Google My Business Profile – Key Insights for MSMEs

February 15, 2025

17 min read

People are gradually becoming more and more dependent on the internet. If they need to shop, they would look for the places near them with the lowest prices or carefully go through the reviews before placing an order. This phenomenon represents the lifestyle of today’s people. Why shouldn’t MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) utilize this in growing their businesses? An exceptionally well-known global online platform like google will be the best way to promote businesses. Create your business profile now. Stand out in the crowd!

What is Google My Business Profile?

Google My Business (GMB) profile is a business account that handles business activities smoothly and efficiently. MSMEs can build their business accounts by choosing the option ‘To Manage My Business’ and not ‘For Myself’ while creating a Google account. This account lets business owners create a Google Business Profile to enhance their businesses. MSME can promote their products and services, and information about business hours, home delivery locations, etc.

MSMEs should note that Google My Business Profile does not create a business profile on its own. Business owners need to design it as per their preferences by adding useful information and images.

Why is Google My Business Important for MSMEs?

Google My Business (GMB) is a crucial tool for SMEs in India. It aids small businesses in boosting their online presence on Google Search and Google Maps for free. GMB improves visibility, making it easier for local customers to find your business and driving foot traffic, calls, and sales.

By updating your profile with photos, posts, and product details, you keep customers informed and engaged. GMB also allows businesses to collect reviews, enhancing credibility and building customer trust. With insights into customer behaviour, MSMEs can refine their marketing strategies and improve operations. This makes GMB an invaluable asset for growth.

Is it Difficult to Create a Google My Business Profile?

Creating a Google My Business profile is a straightforward process that does not require advanced technical skills. Small business owners can set up their profiles with minimal effort using just a smartphone or computer with internet access. The process of Google My Business registration can be done by signing into your Google account or creating one if you do not already have one. From there you will be guided through a series of steps to set up your profile.

Google has designed the interface to be user-friendly, with clear instructions at each stage. While the process is simple, it is important to provide accurate and comprehensive information to maximise the benefits of your listing. If you are not confident in your ability to optimise your profile, consider seeking help from a professional who can ensure your listing stands out and attracts potential customers.

How to create a Google My Business Profile?

Signing up for Google My Business Account is effortless. MSMEs need to spend just a few minutes to get their free business profiles linked with their business accounts on google. A phone with an internet connection is all they have to have. Note that MSMEs should have a google account (email address) for this. If they don’t, they can easily create one. Check out the table below to get a clear idea of this.

Create Your Google Business Profile
Step 1	Log in to your business account
Step 2	Visit the official page of Google Business Profile
Step 3	Click on ‘Manage Now’
Step 4	Type the name of your store/ business on the search bar. It might already exist in google. Click on the profile, then ‘Request Access’ in such a case. If it doesn’t, click on ‘Add Your Business to Google.’
Step 5	For creating a new profile, put your business’s name and choose a suitable category. Then, click on ‘Next.’
Step 6	If your business has a physical location, click on ‘Yes.’ If not, click on ‘No.’ Click ‘Next.’
Step 7	Provide the address in case your business has a physical location. Click on ‘Next.’
Step 8	If you offer home deliveries, click on ‘Yes.’ Put the locations where you usually deliver. Click ‘Next.’
Step 9	Add contact information for your business.
Step 10	If you wish to receive valuable tips for your business, click on ‘yes’ on the ‘Stay in the Know’ section.
Step 11	Verify your business through ‘Postcard by Mail’ (mostly used) or via phone call or email verification.
Step 12	Add working hours. (optional)
Step 13	Add messaging option to receive messages. (optional)
Step 14	Describe your business. (optional)
Step 15	Add photos.

Features of Google My Business for MSMEs

Google My Business offers a range of features that can significantly benefit MSMEs:

Business Listing: Your business gets a prominent listing on Google Search and Maps. It increases visibility to potential customers searching for related products or services in your area. This feature is particularly valuable for local businesses, as it helps you compete with larger companies in local search results.

Contact Information: You can easily update and maintain your business’s contact details, including phone numbers, website links, and physical addresses. This ensures that customers can reach you through their preferred method of communication, improving customer service and potentially increasing sales.

Business Hours: The ability to specify your operating hours, including special hours for holidays or events. This helps manage customer expectations and prevent frustration from customers arriving when you are closed. You can also set different hours for specific services or departments within your business.

Photos and Videos: Visual content is crucial in attracting customers. You can upload high-quality images and videos of your products, services, and premises. This gives potential customers a virtual tour of your business. This feature is particularly useful for restaurants, retail stores, and service-based businesses where the ambience or product appearance is important.

Posts: This feature allows you to share updates, promotions, and events directly on your Google My Business profile. You can include calls to action in these posts. This encourages customers to visit your store, make a reservation, or take advantage of a special offer. This real-time communication tool helps keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Customer Reviews: The review system allows customers to share their experiences, helping build trust and credibility. As a business owner, you can respond to these reviews, showcasing that you value customer feedback and are committed to providing excellent service. This interaction can help improve your reputation and encourage more positive reviews.

