Attract Your First Customers with Google Business Profile
Launching a new business comes with a myriad of challenges, from establishing your brand to attracting your first customers.
In today's digital-first world, your online presence can make or break those early efforts. Google is the most used search engine on the planet with around 8.5 billion searches made every single day. More importantly it is typically the first place customers go when trying to find you or your service.
If you’re not setup with Google then your customers may not be able to find you, therefore, you’re not only losing out on potential clients and profits but they’ll be heading to your competitors instead.
But wait, I have a website —isn’t that enough?
Whilst in most cases that is true as some website providers sync with Google automatically. This is however just your website being listed on Google, what we’re discussing is Google Business Profile which is the service Google offers to manage how your business is presented to customers on Google.
Why Google Business Profile is Essential for New Entrepreneurs
As a new business owner, your primary goals are to gain visibility, build credibility, and connect with customers. Achieving these goals starts with your presence on Google, the first port of call for prospective customers.
Benefits to using Google Business Profile
So why should your business use this tool? Other than being completely free, here are the top 5 benefits.
1. Immediate Online Presence
Setting up a Google Business Profile provides an immediate online presence, making it easier for customers to find you even if your website is still in the works. This is especially critical for local businesses, as Google prioritises local listings in search results, helping you reach customers right in your community.
2. Builds Trust and Credibility
For new businesses, building trust is paramount. A verified Google Business Profile allows customers to see that your business is legitimate and established. Customer reviews and ratings on your profile further enhance credibility, encouraging more customers to choose your service over competitors.
3. Engage Effectively with Your Audience
Google Business Profile offers tools to interact with your customers directly through reviews, questions, and answers. This direct engagement is crucial for new businesses looking to understand and serve their customers better, creating a loyal customer base from the outset.
4. Gain Valuable Consumer Insights
Google provides detailed insights into how customers find and interact with your listing. For a new business, understanding these patterns is invaluable for refining your marketing and operational strategies to align more closely with customer needs and behaviors.
5. Drive Traffic to Your Website
Including a direct link to your website in your Google Business Profile can significantly increase traffic. More traffic means more opportunities to convert visitors into customers, which is crucial for new businesses looking to establish a foothold in the market.
A Critical First Step
For entrepreneurs launching a new venture, creating a Google Business Profile isn't just a good idea—it's a must. This free tool can significantly enhance your online presence, helping you connect with customers and build brand awareness from day one.