Google Local Map

Why is Google Maps important for businesses?

Google Maps has evolved over the years from a simple virtual map to a place to explore local businesses, plan your detailed journey, and uncover new suggested locations. The platform is more than a map, it is a place of discovery.

One of last year’s 2020 updates included adding an ‘Explore’ tab which allowed users to quickly search nearby businesses and services and see their information such as their ratings, reviews, or images. The explore tab allowed users to discover new local places all from one single platform.

The current instantaneous live view feature is getting an upgrade by showcasing “nearby shops and restaurants, how busy they are, recent reviews, and images.” Google Maps is also personalising the user experience even more. For example, highlighting nearby breakfast spots in the morning or dinner locations in the evening.

Every year we see Google Maps increase its role as an all-in-one tool for searching, comparing, and evaluating businesses to make an informed and actionable decision. With over 1 billion Google Map users in 2020, a number we can only assume is growing, it opens the possibility for businesses to connect with a huge audience.

How Google Maps Gets Its Information

Google Maps gets information about your business from your Google My Business account, the official Google business profile. Your business can set up its free Business Profile on Google and fill out a complete listing of your business’s key information. Offering updated and comprehensive information allows Google Maps to show your business to users and drive brand awareness and conversions.

5 Ways Google Maps Can Benefit Businesses

Google Maps can help you find anything and everything. From searching for nearby restaurants to locating a car repair shop to finding the best cocktails in town. It relies on updated and reviewed data to showcase answers to your searches based on AI capabilities.

Advantages of Google Maps:

• Helps people find your business
• Allows people to quickly contact your business
• Offers customer trust through review
• Encourages people to visit your website or location
• Displays your business with photos

1. Google Maps Helps People Find Your Business

As mentioned, one of Google Maps’ largest assets is it allows people to quickly find your business. The local search capabilities allow Google Maps to pin and list businesses that relate to the user’s search. The user can easily view their options before deciding to visit or contacting the business. This is particularly important since nearly one third of all mobile searches are related to location, meaning Google Maps is a crucial 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 which includes your company’s phone number. This makes it easy for users to take the next step and businesses to directly connect with potential customers.

3. Google Maps Encourages People to Visit Your Location or Website

In addition to providing a business’ phone number, Google Maps also highlights other contact or visiting information. For brick and mortar stores, such as shops or restaurants, users can quickly explore your business’ profile and find directions, all from one central location.

For businesses that sell services or products that require more research or are a larger purchase, the Google Maps listing links directly to the website. This allows users to research and learn more about the company in an easy-to-access manner.

4. Google Maps Displays Your Business with Images

Users these days are infatuated with photos, they appeal to the visual representation of your business. From images your business offers to photos shared by consumers, Google Maps curates a visual showcase of your business as a sneak peek of the products/services to what the storefront/interior looks like.

5. Google Maps Offers Customer Credibility Through Reviews

Nothing builds brand trust more than confirmation from others, and the most successful way to do this is through online reviews, which Google Maps displays in the profile listing. Customer credibility includes star ratings, written reviews, and submitted images.

Google Maps is a powerful tool. As its features and capabilities expand, so does its position as an effective marketing tool for businesses and search engine for consumers. Most importantly, there are ways you can optimise your business profile to cater to the advantages of Google Maps listed above.