Insights and Analytics: Google provides valuable data on how customers find and interact with your GMB business listing. You can see metrics such as the number of views your listing receives, the actions customers take (like click to call or visit your website), and even the search queries that lead people to your business. This information can help you refine your marketing strategy and improve your online presence.

Is Google My Business Free?

Yes, Google My Business is completely free to use. It allows businesses to create and manage their profiles on Google Search and Maps without any cost. This free platform helps MSMEs improve their online presence, engage with customers, and gain valuable insights. This makes it a cost-effective way for small businesses to reach more potential customers.

How can MSMEs benefit from Google My Business Account?

The motivation behind Google Business Profile is to create a platform where every business person can promote their products and services. MSMEs often can struggle with advertisement issues as they are pretty expensive. MSMEs can now easily reach audiences and get their businesses reviewed through this free account.

Share the latest information: MSMEs can share the newest updates on their businesses via this global platform. For instance, they can inform the audiences about upcoming sales in their stores, a new dish on their menu, extended business hours, etc. Keeping your profile updated ensures customers always have the latest information, which enhances their experience and builds trust. Regular updates to keep your business profile active and engaging, making it more attractive to potential customers.

Get discovered: Through the advanced technology of GMB, MSMEs now can appear on the search results of the audiences or on google maps. The business information of the MSMEs may pop up on the screen when someone searches for it, like bakeries near me, shoe shops with five-star ratings, etc. This helps local businesses compete with larger companies by improving visibility in their local area. Being discoverable online also means that MSMEs can capture the attention of customers actively seeking their services or products.

Manage your information: This particular feature of Google My Business Account lets businesspersons manage their account information for free. MSMEs can easily access and customize the information Google shows. This helps to keep their customers updated. Consistently managing your profile ensures that all details, such as contact information and operations are accurate. This prevents any potential customer confusion. This level of control allows MSMEs to protect their brand professionally and reliably.

Customer interactions and reviews: The platform facilitates direct communication between businesses and customers. MSMEs can collect reviews through the Google My Business Account service. Good ratings on google might work as a weapon to win the trust of the audiences. Moreover, critical reviews can be influential for the MSMEs to improve the quality of their businesses. By actively managing your reviews and maintaining a high rating, you can build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Keyword facility: Google My Business Account provides keyword facilities for business owners. Therefore, when people search using those keywords, business profiles of some specific MSMEs may appear on their search results. Using relevant keywords can help MSMEs target the right audience and appear in searches related to their niche. This feature optimises the chances of connecting with customers who are most likely to be interested in your offerings.

Answer the queries: Through the chat and phone call options of GMB, audiences can place their queries regarding a business. Some also ask questions in the review sections. MSMEs can take advantage of these features to clear the doubts of the audiences. This gesture may also leave a positive impact on the customers. Prompt responses to customer inquiries can improve customer satisfaction and show that your business values customer engagement. It also helps build a strong connection with potential customers, encouraging them to choose your business over others.

Create a free website: Google My Business has a feature that lets business owners create a standardized website free of cost. MSMEs can build their websites simply using a phone and promote their businesses. This easy-to-use feature ensures that even businesses without technical skills can have an online presence. A website not only showcases your offerings but also adds an extra layer of credibility to your business.
Improved online visibility: In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Significant Google My Business benefits include increased visibility in local search results and Google Maps. This increased visibility can lead to more customers discovering your business when they search for products or services you offer in their area. It is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on local customers, such as retail stores, and service providers.
Cost-effective marketing: For MSMEs, operating on tight budgets, Google My Business offers a powerful marketing tool at no cost. Creating and maintaining a profile free, allows businesses to showcase their products and services to a wider audience without incurring advertising expenses. This cost-effectiveness is particularly valuable for startups and small businesses looking to establish their presence in the market without significant financial advertisement.
Targeted local advertising: Google My Business excels at connecting local businesses with nearby customers. When users search for products or services in their vicinity, your business can appear in the local pack. This increases the likelihood of attracting customers who are ready to make a purchase. This targeted approach is especially beneficial for businesses that primarily serve a local customer base. It helps you compete with larger, national brands in your specific geographic area.
Data and insights: GMB provides valuable analytics that can help you understand your customers better. This is one of the significant benefits of Google My Business that can help customers find your business, see what actions they take on your listings, and even their geographic location. The data can inform your marketing strategies, help you identify areas of improvement, and allow you to make data-driven decisions to grow your business. For example, if you notice a high number of phone calls from your listing, you might consider optimising your phone answering process to convert more of these leads into customers.
Google Maps integration: For brick-and-mortar businesses, the integration with Google Maps is invaluable. It allows customers to easily find directions to your physical location, which can significantly increase foot traffic. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses in hard-to-find locations or for those looking to attract tourists or visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Mobile optimisation: With the increasing use of smartphones for local searches, having a GMB profile ensures that your business information is easily accessible. This mobile-friendly format allows potential customers to find and contact you quickly, even when they are on the go. It is particularly important in India, where mobile internet usage is rapidly growing and many consumers rely on their smartphones for local business information.
Showcase products and services: Google My Business allows you to highlight your offerings through photos, videos, and product listings. This visual showcase can help potential customers understand what you offer before they even visit your store or website. For businesses selling unique or handmade products, or those offering specialised services, this feature provides an excellent opportunity to stand out from competitors and attract interested customers.

