Putting Your Business on the Map—Literally

In regional towns like Mildura, Bendigo, and Warragul, connecting with your local community is the backbone of a successful business. While word-of-mouth remains powerful, there’s a digital tool that can amplify your reach and make sure your business stands out to nearby customers: Google My Business (GMB). If you’re not fully utilising this free tool, you could be missing out on valuable traffic and local engagement.

Why Google My Business Matters for Regional Businesses

• Increases Visibility in Local Search: When someone searches for a service or product “near me,” Google My Business listings are often the first thing they see. For businesses in towns like Shepparton or Ballarat, this means showing up front and center when locals are searching for what you offer.
• Provides Essential Information at a Glance: In smaller towns, customers appreciate knowing exactly what they can expect before visiting a business. GMB allows you to display crucial information like your hours, address, and contact details directly in search results, ensuring potential customers get what they need immediately.
• Builds Trust Through Reviews: Trust is key in regional communities, and positive reviews on your GMB listing can significantly boost your reputation. Encouraging satisfied customers to leave reviews can enhance your credibility and influence the decisions of potential customers in nearby towns.
• Enables Direct Interaction: Google My Business isn’t just about visibility—it’s a way to engage directly with your community. Whether it’s responding to reviews, answering questions, or posting updates, GMB provides a platform to connect with your customers on a more personal level.

Getting the Most Out of Google My Business

• Complete Your Profile: The more information you provide, the better. Fill out all sections of your GMB profile, including your business category, hours of operation, and a detailed description of what you offer. Use keywords relevant to your industry and location to improve your chances of appearing in local searches.
• Add High-Quality Photos: Images play a crucial role in making your business more appealing. Upload high-quality photos that showcase your storefront, products, or services. For a cafe in Geelong or a boutique in Albury, great visuals can entice customers to visit in person.
• Encourage and Respond to Reviews: Positive reviews are a powerful tool for attracting new customers. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and always respond—whether the feedback is positive or negative. Engaging with reviews shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to improving your service.
• Utilize Posts and Updates: Google My Business allows you to share posts about upcoming events, special offers, or new products. Regularly updating your GMB listing keeps your business top-of-mind and can drive more traffic during key times of the year.
• Track Performance: Google My Business provides insights into how customers are interacting with your listing. Use this data to see what’s working and where you can improve. Are people finding you through search? How many are clicking on your website or calling your business? These insights can guide your local marketing strategy.

Don’t Miss Out on Local Opportunities

In regional Victoria, where competition can be fierce and the customer base is often tightly knit, making the most of Google My Business is a no-brainer. It’s a simple, effective way to increase your visibility, build trust, and connect with your local community. Whether you’re a small shop in Bendigo or a service provider in Warrnambool, optimising your Google My Business listing can help you stand out in the digital landscape and attract more customers.

At Robinson Digital, we understand the unique challenges of running a business in regional towns. We’re here to help you optimise your online presence and get the most out of tools like Google My Business. Let’s work together to put your business on the map—literally.