Maximize Your Local Reach with a Stellar GMB Profile

What is Google My Business and why is it important for local businesses?

Google Business Profile (GBP) - previously known as Google My Business (GMB) - is a free tool that you need to gain more local traffic. It allows you to add important business information like address, phone number, hours of operation, and more to appear in local search results and Google Maps. This makes it easier for potential customers to find your business and its products or services.
What’s more, you can interact with your customers by responding to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates on your products. As a result, you earn their trust and your reputation is spread in your business area and beyond.

How can a business do GMB optimization in Dubai?

There are several key steps to make GMB work best for your business. First you’ve to complete all information (e.g. your business name, address, phone number, website, operation hours, category, etc.) so there’s consistency in all local directories and platforms. 

Then you’ve to add images and videos of your business or products to attract more attention. Encouraging positive reviews from existing customers and replying to negative feedback constructively is another vital part. However, some dishonest competitors may try to give fake negative reviews and you’ve to report them to Google.

Another crucial thing is you’ve to use the Posts feature to share new events or offers that might help keep the profile active. Finally, you should regularly check the dashboard to see how your profile is performing and benefitting you. 

What types of posts can be made on Google My Business?

Google Business Profile has a Posts feature that you can use to create different types of posts (maximum 1200 characters), such as: 

What's New: General updates about and activities of your business.

Events: Information about upcoming events, including the date, time, and details.

Offers: Special promotions or discounts to attract customers.

Products: Highlights of your exclusive products with descriptions and prices.

What are the benefits of Google Business Profile?

You should never let go of the opportunity to use this free SEO tool by Google. When people search for products or services related to your business, your profile will appear in the "Local Pack" or "3-Pack," which is a set of three highlighted businesses that appear at the top of Google. Your business location will appear also on Google Maps so customers can easily find you.

Google Business Profile allows people to leave reviews and ratings and make direct communication with your business for inquiries. What’s more, GBP provides insights into how customers are interacting with your profile. You can see data on how many people viewed your profile, how they found it, and what actions they took (e.g., visiting your website, requesting directions, or calling your business). You can install the SEO local Google My Business app to manage your profile on the go.

What’s more, it gives you an edge over competitors who have not fully leveraged the benefits of this amazing tool.

What are the challenges of Google Business Profile?

As a business owner, you need expert help so you don’t miss the great opportunity to reap the numerous benefits of GBP.

Maintaining and monitoring your GBP profile is often time-consuming and you’ve to be super careful because a wrong info can mislead both Google and your potential customers. 

Handling negative or fake reviews is another challenging task that can hamper your reputation. 

The verification process can also be cumbersome and slow, especially if you’ve multiple locations or you’re located in remote areas. Businesses that do not have a physical storefront may have the same issue.

Last but not least, Google frequently updates its algorithms. This can cause fluctuations in how often your business appears in search results.