviews, and track customer engagement.
As more people search for services online, it is important to optimize your Google My Business profile can increase traffic, drive sales, and generate leads.
This guide explores how to use Google My Business to grow effectively for small businesses in the UK. Let’s begin by exploring it.
Why Google My Business is essential for UK small businesses
Here are the key benefits of using Google My Business is worth for your small business:
Increase business visibility
When customers search for your business, such as the best electrician in London or the best bakery near me, Google My Business helps your business appear in the Local pack and Google Maps, increasing your chances of attracting new customers.
Build credibility and trust
A small business having Google My Business profiles and positive customer reviews can make your business more trustworthy and attract potential customers.
Encourage customer engagement
With Google My Business, call your business with one click, get directions to your location, visit your business website, and get more leads by engaging potential customers.
Boost sales without using paid ads
Well-optimized Google My Business profile can help as free advertising, and help you to gain leads without spending money on paid ads.
How to set up a Google My Business profile?
Listed below are some steps to verify your business in GMB. Once your business is verified, your business will start appearing on Google Search and Maps:
Step 1: Go to Google My Business
- Go to Google My Business
- Click on Get started
- Sign in using a Google account.
- Click on Get Started if you don’t have a GMB account.
Step 2: Enter your business details
- Enter business details like the business name
- For business categories, choose relevant categories like restaurants and digital marketing agencies.
- Business address: If you have a physical business location, then enter your business address.
- Phone number and official website, add your website URL and contact number.
Step 3: Verify your business
GMB requires verification before listing the business-like,
- Postcard verification, where Google sends a code via mail
- Email verification to select your business
- Phone verification for eligible businesses
- Instant verification if your website is verified with Google Search Console.
How to optimize your Google My Business profile for maximum impact?
Creating Google My Business is just the first step, further, you need to optimise it to make your business stand out:
Keep your business information up to date
- Make sure that your business profile details are 100% correct.
- Make sure to add your physical address and contact details.
- Update your website URL on your GMB profile.
- Enter the services and products you offer.
- Also, enter your business map.
Upload your business photos and videos with high quality
- Businesses with high-quality photos get more leads.
- Upload exterior photos so customers recognize your location.
- Interior photos to showcase the ambiance at the business location.
- Images related to your services and products you offer.
- Team photos of your business to build customers’ trust.
Write a powerful description of your business
- Write a powerful description of your business, which should highlight your products or services and your unique selling points.
- E.g.. XYZ bakery in London serves cakes and freshly baked items.
Add your products and services
- If you offer services, list your offerings such as plumbing services, legal consultations, beauty & salons.
- If you offer products, add photos of your products and retail store, descriptions, and prices.
Keep your Google My Business profile updated:
- Update your small business hours for holidays.
- Make sure you add photos of your business regularly.
- Always try to respond to your customers’ inquiries and messages regularly.
- Post if your business gets new promotions and business events.
Use the power of Google Reviews and learn how to manage them.
Encourage your happy customers to leave reviews
You can ask your satisfied and happy customers to leave a review on your business page, as the reviews boost SEO and trust in your business.
Responds to all reviews, both positive and negative
You should thank positive reviewers, and comment on their reviews, like We are so glad you enjoyed your experience.
Also, comment on negative reviews professionally, such as We are sorry to hear this, please contact us so we can resolve your issue.
How to use Google posts and insights to grow your business?
Post updates, promotions, and events about your business
Google Posts allows you to share updates like special offers, 20% off this weekend, new product launches, and event announcements.
Track performances with Google Insights
This insight offers valuable data about how customers find you like Google search. Actions taken, like calls, website clicks, and direction requests. Also offers data about the most popular search terms.
FAQ
Q.1. Is Google My Business for UK small businesses?
Ans: Yes, GMB is free for all UK businesses. There are hidden costs to creating, managing, and verifying your business listing. Also, you can choose to run Google Ads for additional promotion.
Q.2. How long does it take to verify the Google My Business profile?
Ans: Verification typically takes 5 to 14 days if verification is done via postcard. Instant verification is possible if your business is already verified on the Google Search Console.
Q.3. Can I list my home-based business on Google My Business?
Ans: Yes, if you don’t have a physical storefront, you can select service area business while setting up your profile and hide your home address. This type of listing works well for freelancers, mobile service providers, and consultants.
Conclusion
Google My Business is a game-changer for UK small businesses seeking to attract customers to more local customers and boost sales.
By setting up your complete profile, posting updates, getting reviews, and tracking your business insights, you can improve your online presence without spending on ads.
A well-optimized Google My Business profile builds trust as well as credibility, also ensures that potential customers can search and engage with your business easily.
Regular updates to your profile and interaction with customers will help you stay ahead of the competition.
So don’t miss this free opportunity to create and optimize your Google My Business profile today and watch your business boost.
