A few years ago, Carmen, owner of a small cafe in the heart of Madrid, noticed that her regular customers were beginning to disappear. Despite having the best coffee in the area and a cozy atmosphere, the tables were beginning to become empty. That's when a friend suggested he review his online presence, specifically Google My Business.
At first, Carmen wasn't convinced that something “digital” could have such a real impact on her business. However, she decided to give it a try and soon discovered something surprising: a large number of potential clients were searching for her on Google, but her GMB listing was outdated and full of unanswered reviews.
Carmen started taking her GMB profile seriously, updating the information, posting attractive photos, and most importantly, started engaging with her customer reviews. It wasn't long before the tables in her café were filling up again, this time with a new wave of customers drawn to her online presence. Carmen's story is just one example of the impact GMB can have on local businesses in Spain. Here are five key statistics that will help you understand why optimizing your GMB profile is vital.
1. Growth in the use of Google My Business in Spain
The use of Google My Business has experienced notable growth in Spain in recent years. According to recent data, more than 60% of internet users in Spain turn to GMB to find local businesses.
This growth has been driven by the growing trend of consumers performing local searches on their mobile devices. For local businesses, this means one thing: if you're not on GMB, you're losing potential customers. Having a well-optimized GMB listing can be the difference between attracting a customer or losing them to the competition.
2. Frequency of local searches on Google
In Spain, many mobile searches are related to local businesses. This statistic highlights the importance of appearing in search results when someone in your area searches for a product or service you offer. Users are looking for quick and close solutions, and Google My Business is the tool that facilitates that connection.
To maximize your visibility, make sure your GMB listing is completely updated, including hours, location, and quality photos. Not only will this help customers find you, but it will also increase the chances of them choosing your business over the competition.
3. Interaction rate with Google My Business listings
Once users find your business on Google, the next step is interaction. In Spain, GMB listings generate an average of 59 actions per month, including clicks to visit the website, phone calls, and requests for directions. This level of interaction shows that users are not just searching, but are willing to take action.
Businesses that manage to capture more interactions are usually those that have more complete and updated profiles, and that proactively respond to user reviews and questions.
4. Importance of reviews and ratings on Google
Reviews are a determining factor for consumers in Spain. In fact, many Spanish consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. Additionally, businesses that actively respond to reviews tend to generate more revenue than those that don't.
This is where wiReply comes into play, an essential tool for any business that wants to manage its online reputation effectively. With wiReply, you can automate replies to Google reviews, ensuring that every customer is feel heard and valued, no matter how many reviews you receive per day. This automation not only saves time, but also helps maintain a professional and responsive image, which is key to attracting and retaining customers.
5. Using additional GMB features
Despite the benefits that Google My Business offers, few businesses in Spain are using additional features such as publications, products, and the question and answer section. These tools are powerful at attracting users' attention and converting visits into concrete actions, such as purchases or reservations.
If you're not already taking advantage of these features, you're leaving money on the table. Post relevant offers, events or news, and keep the Q&A section updated to improve the user experience and stand out from the competition.
Conclusion
Statistics don't lie: Google My Business is an essential tool for any business in Spain that wants to stand out in an increasingly digital market. From the growth in GMB usage to the importance of reviews and additional features, each of these data highlights the need to optimize and keep your GMB listing up to date.
Don't let your business be left behind. Take full advantage of all the features GMB offers and consider tools like wiReply to effectively manage your online reputation. At the end of the day, a well-managed GMB profile can be the key to taking your business to the next level in the competitive Spanish market.
