Why is Google Maps important for businesses?
The year 2020 marked the 15th anniversary of Google Maps! To celebrate, Google Maps added new features, improved its services and changed its logo. Google Maps has evolved over the years from a simple virtual map to a place to explore local businesses, plan your detailed trips, and discover new suggested locations. The platform is more than a map, it is a place of discovery.
One of the 2020 updates included the addition of an “Explore” tab that allows users to quickly and easily search for nearby businesses and services and view their information such as ratings, reviews or images. The Explore tab allows users to discover new local places from a single platform.
With over a billion Google Map users, this opens up the possibility for businesses to connect with large audiences.
5 Ways Google Maps Can Benefit Businesses
From finding nearby restaurants to locating an auto repair shop to the best cocktail in town, Google Maps has you covered. Google Maps pulls information from Google My Business, where your business can set up their free business profile on Google and fill out a comprehensive list of key business information. This data is then used to feed local listings displayed on Google Maps for users.
Offering up-to-date and comprehensive information helps Google Maps showcase your business to users and drive brand awareness and conversions. Here are five ways Google Maps can benefit your business.
1.Google Maps helps people find your business
As mentioned, the best thing about Google Maps is that it allows people to find your business. Local search features allow Google Maps to pin and list businesses associated with the user’s search. The user can then easily view their options before making the decision to visit or contact the business, which Google Maps makes simple. Google Maps serves both as a search engine to find the business users you want and as a map to direct users to that location.
This is all the more important given that 30% of all mobile searches are location-based, which means Google Maps is a key driver of mobile traffic.
2.Google Maps allows people to quickly contact your business
When users view your listing on Google Maps, the platform provides a comprehensive index of your business that includes your business phone number. And since the majority of Google Maps searches are done over the phone, they can call your business with just one click. Since people use Google Maps to make a decision, such as where to find donuts or locate a clothing department nearby, the platform gives users the ability to effectively contact the business. This makes it easy for users to take the next step and for businesses to connect with potential customers.
3.Google Maps encourages people to visit your website
In addition to providing a business phone number, Google Maps also highlights the website. For users trying to make a decision or explore options, this feature allows them to quickly visit your site to learn more about your business with just one click. The Google Maps platform is a huge driver of website traffic.
Of course, this means that your website must be equipped with the mobile screen to support this traffic. Click here to learn more about mobile optimization.
4.Google Maps displays your business with images
Nowadays, users are passionate about images, they appeal to the visual representation of your business. From images your business offers to photos shared by consumers, Google Maps organizes a visual storefront of your business like a preview of business products / services to what the storefront / interior looks like to entice them to visit. In fact, ads with photos get 42% more direction requests and 35% more website clicks.
5.Google Maps provides customer credibility
Nothing builds trust in the brand other than confirmation from others, and the most effective way to do that is through reviews. Google Maps displays notices in order to provide a complete company profile so that the user can make an informed decision. Encouraging consumers to leave reviews on Google Maps helps other potential customers gain trust in your business and drive conversions.
Google Maps is a powerful tool for businesses, from brand awareness to generating conversions, the platform offers many benefits to businesses.
To ensure your business is correctly listed for optimal results on Google Maps, Contact Us! From SEO management to website maintenance, we can make sure your business is using Google Maps and other important platforms to their full potential.
