For small businesses in Kerala, establishing a strong online presence is essential to attract local customers and drive foot traffic. One of the most effective—and free—ways to do this is by creating a Google My Business (GMB) profile. GMB allows your business to appear in local search results, Google Maps, and enhances your chances of getting discovered by customers searching for products and services in your area. This detailed guide walks you through the steps to create and optimize a Google My Business profile for your Kerala business, ensuring you make the most of this powerful tool.
1. Why Google My Business Matters for Kerala Businesses
With Kerala’s growing internet penetration and smartphone usage, more customers are searching for local businesses online before making a purchase decision. A well-optimized GMB profile increases your visibility on Google Search and Maps, making it easier for customers to find your store, contact you, and even visit in person. For businesses like homestays in Munnar, spice shops in Thekkady, or boutiques in Kochi, a GMB profile is a game-changer that bridges the gap between online search and offline sales.
2. Getting Started: Prerequisites
Before setting up your GMB profile, ensure that you have:
- A Google Account (Gmail or G Suite) associated with your business.
- Basic information about your business, including name, address, phone number, website (if available), and photos.
- A physical location (if you want customers to visit) or service areas (if you operate remotely).
Once you have these details ready, you’re all set to start creating your profile.
3. How to Create Your Google My Business Profile
Follow these step-by-step instructions to set up your GMB profile:
- Visit the Google My Business website: Go to www.google.com/business and click on “Manage Now.”
- Sign in with your Google Account: Use the account you want to associate with your business.
- Enter your business name: Type in the official name of your business as you want it to appear to customers.
- Choose your business category: Select the category that best fits your business (e.g., restaurant, clothing store, Ayurveda clinic).
- Add your location: If you have a physical store, select “Yes” and enter your address accurately. If you operate online or provide services at customer locations, select “No” and specify the service areas (e.g., Kochi, Thrissur, Ernakulam).
- Add contact details: Enter your phone number and website URL (if available). This helps customers reach you easily.
- Verify your business: Google will ask you to verify your listing, usually via a postcard sent to your business address containing a verification code. Alternatively, some businesses may be eligible for phone, email, or instant verification.
Once verified, your profile will become visible to customers searching for your business or related keywords.
4. Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile
Simply creating a profile isn’t enough—you need to optimize it to stand out in search results and attract more customers.
- Add High-Quality Photos: Upload clear, attractive images of your products, services, shopfront, team, and even local landmarks to build trust and familiarity.
- Write a Compelling Business Description: Use this section to introduce your business, highlight what makes you unique, and include relevant keywords that local customers might search for (e.g., “authentic Kerala spices” or “eco-friendly homestay in Munnar”).
- Include Business Hours: Clearly list your opening and closing hours, including special timings during festivals like Onam and Vishu.
- Enable Messaging: Allow customers to send you messages directly from your GMB listing for inquiries and bookings.
- Add Products and Services: List your key products or services with descriptions and prices to help customers make informed decisions.
5. Managing Reviews and Customer Engagement
Reviews play a crucial role in building trust and influencing purchase decisions. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your GMB profile. Here’s how:
- Politely ask customers after a purchase or service experience.
- Include a direct link to your GMB review page in WhatsApp messages, emails, or receipts.
Respond to reviews—both positive and negative—professionally and promptly. Thank customers for positive feedback and address concerns in negative reviews to show that you value their opinions.
6. Using Insights to Improve Your Marketing
Google My Business provides valuable insights into how customers interact with your profile:
- Search Queries: Learn what keywords people use to find your business.
- Customer Actions: See how many people visited your website, called you, or asked for directions.
- Photo Views: Monitor which photos are getting the most views and engagement.
Use this data to refine your marketing strategy, focusing on what resonates most with your local audience.
7. Promoting Special Offers and Events
GMB allows you to post updates about special offers, new products, or upcoming events. Use this feature to attract customers during festivals, holiday seasons, or store anniversaries. For example:
- “Onam Special: 20% off on all Kerala Handloom Sarees!”
- “Join us for a cooking workshop on Kerala spices this Vishu!”
These posts appear in your profile and can significantly increase foot traffic and online engagement.
8. Conclusion
Creating and optimizing a Google My Business profile is an essential step for small businesses in Kerala to boost their local visibility and attract more customers. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from setting up your profile and verifying it to optimizing with photos, reviews, and insights—you can establish a strong online presence that drives growth for your business. Start today and watch your Kerala business flourish in the digital world!
Stay tuned to our blog for more tips on digital marketing and small business success in Kerala.
