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Google Business Profile: Why Your Business Can't Afford to Ignore It

August 02, 20245 min read

We discussed earlier this week the important role that SEO plays in ranking your website and business higher in Google search. But an even more powerful strategy to achieve this is using one of Google's own platforms: Google Business Profile. Being aware of its importance, especially for the online reputation of businesses, we delved into this topic a bit. After we've conducted our research it became clear that this is not necessarily a platform that all businesses believe is essential. Surprised or not surprised?

We explored this result a bit more to better understand where the gaps lie, and why this is a critical platform that your business can't miss out to feature on.

Do Businesses Really Utilize This Platform?

Despite the vast potential of Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business), many businesses still overlook its importance. There are several reasons for this underutilisation. Some businesses, especially small or local ones, are simply not aware of the platform or its benefits. Business owners often feel they do not have the time to set up and add another profile to the list that needs management. Additionally, many businesses underestimate the impact that an optimised Google Business Profile can have on their online visibility and customer engagement.

Note though, that the key lies in optimising the platform, and not just having one. Businesses often also have the misperception that if they create a profile with incomplete information that sometimes even includes inaccurate information, it is better than not having one. However, competitors' complete and up-to-date information will easily outrank your business profile in searches and leave customers unimpressed with its incompleteness. This is almost more harmful than not having a Google Business Profile! Just like with everything in the business world, you need to go all out.

Why Missing Out Is Detrimental to Your Business

Ignoring Google Business Profile can have significant negative consequences for your business. Without a Google Business Profile, your business is less likely to appear in local search results, reducing the chances of potential customers finding you. Customers expect to find accurate and up-to-date information about businesses online. A lack of a Google Business Profile, or even an incomplete and inaccurate one, can make your business appear less credible or less established. Furthermore, Google Business Profile allows for direct interaction with customers through reviews, messages and Q&A. Without this platform, you miss out on valuable engagement opportunities, building your online reputation, and securing warm leads that contact you.

The Purpose of Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is designed to help businesses manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. The platform allows businesses to provide accurate information, ensuring that customers have access to essential information such as business hours, location, and contact details. It also enables businesses to engage with customers by responding to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates directly on the platform. By improving local SEO, Google Business Profile makes it easier for potential customers to find your business when searching for relevant services or products. If this doesn't prove all the rich opportunities this platform holds, I don't know what will!

The Benefits of Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile offers a multitude of benefits and functions that can significantly enhance your business’s online presence. By optimising your Google Business Profile, your business is more likely to appear in local search results and Google Maps, increasing your visibility to nearby customers. The platform allows you to respond to customer reviews and questions, fostering a direct line of communication with your audience. This helps with efficiency and securing leads, which inevitably will result in the growth of your business. Positive interactions can enhance your reputation and build customer loyalty.

Any business appreciates statistics to keep track of how they've been performing. Google Business Profile also provides valuable insights into how customers find your business and interact with your profile. You can track metrics such as search queries, profile views, and actions taken (e.g., calls and website visits), enabling you to make informed decisions about your marketing strategies and improve in all the necessary areas to boost your metrics. Additionally, you can highlight your products, services, and special offers directly on your profile, attracting potential customers with visually appealing content and easily directing them instantly to an offer. Integrate appointment booking directly into your profile, making it convenient for customers to schedule services without leaving the Google ecosystem.

Customers love to be informed as it helps with their decision-making. You can share news, events, promotions, and other updates through posts on your profile. These posts can appear in search results, keeping your audience informed and engaged. Furthermore, you can enable messaging on your profile to allow customers to send you direct messages, providing a quick and easy way to address inquiries and build relationships.

Conclusion

Google Business Profile is an indispensable tool for any business looking to enhance its online presence and engage with customers. Failing to utilize this platform can result in decreased visibility, lost credibility, and missed engagement opportunities. By optimising your Google Business Profile, you can improve local SEO, interact with customers, gain valuable insights, showcase your offerings, and provide a seamless customer experience. Don’t let your business fall behind—harness the power of Google Business Profile to drive growth and success.

