You’re driving with your friend to a cafe you found on Google, eager to try their famous pastries. You arrive there, only to find, the place is closed. Even worse, the address listed was wrong, and now you’re miles off course. Has it ever happened to you?
This scenario happens more often than you’d think. And it’s usually because businesses neglect their Google My Business (GMB) profiles.
The time is gone when people used to ask for business information from other people and rely on physical maps to find addresses. Now, everyone uses smartphones to gather info about any business. Therefore, creating an accurate Google business profile is a must. Think for yourself: what’s the point of being on the Yellow Pages if your phone number is wrong?
Let’s discuss in detail why accurate business details in Google My Business matter.
How customers use Google My Business without realizing it
The last time when you searched for a business online, did you check their hours? Look up directions.? Or maybe you clicked “Call” directly from the listing. All these actions rely on information found on GMB.
Customers use this information to make quick decisions, often without realizing it. If the details are wrong, they won’t hesitate to choose a competitor instead. Therefore, keep your profile accurate so that they get the answers they need without second-guessing your reliability.
The ripple effect of inaccurate information
From a customer’s perspective
Like the example given at the start of this blog, customers show up to a store only to find it closed, despite Google listing it as “Open.” These experiences frustrate customers and waste their time. People are busy with their jobs, work, and family; they don’t have that much time to waste.
From a business perspective
When customers can’t rely on your information, they leave bad reviews, head to competitors, or avoid your business altogether. This makes a direct hit on foot traffic, online engagement, and sales. Over time, the reputation damage can be tough to repair.
Trust: Foundation of local business success
A local business can’t survive in the market without trust. If customers feel misled, even unintentionally, they’re less likely to return.
Your Google My Business profile, most times, is the first interaction a customer has with your business. Accurate details show you’re organized, professional and reliable.
On the other hand, if the profile has outdated or incorrect information, it raises doubts about your credibility.
Details that make or break your GMB listing
Some information on GMB carries more weight than others. Some details are critical because they directly impact customer decisions.
Hours of operation
This is one of the most checked features of any brick-and-mortar business. That’s why you should put accurate business hours in your GMB profile. If you take a break, set the business hour breaks as well.
Address and location pins
Getting lost because of an incorrect address is an instant turn-off. And if your store is situated in a competitive marketplace, customers will go to a different shop without a thought.
Phone number and links
If you take advice from any local SEO services provider, the first thing they’ll tell you is to fill in the correct information. If your GMB listing has broken website links and incorrect phone numbers, you’re missing a lot of leads. Plus, it also hurts your local SEO ranking, as your listing is of no use without correct information.
Why accurate affects Google rankings
Google prefers (and rewards) businesses that prioritize user experience. An accurate, active GMB profile signals to Google that your business is trustworthy and reliable.
If you’re in a business where information (such as hours, products, etc.) changes according to season, and you’re not able to manage your profile, you can invest in professional Google My Business management services. These services help you maintain a polished and optimized profile.
Simple steps to keep your GMB accurate
Here are a few steps through which you can keep your GMB listing accurate.
Schedule monthly updates
Set aside time each month to review your profile. Check for outdated details, especially hours, phone numbers, and addresses.
Monitor customer feedbacks
Customers often flag inaccuracies in reviews or Q&A sections. Use their feedback to correct errors quickly.
Assign responsibility
Whether it’s a team member or a professional service, assign someone to manage your profile regularly.
Conclusion
Your Google My Business profile is the first point of interaction online, just like a business card in offline marketing. The key here is to add accurate information to create a trustworthy experience for your customers.
Take a few minutes today to review your GMB profile. Correcting small errors can lead to happier customers, better reviews, and more sales.