Using Google My Business Accounts can be a real game-changer for MSMEs. From micro to medium enterprises, all can avail of this opportunity. So, why wait? MSMEs can create their profiles using the internet whenever and wherever they want. Start now! Learn more about quick MSME loan Online

What is the Future of GMB for MSMEs?

As consumer behaviour continues to shift towards online search for local products and services, having a well-optimised Google My Business listing becomes increasingly crucial for MSMEs. Nearly half of all Google searches have local intent. Businesses that neglect that online presence risk missing out on a significant portion of potential customers. By maintaining an up-to-date and comprehensive GMP profile, MSMEs can ensure they are visible to these local searches. This increases their chances of attracting foot traffic and generating leads.

The prominence of local search listings in Google’s results pages offers a unique opportunity for small businesses to compete with larger corporations. When users search for products or services in their area, Google often prioritises local results, giving well-optimised GMB listings a chance to appear at the top of the search results. This level playing field allows MSMEs to gain visibility they might not otherwise achieve through traditional marketing methods.

To fully leverage the potential of Google My Business, MSMEs should focus on regularly updating their information. They should also respond promptly to customer reviews and questions, and utilise features like Google Posts to share timely updates and promotions. By consistently engaging with the platform and providing customers through their GMB listing, small businesses can significantly enhance their local search presence. They can also attract more customers in their area.

Conclusion

Google My Business or GMB is a vital tool for MSMEs in India. It helps small businesses boost visibility, engage with customers and compete with larger companies- all for free. It allows businesses to showcase their products, services, and key information directly on Google Search and Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with them. An optimised GMB profile not only enhances local search rankings but also fosters trust through customer reviews and up-to-date information. In a digital-first world, maintaining an active and informative GMB presence is essential for attracting customers and gaining valuable insights to refine business strategies.

At Lendingkart, we recognise the power of digital tools like GMB in driving MSME growth. Alongside tailored financial solutions, we provide guidance to help small businesses optimise their online presence. We make it easier for you to succeed in a competitive market.

MSMEs need to know about Google My Business Profile FAQs:

1. How can MSMEs use Google My Business Account to attract the local markets?

MSMEs always target the local markets to expand their sales. Through GMB accounts, local buyers can easily find the businesses near them. Also, the feedback and review section help in impressing the profile visitors.

2. Can Google My Business help me in improving the customer service of my business?

Of course. Prospering businesses are synonymous with great customer service. MSME owners can improve their product quality, serving hours, delivery facility, interiors, etc., depending upon the feedback and reviews received in Google My Business Account.

3. Is opening Google My Business very costly?

MSMEs do not need to pay even a single penny to create a Google My Business Account. Both creating profiles and developing a website are free of cost.

4. How can MSMEs optimize their Google My Business profiles?

To get the top rank in google search results, MSMEs need to follow the steps. 1. MSMEs should use strong and popular keywords so that their profile can appear among the top results provided by Google, 2. Profiles must be well designed with information, and customer service should be top-notch. It may result in good feedback and reviews, 3. The location of the MSMEs does matter a lot. For example, if people look for stores near a specific place, businesses far from that area probably won’t appear in the top searches.

5. Is it compulsory for MSMEs to create a Google My Business Account?

No, this is not a mandatory approach. However, all the MSMEs should create a Google My Business Account and enjoy the pile of facilities it provides.

6. Can I have multiple GMB profiles for my business?

Google My Business allows only one profile per business location. Having multiple profiles for the same location violates their guidelines. However, if your business operates in different locations, you can create a GMB profile for each one. Maintaining accurate and updated information on your GMB profile ensures better visibility and engagement with potential customers in various areas.

7. Can I use my MSME GMB Profile to promote my products and services?

Absolutely, your MSME GMB profile is an excellent platform to showcase your products and services. Optimize your Google My Business profile by adding compelling descriptions, high-quality images, and accurate information. Leverage this GMB profile to attract local customers, improve visibility on Google search results, and boost engagement with potential clients, amplifying your business reach effectively.

8. Why is Google My Business Important for MSMEs?

A Google My Business profile is pivotal for MSMEs due to its unparalleled visibility. GMB profiles showcase crucial business information, aiding in local search rankings and enhancing online presence. They offer a snapshot of services, hours, and contact details, driving traffic both online and offline. With customer reviews and map integration, a GMB profile boosts credibility, fostering trust among potential customers.

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