Is GBP something that you struggle with? Is it something you want but don't know how to get? We can help.

We've also created a fun and quick-questions quiz that will help you determine in which category of online reputation management you fall based on factors such as GBP and SEO: https://scorecard.pocket-business.app/onlinereputation

Google Business ProfileSEOOnline VisibilityCustomer EngagementBusiness GrowthGoogle Search
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Just like your wedding photos, your Google Business Profile deserves to be professionally staged to showcase who you are, build credibility, attract customers, and outrank in local searches.

The FAQ's our previous clients asked.

Who is Pocket Business?

Pocket Business serves as the Swiss Army Knife for your business operations, offering a comprehensive solution with seven essential tools that are easily accessible from your pocket. Imagine having all the resources necessary to shift from self-employment to business ownership, conveniently available on a mobile app while you're away from the office. This empowers you to take control and manage both daily tasks and long-term goals effectively.

Here are the seven tools you get with Pocket Business that will act as a game-changer for your business:

1. Enhancing Operational Efficiency: By utilising integrated tools such as CRM and pipeline management, Pocket Business simplifies your workflows. This enables you to reduce time spent on manual tasks and focus more on strategic growth, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced errors.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Providing a sophisticated platform to oversee all customer interactions, this tool guarantees effective nurturing and management of each client. This enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, which are crucial for sustained success.

3. Scalability: Pocket Business expands alongside your enterprise as it grows. It offers adaptable solutions that manage rising complexity without requiring significant extra resources. This scalability guarantees that you can expand your business with confidence and effectiveness.

4. Accessibility and Control: With the Pocket Business mobile app, you have the power to manage your business from anywhere, giving you immediate control. This level of accessibility is essential for maintaining authority and making well-informed decisions while on the move.

5. Peace of Mind: There’s a unique comfort that comes with knowing your business operations are smoothly managed. Pocket Business embodies this reassuring feeling, allowing you to peacefully drift back to sleep at 3 a.m., knowing that it will support your business the following day.

6. Value-Centric Strategy: At Pocket Business, we put value at the centre of our operations. We're committed to helping our clients grow by focusing on what truly matters: their success. By supporting business owners to understand and meet customer needs effectively, we ensure that your business thrives and contributes to the growth of others.

7. Client Success and Partnership: We work tirelessly to provide the tools and insights needed for substantial success. Pocket Business is about creating lasting value that helps our clients grow. We believe in a partnership that moves beyond transactions to transformations.

Pocket Business is more than just a tool; it's your companion in reshaping success and attaining the harmony every business owner aspires to. It helps you transition your business from its current state to your desired destination, making sure you are prepared for whatever comes next.

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Why join Pocket Business?

Joining Pocket Business means gaining access to advanced tools that streamline reputation management. Our services help businesses attract more reviews, manage feedback more efficiently, and ultimately enhance their public image and credibility.

Can I start with a trial?

Absolutely! We offer a no-obligation trial that allows you to explore our features and see the benefits for yourself without any initial investment. This way, you can be confident in the value we provide before committing to a subscription.

Does Pocket Business work with any business?

Pocket Business is versatile and designed to support a wide array of businesses, particularly those where the owner is deeply involved in day-to-day operations. This includes service-based industries, small to medium enterprises, and sectors requiring robust client engagement and management. While Pocket Business can be beneficial across various industries, its tools and solutions are especially advantageous for:

- Businesses looking to manage customer relations and enhance online presence.

- Service providers such as healthcare, real estate, legal, and consulting services aiming to streamline operations and improve client communication.

- Hospitality businesses including restaurants and hotels that benefit from reputation management and customer feedback.

However, it may not be as suitable for very early-stage startups or hobbyists who might not have the structure in place to fully leverage its advanced marketing and CRM capabilities, or businesses in immediate financial distress needing crisis management rather than growth support.

