October Update: The Power Of A Google Business Profile
Welcome to this month's update! Here's what you'll find in this update (click a section to go directly there):
Your Google Business Profile: What it is & 4 reasons you need it
Written by Tom Choy
Have you ever been on vacation and wanted to find a local tourist attraction? Or maybe you were in a new area and needed to find a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. With a few quick taps on your phone, Google has a list of businesses to choose from.
If you've ever searched for a business on your phone, then you've used Google Business Profiles (GBP). You've seen them on Google Maps with reviews, pictures, operating hours, and other details.
GBPs are a valuable tool for managing how your business shows up across Google products. If you run a business that serves customers in a particular location, then your GBP helps people find you.
Having your "GBP optimized" simply means having all the information correctly filled out, including some backend things that only Google sees. Both customers and Google are more likely to trust your business if your business details are accurately filled out.
4 reasons you need an optimized GBP
1 - Maintain accurate information about your business – Your GBP gives complete control over information about your business, such as hours, website, address, and phone number — all easily accessible on to your customers through Google and quickly changed as needed.
2 - Interact with your customers – You can post photos of your business, products, and services and quickly collect and respond to customer reviews.
3 - Attract new customers – Google helps point local customers to your business and website when they search for a product or service you offer nearby. If your information is filled out and you have good reviews, then you are more likely to gain new customers.
4 - It is a free service – I know you don't hear this much in today's world, but a GBP is completely free to set up and maintain - no monthly or annual costs! So why not use a business tool provided to you by the world's largest search engine company?
How does a GBP work?
A GBP derives its authority from various factors, the top several being positive customer reviews, having correct business information, and linking to a strong website that utilizes best SEO practices. Keywords used in page content, blogs, ad copy, and even posts on GBP contribute to SEO, allowing Google to zero in on you when someone looks up your business, product, or service on Google.
Other factors, such as brand and website authority, are also important, but having a solid GBP is a crucial starting point for showing up for local searches.
3 stats on why your GBP matters:
1 - "Near Me" searches have increased by over 200% – When people change residences, go on vacation, or look for a new service, it's common for them to use Google to figure out where to go, what to do, where to eat, and what to buy.
2 - Over half of GBP Interactions produce website visits – A GBP interaction increases the chance that the viewer will visit your website by 50%. Once on your website, you can convince them to buy your product or service online or in person.
3 - 97% of users primarily learn about local businesses online – If you've looked for a local business, chances are you're one of the 97% of people who've found it through Google.
Having a well-performing GBP is vital in ensuring a strong local and online presence!
Optimizing your GBP
While having a GBP is accessible to all businesses, fully optimizing it and using it effectively takes some strategy and analysis.
If you enjoy DIY projects, you can learn about optimizing your business GBP with how-to articles like this one. If you don't enjoy DIY, then check in with your account manager or contact our team at LifeX Marketing, and we'll be happy to discuss this further!
The Power Of Taking Regular Walks
If you work in an office, you've probably heard that "sitting is the new smoking." Here are a few quotes on walking to help keep us all motivated!
“If you are in a bad mood go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood go for another walk.” -Hippocrates
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” -Henry David Thoreau
“A vigorous five-mile walk will do more good for an unhappy but otherwise healthy adult than all the medicine and psychology in the world.” -Paul Dudely White
"Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it." -Soren Kierkegaard
Meet Judah - Admin Assistant & SEO Audits
If you don't like Judah, we seriously wonder if you have room in your heart for love. This guy is funny, sincere, and always happy.
But he's not the loveable guy that doesn't get any work done. In fact, he's just the opposite!
Judah is a pro at developing and going through processes and the related details. You might say he is a master at "getting his ducks in a row." Beyond that, he is a quick learner and always ready to tackle a problem whether it's with marketing, software, or his aquarium setup.
If you can't guess from the photo, Judah loves to sit down and play the drums (and if you're wondering, he's amazing). He also loves traveling with his wife and baby girl.
Monthly Meme
Speaking of walking, I am (slowly) reaching an age where I find myself sore in the morning after playing sports the previous day. I haven't reached this level yet, but I feel my body slowly moving in this direction 😂.
P.S. A humble brag: it's been over 1 month since I removed my chair from my office, meaning I stand at my desk all day. Why do I do this and what have the results been? Send me a message to find out. 😏
How Can We Pray For You Or Rejoice With You?
Thank you to those who provide prayer requests - our team appreciates the opportunity to bring your requests to God in prayer in our Monday morning meetings and throughout the week.
It's part of our mission at LifeX Marketing: Multiplying wholeness in the lives of our team, clients, and communities by living like Jesus.
If you have a way we can pray with your team or rejoice with you, please leave it here.
Thoughts or Comments?
We always love hearing from people; please leave your comment or feedback below!
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