Why Your Google Business Listing Is Important
If you're running a small business, especially a one-man operation, standing out online is crucial. One of the best and simplest ways to boost your online visibility and attract more local customers is by having a Google Business Listing (also known as Google My Business or GMB). It’s an essential tool that allows you to appear in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.
In this guide, we’ll explain why having a Google Business Listing is vital for small businesses, how it can directly improve your online presence, and how your business number ties into making your listing even more effective.
What Is a Google Business Listing?
A Google Business Listing is a free profile you create on Google that displays key information about your business. When someone searches for services like yours in their area (e.g., “plumber near me” or “window cleaner in Manchester”), your Google Business Listing shows up in the search results, helping local customers find you more easily.
Your GMB profile includes:
- Your business name
- Your address
- Your business number
- Hours of operation
- A link to your website
- Customer reviews
- Photos of your business or services
Essentially, your Google Business Listing acts as your digital storefront on Google, providing potential customers with all the information they need to get in touch or learn more about your business.
Why Is Your Google Business Listing So Important?
For small businesses, a Google Business Listing offers several key benefits:
1. Boosts Local Search Visibility
When people search for local services, Google often displays Google My Business profiles at the top of the search results in what’s known as the local pack. This is a prime spot on the search results page, and being listed here dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed by potential customers.
If you're a tradesperson or a one-man business, appearing in the local pack is crucial. It means that when someone in your area searches for your services, your business is one of the first they’ll see. A well-optimized GMB listing ensures that you’re visible when it matters most.
2. Customers Can Find and Contact You Easily
One of the most valuable features of a GMB listing is how easily it lets customers contact you. With your business number displayed prominently, customers can call you directly from your Google listing with a single tap on their mobile device.
This means that, unlike other online marketing efforts, there’s no need for potential customers to visit your website or search through a directory to get in touch—they can reach you immediately. This makes it easier to convert searchers into paying customers.
3. Builds Trust and Credibility
Having a Google Business Listing gives your business an air of professionalism and legitimacy. When potential customers see your business listed on Google with accurate information and positive reviews, it builds trust.
A well-maintained GMB profile that includes your business number, accurate operating hours, and photos of your work signals to customers that you’re a reliable, established business. This trust factor can make a huge difference in their decision to contact you.
How Your Business Number Boosts Your GMB Listing
Now, let’s talk about how your business number plays a critical role in maximizing the effectiveness of your Google Business Listing.
1. Consistency in NAP Information
As mentioned in previous guides, NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) consistency is crucial for SEO. Your business number needs to be the same across all online platforms—your website, directories, and especially your Google Business Listing.
Using a dedicated business number ensures that your phone number is professional and consistent. If your phone number is different on your GMB profile than it is on your website or directories, Google might not rank your business as highly, and customers might get confused.
A local business number not only helps Google trust your business, but it also makes you look more professional to customers searching for services in their area.
2. Easier Customer Contact
When potential customers search for your services on Google, the faster they can get in touch with you, the better. A business number in your GMB profile allows for one-click calling, making it easier for customers to contact you directly without having to dig around for information.
By listing a dedicated business number that forwards to your mobile, you ensure that customer calls are always directed to you, no matter where you are. This increases the likelihood of converting searchers into actual clients, since you can quickly respond to inquiries.
Optimizing Your Google Business Listing
To get the most out of your Google Business Listing, follow these steps to optimize your profile:
1. Complete Your Profile
Fill out every section of your Google Business Listing—your business name, address, phone number, website link, and operating hours. Be sure to upload relevant, high-quality photos of your services, such as before-and-after shots of your work if you’re a tradesperson.
2. Use a Local Business Number
Make sure to list a local business number in your profile, not just your personal mobile number. This shows that you’re a professional, established business, and it helps with local SEO.
3. Encourage Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful features of your GMB listing. Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review after you’ve completed a job. Not only do reviews boost your credibility, but Google also uses them as a ranking factor, so more positive reviews can help improve your position in local search results.
4. Respond to Customer Reviews
Engage with your customers by responding to their reviews. This shows that you care about customer feedback, which builds trust and encourages future reviews. Google also favors businesses that are active and responsive in their listings.
5. Keep Your Information Up to Date
If your business hours change, or if you’re taking a break for a holiday, update your GMB profile. Accurate information helps build trust with customers and ensures that you’re not missing out on potential business due to outdated details.
Final Thoughts
A Google Business Listing is one of the most valuable tools a small business can have, especially if you rely on local customers. By listing your business number and maintaining a professional, consistent presence, you’re setting yourself up for more visibility, more customer inquiries, and ultimately, more business.
For small businesses, especially one-man operations, a business number combined with a well-optimized Google Business Listing is an affordable and effective way to compete with larger companies. It builds trust, improves your chances of appearing in local searches, and ensures that customers can easily reach you.
By investing just a little time into setting up and maintaining your GMB profile—and using your business number to tie it all together—you’re putting your business in the best possible position for success.
For just £39 per year, a business number can transform how customers perceive your business. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in building trust, attracting more customers, and boosting your reputation in your local community.