Are there any long-term contracts?

No, there are no long-term contracts required. Our services are provided on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to opt-out at any time if your needs change.

Is it a "one-size-fits-all" solution, or can it be customised according to my needs?

There are standard solutions to choose from, but we believe that your solution must be fit for your purpose. You will have a better understanding of what you need after the free trial.

Is it affordable?

Yes, our services are designed to be cost-effective, with plans starting as low as $297 (R1,790 VAT exclusive) per month. We aim to provide high value at competitive prices, ensuring businesses of all sizes can benefit from our expertise, customised to serve your objectives best.

What is Reputation Management?

Online Reputation Management (ORM) is the strategic practice of influencing and maintaining a positive public perception of a brand, company, or individual across digital platforms. Reputation Management involves strategies and actions to monitor, influence, and improve the public perception of your business online. This includes managing online reviews, responding to customer feedback, and using digital content to shape your brand's reputation positively.

Here are the key aspects and benefits of an effective ORM strategy:

1. Trust and Credibility: A strong online reputation fosters trust and credibility, essential for attracting and retaining customers. Positive online content, reviews, and testimonials significantly enhance a brand's reliability in the eyes of the public.

2. Influencing Consumer Behaviour: Online reviews and reputation play a crucial role in shaping purchasing decisions. A robust online presence can sway consumers towards choosing your services or products over the competition.

3. Driving Business Growth: A positive reputation not only draws in new customers but also opens doors to new partnerships and business opportunities. Positive feedback and endorsements can be powerful magnets for potential business engagements.

4. Crisis Management and Negative Feedback Mitigation: Effective ORM includes handling negative feedback and misinformation swiftly to prevent potential damage to your online presence. This proactive approach ensures you maintain control over your public image.

5. Enhanced Brand Value: Consistently positive online interactions enrich your brand’s value and set you apart from competitors. This can deepen customer loyalty and elevate your brand's market standing.

6. Search Engine Optimisation: Active reputation management can improve your visibility on search engines. Positive mentions and reviews boost SEO, making your business more discoverable to potential customers.

7. Handling Public Relations: ORM equips businesses to manage crises effectively, minimising reputational damage during challenging times. Timely, transparent responses can safeguard and even enhance your reputation during crises.

8. Building Positive Relationships: Engaging with online audiences cultivates lasting relationships. Regular interaction, addressing concerns, and sharing valuable content can turn customers into advocates and foster a supportive community around your brand.

ORM is indispensable for any entity aiming to sustain a commendable online presence. It not only protects against potential risks but also amplifies visibility, credibility, and ultimately, business success.

Does my business need Reputation Management?

If your business interacts with customers online, reputation management is essential. It helps protect and enhance your brand image, ensures positive engagements with customers, and can significantly impact your sales and customer loyalty.

How does the AI-supported Review Management work?

Our AI-supported Review Management uses advanced algorithms to automatically request reviews, monitor responses, and generate appropriate replies to both positive and negative feedback. This technology ensures timely and professional interactions with your customers, enhancing your brand's reliability and trustworthiness.

How soon can I see results from using Pocket Business Reputation Management?

Most clients begin to see noticeable improvements in their online presence and customer feedback soon. As your reputation grows positively, so does the impact on your business’s success.

What businesses can benefit most from online reviews?

Firstly, you have to take service delivery serious and really commit to delivering an outstanding service. If you do so, you will benefit from getting good reviews, but here are some businesses that cannot be without it:

Restaurants, Hotels, Local Retail Stores, Online Retailers, Healthcare Providers (such as optomotrists, private practices, and dentists),

Real Estate Agencies, Automotive Services (such as dealerships and repair shops), Legal Practices, Fitness Centers and Gyms, Spas and Salons, Educational Institutions (such as private schools and tutoring services), Home Service Providers (like plumbers, electricians, and cleaners, HVAC, home automation, construction, maintenance), Event Planning Services, Travel Agencies, Pet Services (such as grooming and boarding), IT and Tech Support Services, Consulting Firms.

