GBP- Google Business Profile Listing
In today’s digital age, Google serves as the primary source for both online and offline customer engagement. Having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential for ensuring your company’s visibility when potential customers search for products or services like yours locally.
With Google’s GBP tool, businesses can manage their visibility on Google Search and Maps, reaching more potential customers by providing crucial information like address, phone number, operating hours, photos, and customer reviews. This not only boosts search engine optimization (SEO) efforts but also enhances trust and visibility among local customers.
Why YOU need a Google Business Profile (GBP) Account
Almost everyone 97% of people find out about a local business on the internet. In fact, 91% of adults have used a search engine in the past month.
64% of people use Google Business Profile to find contact information, making it the digital era’s Yellow Pages.
Website click-throughs account for more than half (56%) of all activities on GBP listings. Business calls account for 24% of all actions taken. In addition, direct searches account for 20% of all actions.
The Value of Google Business Profile Listings:
• 86% of consumers use Google Maps to find a business.
• “Near Me” Google Maps searches have increased significantly in the past 24 months.
• There has been an increase of almost 200% in mobile searches in recent years using the terms “where to buy” and “near me.”
• Up to 98% of consumers trust online reviews when making purchasing decisions.
• Local search is being used for more than just finding businesses; consumers are also conducting price comparisons.
9 Crucial Facts
1. Necessity of GBP in South Africa: Almost everyone uses their mobile phone or turns to the internet to discover local businesses, having a strong online presence through GBP is crucial for attracting customers both online and in person.
2. Benefits of GBP Listings: GBP offers numerous benefits, including increased visibility in Google searches, better engagement with customers, and enhanced trust and credibility through reviews and ratings.
3. Elevating SEO Strategies: By providing detailed and up-to-date information about your business, GBP plays a pivotal role in improving your search engine ranking and driving traffic to your website.
4. Visual Content: Photos and videos shared on GBP provide authenticity and transparency, contributing to a positive perception of your business and boosting engagement and rankings in search results.
5. Driving Conversions: GBP facilitates conversions by providing essential information to potential customers and enabling real-time engagement through features like posts and updates.
6. Mobile-Friendly Presence: With the increasing use of mobile devices, GBP ensures that businesses are easily accessible to users on the go, particularly through integration with Google Maps.
7. Engagement and Analytics: GBP allows businesses to directly engage with customers, respond to reviews, and access valuable insights through analytics, enabling them to refine their marketing strategies effectively.
8. Cost-Effective Marketing: GBP offers analytics to track performance and refine strategies, making it a highly efficient marketing tool.
9. Future Outlook: As digital marketing continues to evolve, GBP is likely to undergo updates aimed at providing even more interactive features and deeper insights into customer behaviour, making it essential for businesses to stay attuned to these changes.
Embracing the capabilities of Google Business Profile is essential for businesses seeking success by leveraging its features effectively, businesses can enhance visibility, engage with customers, and drive conversions expanding their digital marketplace.