Google Business Profile (GBP) Explained

Your Website’s Local Business

Google My Business (GMB) or since April 2022, Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across all of Google’s search assets. These assets include both Google Search and Google Maps. These FREE Google tools allow businesses to manage their local brand and business profiles.  Whether a branch with multiple locations or a single location.  Business owners are able to manage their businesses’ basic information such as their name, address, phone number, and business category.

GBP is a beneficial marketing tool for a wide range of businesses. Nearly every business including small businesses, local businesses, online businesses, and service-based businesses can improve their return on investment by utilizing GBP.

Simply by verifying your business profile on Google – businesses can control how they appear on Google Search and Google Maps. Owners and managers can engage with customers by responding to reviews and even answering questions and private messages. Brick and Mortar or Online Businesses can use the tools to track and analyze their performance on Google and to promote their products and services through Google Ads.

Benefits of Utilizing Google Business Profile

Improved visibility on Google.

By creating and verifying a GBP account, you will increase the chances that your business is seen when people search for relevant terms on Google. Your business profile will also appear on Google Maps. This will make it easier for people to find and visit your physical location.

Engagement with customers.

GBP allows you to respond to customer reviews and messages. Helping to build trust and improve your overall business reputation.

Performance tracking and analysis.

GBP provides insights and metrics about how your business is performing on Google, including how many people have viewed your business profile, how many people have called your business from the profile, and how many people have requested driving directions to your business.

Advertising opportunities.

Google Business Profile can be linked to Google Ads, allowing you to create and run targeted ads to reach potential customers searching on Google.

Potential Risks to Consider Using Google Business Profile

Time and effort.

Setting up and maintaining a business profile on Google Business Profile can take time and effort. Mainly because you want to make the most of the tool’s features and keep your profile up to date.

Dependence on Google.

GBP is a tool provided by Google. Therefore, your business’s online presence on Google is subject to Google’s policies and algorithms. Meaning that your business’s visibility on Google may change depending on factors like the quality and relevance of your business’s profile and content. Not to mention, changes to Google’s policies and algorithms.

Business Industry Competition.

GBP can make it easier for businesses to compete for visibility on Google. This means that there is more competition for search results and ad placements.

Profile Negative reviews.

Google Business Profile, just like its older sibling, Google My Business, allows customers to leave reviews of your business. This can be both positive and negative. While positive reviews can be beneficial for your business. Obviously, any negative reviews can be damaging to your reputation if they are not addressed.

Final Thoughts about GBP

Google Business Profile is a hugely valuable tool for both new and grandfathered businesses looking to improve their online presence and reach. Be sure to carefully consider the potential drawbacks. Make sure that you are prepared to invest the time, effort, and due diligence needed to make the most of the tool.

Most importantly, if your business has a physical brick-and-mortar location that you want customers to be able to find and visit or if you want to increase your online visibility on Google. GBP can be a powerful useful tool for you. It can help you to manage your online presence on Google. Your business’s listing on Google Maps and Google Search to engage with customers through reviews and messages.

If you are a business owner or representative and interested in using the GBP to improve your business’s online presence. Contact ExcitedEYE Corp to consult if you have any questions.  We have years of experience using both Google My Business & the latest and greatest Google Business Profile functionality to increase your web traffic, branding, and sales.