If you’re reading this, chances are you don’t need to be told what exactly Google My Business is – you use it almost daily.
But just in case, here is a quick hypothetical scenario:
You are in a new city and craving an artisan pizza.
You google “Artisan pizza near me.”
Google loads three pizzerias nearest you at the top of the page.
The listing shows their location on Google Maps, contact information, Google Reviews, hours, etc. – basically all the information most relevant to helping you decide where you will be eating.
You choose the one with the most reviews and begin navigating your way there.
Sound familiar?
Of course it does.
That is Google My Business in a nutshell. Consumers who are ready to buy right now are searching for immediate recommendations and are able to make an instant purchasing decision based on pertinent information in a brief listing at the top of a search result.
And with every search result, just three businesses, with basic listed information, will show up at the top – the all-important “Google My Business 3 Pack.”
But did you notice something in that hypothetical (and surely this has been your experience too)? At no point were you concerned about finding a website or social media page. Granted, once you found the pizzeria then you might want to check their website for an online menu or reservation system. Regardless, a website and social media presence actually had little bearing on the hypothetical decision you made in selecting the nearest, highest rated pizzeria.
The point being when consumers are in need of real-time information or are looking to make an immediate purchase, the bulk of your business’ digital presence becomes almost supplementary.
Your Google My Business profile takes center stage.
At a minimum, a Google My Business profile provides users with the basics of what is important for them NOW:
- Where are you located?
- What are your hours?
- Is there a number to call?
How do your Reviews stack up against the other two profiled listings (your direct competitors)?
With just bare minimum details about your business, you are in a position to begin capturing consumers searching in real-time by having your listing primed to be featured within the highly prized “3 Pack.”
While a Google My Business profile with the basics covered can help you acquire real-time leads, a truly optimized profile will greatly improve your digital visibility – website, SEO, Google AdWords campaigns, social media, etc. – and be an invaluable asset for your on-going digital marketing strategy.
That is where your local Google experts at ThriveFuel can help. Call or email our team now so we can review your current Google My Business listing and make sure you no longer miss out on all of those lost sales!
Adam Mahan is a contributor to the ThriveFuel blog. Adam has 15 years of experience in digital telecommunications and media, working with Fortune 500 companies as well as digital marketing agency start-ups.
