Why Google My Business is Essential to Your Small Business

This free online tool can do big things to help your small business show up in Google searches.

Not many business owners know about Google My Business.

It's gone by a few different names in the past, most recently Google+, Google's attempt at a social media platform that is now morphed into Google My Business. Giving answers to online searches right on the search engine results page (SERP) is Google's way of getting people the information they want quickly. Google's aim is to get people what they want without them clicking through to your website.

That's called "No Click Search."

In fact, 47% of Google searches are now No Click Searches. That number is expected to increase. And that means you have to work harder to get eyeballs on your company's website unless you purchase advertising on Google.

Or, use this feature Google created to help online searchers find a business that offers what they want or need.

I know, I know, I know...Google wants control.

But until something is done about Google's monopoly, this is what we have to work with.

According to HubSpot, 46% of all Google searches have local intent. A GMB account increases your chances of showing up in the Local 3-Pack, that listing of three businesses that appears when you search "feed stores near me" for example. ThriveHive says businesses appearing in the Local 3-Pack "get a whopping 700% boost in clicks over brands that don't."

So appearing in the Local 3-Pack gives a huge edge to small businesses looking to appear in local online searches.

This video shows what GMB offers and how to use it.