As a solopreneur or small business owner, you might feel stretched thin trying to manage your online presence while focusing on growing your business. One often overlooked tool that can give you a significant local boost is Google My Business (GMB). It’s not just for brick-and-mortar stores; online service providers can also benefit from optimising their GMB profile and posting regular updates.
But is it worth the effort? Let’s explore why Google My Business is essential for all kinds of small businesses, including those who operate fully online, and how regular updates can improve your visibility.
Why Google My Business is Essential for Solopreneurs & Small Businesses
1. Local SEO Boost
GMB is a powerful tool for local search engine optimisation (SEO). When someone searches for a service or product near them, Google prioritises businesses with active and complete GMB profiles. This means having an updated profile with regular posts and accurate information helps you appear higher in search results—right where potential clients or customers can easily find you.
2. Improved Credibility & Trust
A well-maintained Google My Business profile helps build trust. Prospective clients or customers can see reviews, images, and posts about your business, making your brand appear more reliable. For online service providers, it demonstrates professionalism and gives clients an easy way to find and engage with you.
3. Increased Engagement
GMB posts offer a fantastic opportunity to share content directly with your audience. Whether it’s a blog post, an update, or a new product offering, regular GMB posts can keep your business top-of-mind. And yes, it can definitely help with SEO—Google values fresh content. Posting often means your profile stays relevant, which can improve your ranking.
4. Showcase Your Products (Even Digital Ones)
Many solopreneurs and service-based businesses might assume GMB is only for physical products or local stores, but that’s not the case. You can add digital products like online courses, downloadable guides, or even free lead magnets as ‘Products’. Set the price to zero if it’s a freebie—this is a great way to attract new leads directly from your GMB profile.
5. Drive Traffic to Your Website
Posting regular updates, such as links to blog posts, webinars, or special offers, can help drive traffic to your website. Each GMB post allows you to include a call-to-action button, such as ‘Learn More’ or ‘Sign Up’, encouraging visitors to take action and engage with your content.
6. Stay Competitive
Many businesses overlook GMB posts, focusing instead on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. This gives you an edge. By posting updates regularly, you set yourself apart from competitors who aren’t making use of this valuable platform. Regular updates can feature promotions, events, blog links, and client testimonials.
What to Post & How Often
Consistency is key. Regularly updating your GMB profile, at least once a week, keeps your profile fresh and relevant. You can post a variety of content types:
Blog links: Share your latest blog posts to drive traffic and position yourself as an expert in your industry.
Lead magnets: Add freebies like guides or checklists as products—this helps with lead generation.
Special offers: Include promotions, especially if you have a limited-time deal, to attract more attention.
Product or service updates: If you offer paid services, these can also be featured in the ‘Products’ section.
Is It Worth the Time?
Absolutely. Posting regularly on Google My Business can be a game changer, not only for local SEO but also for brand visibility. It’s a highly effective way to showcase what your business offers, and engage with both local and online customers.
If you’re finding it hard to manage your GMB profile and other aspects of your online presence, this is where outsourcing can help. A Virtual Assistant (like myself) can handle everything from setting up your Google My Business profile to posting regular updates, freeing up your time to focus on your core business activities.
Let’s ensure your GMB profile is always working for you!
Google My Business for Small Businesses: An Essential and Overlooked Tool
Google My Business is an essential tool that shouldn’t be neglected, whether you’re a local business or an online service provider. Regular updates not only boost your SEO but also help you engage with your audience in a meaningful way. From sharing blog posts to featuring digital products, GMB offers flexibility for any business model.
If you’re ready to take full advantage of Google My Business but don’t have the time to manage it, I can help! As a Creative & Tech-Savvy Virtual Assistant, I specialise in managing social media and online presence for solopreneurs and small businesses. Whether you need help with GMB updates, social media management, or other online tasks, let’s chat! Feel free to explore my services page to see how I can support you in growing your business. Reach out today, and let’s make your business shine online!
