Thanks to the Internet, today’s buyers are much more equipped with knowledge and resources than any other group that have come before them when it comes to making a purchase decision. Google plays a large role in this, with 70 percent of consumers resorting to online searches before buying products and services.

Naturally, you want your business to appear at the top of search results when someone types the products or services that you sell into a search query. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to create a Google My Business page, which is free to set up and will provide additional information about your business than the usual Google listing.

For example, when a consumer uses Google to search for your business, in addition to your Google listing, he or she will also find key information such as your address, hours of operation, phone number, pictures of your business, and customer reviews (assuming that you have created a Google My Business page!).

Builds Credibility

From a buyer’s perspective, your business is considered to be more credible when they can read reviews and see what others are saying about your business. While a Google My Business page allows for customers to write reviews and make inquiries, and it also allows your business to respond. This makes a Google My Business page a helpful tool for managing your reputation.

Increases Awareness

By having the ability to upload pictures of your place of business and products offered on your Google My Business page, you are offering another source of validation to consumers that your business is credible. In fact, Google My Business pages that include images receive 42 percent more requests and 35 percent more website traffic than those that don’t.

Offers Valuable Analytics

A Google My Business page also offers businesses access to a number of valuable analytics, such as how customers searched and found your website, and where they came from. You can also easily track how many calls came from your direct-listed phone number on Google Search and Maps.

As you can see, there are a number of benefits that a Google My Business page can offer to your business. By not taking advantage of this free tool, you aren’t able to effectively target potential customers where they primarily do their research – online. Don’t risk losing business to your competitors and create a Google My Business page today!