In a digital-first world, if your business isn’t visible on Google, you’re missing out on customers every single day—especially in your local area.
Enter Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile)—a powerful and free tool from Google that helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps.
Google My Business can help you attract more footfalls, get more phone calls, and build your brand online.
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business is a free listing platform by Google that allows you to manage how your business appears in Google Search and Maps.
When someone types in:
- “Café near me”
- “Best digital marketing agency in Noida”
- “Digital Marketing institute Lucknow”
Google shows nearby businesses—and GMB listings are usually at the top.
Benefits of using Google My Business in India
Here’s why GMB is a game-changer for Indian local businesses:
- FREE exposure on the world’s most-used search engine
- Show up in “near me” and voice searches
- Build trust with photos, reviews, and ratings
- Direct customers to your phone number, WhatsApp, or website
- Helps customers navigate to your shop through Google Maps
How to Use GMB to Promote Your Business
1. Create or Claim Your Business Listing
Go to Google Business Profile
Search your business name. If it exists, claim it. If not, create a new one.
Enter details like:
- Business name
- Address (or service area if home-based)
- Phone number
- Website (optional)
- Category (e.g., café, tuition center, boutique)
- Hours of operation
2. Verify Your Business
Google will send a postcard with a verification code to your address. This usually takes 7–10 days. Once verified, your listing goes live.
Some businesses can verify via phone, email, or video call.
3. Optimize Your Profile for Local SEO
- Add a clear, high-quality logo and cover photo
- Upload photos of your products, store, or team
- Add a detailed business description with local keywords
- Use categories and services
- Update working hours, holidays, and peak times
4. Encourage Reviews (and Respond to Them)
Ask happy customers to leave reviews. You can:
- Send them a review link after a visit
- Offer a small incentive (like 5% off on their next visit)
- Display a “Review Us on Google” QR code in your shop
Always reply to reviews, even the negative ones—politely and professionally. It builds credibility.
5. Use GMB Posts Regularly
Just like social media, GMB lets you post updates, offers, photos, and events.
Use it to:
- Promote a discount
- Announce a new product
- Share a festival greeting
- Post photos of your latest work
These posts expire after 7 days, so post weekly for best results.
6. Enable Messaging
You can allow customers to message you directly from your GMB listing (via the Google Maps app).
Great for:
- Booking appointments
- Quick queries
- Getting leads directly on WhatsApp (via links)
7. Track Your Results
Use the built-in GMB Insights to monitor:
- How many people saw your listing
- How they found you (search/maps)
- What actions they took (calls, direction requests, website clicks)
This helps you understand what’s working and how to improve.
Pro Tips for Indian Businesses
- Use Hindi or regional language keywords in your description for local searches
- Add festival-specific promotions (Diwali, Eid, Holi, etc.)
- Collaborate with nearby businesses and link to each other
- Share your GMB link on WhatsApp, Instagram bio, and business cards
- Add frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help users directly from the listing
Final Thought
In 2025, promoting your local business doesn’t need a big budget—you just need smart tools and consistency.
Google My Business is one of the most powerful free marketing tools available to Indian business owners. With just a few hours of setup and regular updates, you can attract more local customers and grow your reputation online.
“If your business doesn’t show up online, your customers won’t show up offline.”