Are you a business owner looking to improve your online presence and reach more customers? Look no further than Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business, GMB, or Google LIsting). In a recent episode of "Let's Talk About Brand," digital marketer and author Maria Elena Duron joined host Christine Gritmon to discuss the benefits of this free tool offered by Google.

First things first, what is Google Business Profile? Essentially, it's a platform that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google, including in search results and on Google Maps. It's free to use, and businesses can add their basic information such as hours of operation, address, phone number, and website.

But there's so much more businesses can do to optimize their presence on Google Business Profile. For example, they can add photos and videos to their profile to showcase their products or services, as well as post updates and offers to keep customers engaged. And if a customer has a question, businesses can use the Q&A feature to respond directly.

| 97% of Users Primarily Learn About Local Companies Online

One of the most important features of Google Business Profile is reviews. Reviews can greatly impact a business's reputation, and having positive reviews can increase customer trust and ultimately drive more sales. It's important for businesses to respond to reviews, both positive and negative, to show that they value their customers' feedback and are committed to providing excellent service.

| 64% of Consumers Have Used Google Business Profiles to Find Contact Information

So, how can a small  business maximize their use of Google Business Profile? Here are a few tips:

Claim and verify your listing: The first step is to claim your business listing and verify that it's actually you. This involves receiving a postcard with a verification code and entering that code on your profile.

Do you need help?  The team at KLI Brand can guide a business through this process and ensure that they have access to all the features of Google Business Profile.

• Optimize your profile:  Optimize your profile by adding high-quality photos and videos, writing a compelling description, and including relevant keywords to improve search rankings.

• Encourage customer reviews: Develop a strategy for encouraging customers to leave reviews. This might involve sending follow-up emails after a purchase or offering incentives for leaving a review.

• Respond to reviews: Responding to reviews is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation and showing customers that their feedback is valued. Develop a plan for responding to reviews in a timely and professional manner.

Secure your visibility - claim your listing and start optimizing today!

If you have questions, join our free marketing community and connect with us for tips on gaining visibility and credibility online.