The Power of Google My Business

Did you know that having a well-optimised Google My Business (GMB) profile can dramatically improve your business's visibility and credibility online? If you've ever searched for a physiotherapist or a mechanic, you’ve probably seen those handy business listings that pop up on Google Maps or at the top of search results. That’s GMB in action! 

We’re going to take a closer look into why GMB is so powerful for local businesses and how adding Google reviews can take your visibility to the next level, build trust, and even generate new leads for you.

What Is Google My Business?

So, what exactly is Google My Business? GMB is a free tool offered by Google that helps local businesses manage their online presence. Think of it as a virtual storefront that shows all the essential details someone might need to know about your business—your location, opening hours, contact details, and even photos of what you offer.

GMB isn’t just a fancy business card, though. It's a powerful part of an SEO strategy that ensures your business appears in Google Maps and local search results. By providing potential customers with key information quickly and easily, GMB makes sure you're not left in the dust by your competitors. If you want locals to find you, optimising your GMB profile is crucial.

The Benefits of an Optimised GMB Profile

Let's talk about why you should put some effort into optimising your GMB profile.

Increased Visibility

An optimised GMB profile will make you more visible to potential customers. When someone searches for services like yours in your area, Google uses the information in your GMB to decide whether or not to show your business in the "Local Pack"—those top three results that everyone sees first.

Credibility

A complete GMB profile also builds credibility. Chances are if someone is comparing your business to a competitor's and sees that your profile is up-to-date with accurate information, customer photos, and hours of operation, while the competitor's looks half-empty, they'll choose you.

Insights & Analytics

One often overlooked aspect of GMB is the insights it offers. You can see how customers find you, whether they found you through search or Google Maps, and even what actions they took. It’s a window into how people interact with your business online.

The Role of Google Reviews in Building Credibility

Google reviews are like gold in the world of local business. They act as social proof—when people see others praising your service, they feel more confident choosing you. In fact, studies show that 97% of people trust online reviews just as much as a recommendation from a friend!

Not only do these reviews help people feel more comfortable doing business with you, but they also help with your visibility on Google. Google loves businesses with positive engagement, which means more reviews can actually help you climb the search rankings, making you even more visible.

If you think about it, those stars next to your business name are often the difference between a potential customer clicking your listing or scrolling right past it. Reviews build trust and drive action.

Strategies to Encourage More Google Reviews

Now, how can you encourage more people to leave reviews for your business without sounding pushy?

Ask Directly

Don’t be afraid to ask your happy customers directly! Timing is key—ask for a review shortly after a successful sale or a great customer experience. Let them know how much their feedback means to you. You could even include QR codes that link to your review page. Display them in prominent places like your reception or lobby area or on tables at cafes and restaurants.

Make It Easy

You want to remove any barriers for your customers. Provide a direct link to your GMB page, either in a follow-up email or on your social media. The easier it is, the more likely people will follow through. You could even include QR codes that link to your review page. Display them in prominent places like your reception or lobby area or on tables at cafes and restaurants.

Respond to Reviews

Always take time to respond to reviews—both positive and negative. It shows you care about customer feedback and value your clients' opinions. A simple thank you can go a long way, while a thoughtful response to criticism can demonstrate your commitment to improving.

Consider a Reputation Management System

Managing reviews effectively can be time-consuming, which is why using a reputation management system is a great idea. The CRM we’ve partnered with has a fantastic reputation management feature that can automatically reply to reviews using AI, providing timely and relevant responses to your customers. It’s unbelievably good, and our clients absolutely love it! It helps ensure no review goes unanswered, keeps your online reputation shining, and allows you to focus on other areas of your business.

How Google Reviews Can Drive Leads

Positive Google reviews don’t just sit there looking pretty—they actually drive leads.

Higher Engagement Rates

Businesses with lots of great reviews tend to get more clicks. People want to know that they're making the right choice, and those glowing reviews can be the extra nudge they need.

Call-to-Action Buttons

One of the great things about GMB is the ability to add buttons like "Call Now," "Get Directions," or "Visit Website." Positive reviews get people excited about your business, and those convenient buttons turn that excitement into action.

Turning Visibility into Leads

The combination of showing up in local searches and having fantastic reviews makes it more likely that people will call or visit your business. Reviews help transform casual browsers into actual customers, giving you the competitive edge you need.

Steps to Optimise Your GMB Profile

If you’re wondering where to start, here’s how to optimise your GMB profile:

Complete Your Profile

Make sure all your information is accurate and complete. Add your address, contact information, business hours, website link, and a description of what you offer.

Add Photos and Posts Regularly

Regular updates keep your profile fresh. Add photos of your products or services, and consider creating posts to share news, events, or promotions. It keeps your audience engaged and tells Google that your business is active.

Monitor Reviews and Engage

Make sure to keep an eye on reviews. Thank your customers for their feedback and show that you’re actively listening and responding. Engagement makes a big difference in building trust.

Everyone turns to Google for answers, so having a well-optimised Google My Business profile is no longer optional—it's a necessity. With GMB, you can boost your visibility, improve your credibility, and generate new leads, all while helping people find exactly what they need.

Do you have a GMB profile for your business yet? Set up your profile, add your details, and encourage your happy customers to leave a review. If you have questions or need help, reach out—we’re here to support you in making the most of your online presence.