Who is reading reviews?

  1. 98% of consumers read online reviews about local businesses. (Bright Local.)

  2. 78% of consumers use the Internet to learn about local businesses more than once a week. (Bright Local.)

  1. 88% of online shoppers read at least three reviews before making a purchase. (Digital.com)

  2. 54% of these online shoppers will read reviews for every item they buy (Digital.com)

  3. 6% of shoppers say positive reviews have the greatest influence on their online purchases. (Digital.com)

  4. Review interaction has increased by 50% from pre-pandemic levels. (Review trackers)

How do online reviews impact businesses?

  1. Businesses that receive more reviews earn 54% more revenue than the average. (Search Engine Land.)

  2. 62% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase after seeing photos and videos of other customers. (Emarketer)

  3. 56% of customers say a company's response to a review influenced their opinion of the company positively.

  4. 94% of customers say they have avoided a business because of negative feedback. (Review trackers)

  5. Businesses risk losing up to 22% of customers if just one negative article appears when searching for a product. (Moz)

How do online reviews impact consumers?

  1. 81% of consumers now use Google to evaluate nearby businesses, up from 63% previously. (Bright Local.)

  2. In 2021, 77% of consumers 'always' or 'regularly' read reviews when searching for a local business. (Bright Local.)

  3. Only 3% of consumers said they would consider doing business with a company that has an average star rating of two or fewer. (Bright Local.)

  4. 83% of customers believe reviews must be relevant and recent in order to be considered trustworthy. (Podium)

Why should you respond to customer reviews?

  1. 45% of customers say they are more likely to visit a business that responds to negative feedback. (Review trackers)

  2. 56% of customers say a company's response to a review has influenced their opinion of the company (Podium).

  3. 57% of consumers say they are 'not very' or 'not at all' likely to use a company that does not respond to customer reviews. (Bright Local.)

  4. Failure to respond to reviews increases customer churn (customers ceasing to purchase from or visit the business) by up to 15%. (Chatmeter)

  5. 53% of customers expect businesses to respond to their online reviews within 7 days. (Review trackers)

  6. 41% of consumers believe that brands that respond to reviews demonstrate a genuine concern for their customers. (Bazaarvoice)

  7. 62% of consumers refuse to support brands that engage in review censorship, highlighting the detrimental impact of censorship on consumer loyalty.

Which is the best online review platform?

  1. Google remains the most popular review website. (Review trackers)

  2. Six out of ten consumers now look for reviews on Google before contacting a business. (Review trackers)

  3. According to studies, Google accounts for nearly 60% of online reviews, and reviewers are more likely to leave reviews on Google than elsewhere. (Review trackers)

  4. With Google dominating the review market, today's consumers are more likely to search for local businesses, learn about them, and pay them a visit without leaving Google. It will be more important than ever for businesses to understand how this works and to monitor their local Google search and rating.

  5. According to a recent ReviewTrackers analysis, only four websites account for 88% of all online reviews, with Google accounting for 73% of these.

Hear what our happy clients have to say:

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Christiaan Jansen

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Christiaan Jansen

Their approach to systemising processes and managing clients is excellent. I've only touched the surface of their offering and am already super excited to see where this will take my business!

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Renita Gevers

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Renita Gevers

Pocket-Business is a business with heart. Helping people, especially woman to get their business out there, with kindness, competence, support and understanding suited to your own personal needs. I can highly recommend to use Hanlie and her team. You won’t regret it.

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Hanri Chambers

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Hanri Chambers

Joe and Liezl are amazing. They help us to set up the CRM and the functions work great. They were very accommodating when we mentioned we only use certain features after our demo trail and we are beyond excited to use MyPocket Business further.

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