In the digital age, a business's online visibility can make the difference between growth and falling behind. If you've ever searched for a restaurant, agency, or store on Google and seen results with a map, reviews, and hours, you already know what Google My Business (GMB) is—now known as Google Business Profile. But what exactly is it for and how can it help you attract more customers?
In this article, we will explain in a clear and practical way, what Google My Business is, how it works, and why it's an essential tool for any business, whether physical or digital.
What is Google My Business?
Google My Business is a free platform created by Google for businesses to manage how they appear in searches and on Google Maps. In other words, it is the digital listing of your business on the world's largest search engine.
Allows you to display key information such as:
- Name, address and telephone number.
- Opening and closing hours.
- Photos and videos of the business.
- Customer reviews and ratings.
- Direct links to the website or chat.
Thanks to this listing, your business appears prominently when someone searches for products or services like yours in your area, improving your visibility and credibility.
What is Google My Business really for?
Many businesses create their profiles without taking full advantage of them. Google My Business isn't just a showcase, but a powerful local marketing tool that directly influences your sales, reputation, and ranking.
Let's look at its main advantages:
1. Increase your local visibility
When a user searches for something like "marketing agency in Madrid" or "coffee shop near me," Google first displays the results from the local map (Local Pack). If your business has an optimized listing, it will appear in that prime area of the results.
2. Improve your SEO positioning
Google highly values consistent information across your website, social media, and GMB profile. An up-to-date listing with frequent reviews and relevant keywords, improves your organic positioning, especially in local searches.
3. Build trust with reviews
Customer reviews are the new digital word of mouth. A profile with positive ratings and active responses generates more clicks and calls. According to various studies, 88% of consumers trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation.
4. Facilitates direct contact
From the listing itself, users can call, send a message, visit your website, or ask for directions to your location. Every click is a conversion opportunity.
5. Analyze your customers' behavior
Google My Business offers very useful statistics: how many people searched for you, where they came from, what keywords they used, and how many visited your website. This data helps you fine-tune your marketing strategies.
How to optimize your Google My Business listing step by step
A well-configured listing can multiply your business's visibility. Here's how to do it right:
1. Complete all the information
Includes the exact business name, address, phone number, category, and hours. Make sure this information is consistent across all your platforms (website, social media, directories, etc.).
2. Add quality photos and videos
The profiles with attractive images receive up to 42% more address requests and 35% more clicks on their website, according to Google. Showcase your location, team, or products with good lighting and a professional format.
3. Publish content regularly
You can share news, promotions, or events directly on your profile, just like on a social network. This improves engagement and keeps your profile active.
4. Manage reviews
Always respond to comments, both positive and negative. Google rewards interaction, and customers value personalized attention.
5. Use strategic keywords
Add terms your customers would search for (e.g., “AI services for businesses,” “marketing automation,” etc.). This helps the algorithm associate your listing with relevant searches.
Google My Business and AI: The Next Step
Artificial intelligence is already transforming how businesses manage their digital presence. Today, it's possible to automate part of your Google My Business profile management thanks to AI-powered tools.
For example, platforms such as wiReply allow automate response to reviews, generate optimized descriptions, or schedule posts, saving your team hours of work. They also analyze the tone of reviews and offer insights to improve customer satisfaction.
Ultimately, integrating AI into your local visibility strategy allows you to maintain a consistent and active presence effortlessly.
Common mistakes to avoid
Although creating a profile is simple, many businesses make mistakes that cause them to miss out on opportunities. Some of the most common are:
- Not verifying the business account.
- Have inconsistent or outdated data.
- Not responding to reviews.
- Forgetting to include links or calls to action.
- Not uploading new photos regularly.
Avoiding these mistakes will make the difference between having a “present” listing and one that actually generates customers.
Conclusion: Your digital showcase starts on Google
Google My Business is much more than a business card: it's the gateway to your online business. Optimizing it properly can increase your visibility, reputation, and sales, even if you don't have a physical store.
If you also integrate automation tools with artificial intelligence, such as wiReply, you'll be able to keep your profile up to date, respond to reviews with AI, and publish content intelligently.
Try wiReply for free and discover how our AI-powered technology can help you save time and better position your brand on Google.