BUSINESS
For local businesses (hairdresser, plumber, restaurant), presence in Google Maps is "to be or not to be". The article explains how to set up and verify a profile, why reviews are the currency of the 21st century, and how simple, free actions can double the number of calls from customers in a month.
When a pipe bursts or you're looking for good pizza, what do you do? You type "plumber [city]" or "pizza near me" into your phone. The first thing you see is a map with pins. These are Google Business Profiles.
If your company isn't there, you're handing customers over to the competition. For free.
It's a free tool from Google that allows you to manage your company's image in Search and Maps. It displays your address, opening hours, phone number, and customer reviews.
Just setting up a profile isn't enough. To be in the "top 3" (the so-called local pack), you need to take care of a few elements:
According to research, over 80% of people trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Pro Tip:
Don't be afraid to ask satisfied customers for a review. Send them an SMS with a direct link to leave a rating after the service is performed.
Many companies set up a profile and... forget about it. Meanwhile, Google can "suspend" it for inactivity or incorrect data. Log in to the panel regularly and check if anyone is suggesting changes to your opening hours.
Google Business Profile is the cheapest and most effective local advertising. It only requires your time. Spend 30 minutes this week polishing it, and the phone will start ringing more often.
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