What is Google My Business? And How Google My Business (GMB) grows your business

In today's digital-first reality, if your business doesn't appear online, it may as well be non-existent. Arguably, the strongest (and complimentary) business-building tool at small businesses' fingertips is Google My Business (GMB) — now called Google Business Profile.

This simple platform lets you control how your company is shown up on Google Search and Google Maps, where most customers look when they seek products, services, or solutions locally. You're a small café, dental practice, or online advisor – a well-cared-for GMB listing can make the difference between getting found and being missed.

Let's dissect how exactly Google My Business makes your business succeed — both online and offline.



Boosts Local Visibility
Picture yourself in your area looking for "best pizza near me" or "emergency plumber in [your city]." With an optimized Google Business Profile, your business has the potential to appear at the top of the local search results—even ahead of conventional websites.

Here's how
When people search by location, Google shows a map with the 3 highest-ranked local businesses (the "Local Pack").

Listing here significantly reduces your chances of being visible, clicked, and visited.

Pro Tip: Ensure your business name, address, phone number, and hours are updated. To enhance local targeting, include descriptive categories such as "Italian Restaurant" or "Pet Groomer."

Builds Trust with Customers
Humans trust Google. And when your business is listed there — particularly with reviews, ratings, photos, and verified contact information — consumers feel more secure about selecting you without any presence or partial profiles.



Statistics from Bright Local:
87% of consumers have read online reviews for local businesses in 2023.
With GMB, your customers can:
View your star rating
Read new customer reviews
View photos of your products, location, and staff
Check if you're open now or bookable for online appointments
The more open and descriptive your profile is, the more likely customers will interact with your business.

Facilitates Customer Engagement
Your Google Business Profile isn't static — it's interactive. Customers can call, message, or ask a question right from your listing. You can respond to them by creating a two-way conversation channel right on Google.

Engagement Features:
Direct calls and messaging
Q&A section (ask and answer frequently asked questions)
Booking appointments or reservations (for service-based businesses)
Posting updates, offers, or new services/products
This instant interaction creates relationships, demonstrates your listening skills, and assists in answering potential questions before the customer even comes in.

Enhances SEO Rankings
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is no longer just about your website. GMB is an important part of local SEO — assisting you in ranking higher in Google's search results when users search locally.

Here's why GMB boosts your rankings:

Tells Google that you're an actual, local business
Informs Google about what you do, where you are, and when you're open
Triggers user-generated content with reviews and engagement
Establishes authority and credibility with regular updates
Google rewards active and correct businesses on their GMB listings by ranking them higher in search results.



Offers Insightful Analytics
Knowledge is power. Google My Business provides free access to powerful information about how individuals engage with your listing.

You can monitor:
How many individuals visited your profile
Where they located you (Search or Maps)
How many asked for directions to your place
How many phoned your business
How many clicked on through to your website
These measures assist you in getting to know your audience, enhancing your profile, and making improved decisions concerning your marketing strategy.
Serves as a Free Marketing Tool
One of the best things about GMB is that it's 100% free and still gives you powerful marketing capabilities.
You can:
Post promotions or special offers
Announce upcoming events or new product launches
Upload fresh photos and videos
Share blog posts or service updates
These posts appear in your business profile and engage your audience and keep them informed — like a social media feed but on Google itself.

GMB Success Story (Example)
Suppose you own a boutique flower shop in Dublin. Previously, most of your business was through walk-ins and word of mouth.

After creating your GMB profile:
You begin to show up in local searches such as "flower shop near me."
Customers leave positive reviews and post photos of their bouquets
You upload weekly posts on new flower arrivals and promotions
Your phone rings more frequently, and orders dramatically increase
All without investing a penny on advertising. That's the magic of a well-optimized GMB profile.

Quick Tips to Optimize Your Google My Business Profile
Claim and verify your business listing
Use the correct category (e.g., "coffee shop," "digital marketing agency")
Update business hours and contact information
Get happy customers to leave reviews
Include high-quality images of your business, team, and services
Share regular updates on events, promotions, and new arrivals



Final Thoughts
If you haven't done so already, now's the time to claim your Google My Business listing. It's fast, free, and can greatly help your visibility, credibility, and customer connection — especially if you're local. In a world where buyers make instant choices based on what they see and experience online, having a solid GMB presence gives your business an edge. So, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or starting, let Google My Business be your digital storefront — open 24/7, ready to welcome new customers.

Need help setting up or optimizing your GMB profile? Contact our digital marketing experts, and watch your local visibility soar!