Google My Business VS. Google Maps: Which is Better for Your Business?
Google My Business VS. Google Maps: Which is Better for Your Business?
Looking to increase visibility and attract customers? Google's platforms are a very helpful way to achieve this.
Two of the most popular tools are Google My Business (now known as Google Business Profile) and Google Maps.
Both of these platforms are essential for creating a strong online presence. However, it’s important to remember that they serve different purposes.
Below, we explore the differences between Google Business Profile and Google Maps. We also discuss their unique features, and help you decide which is better for your business.
Understanding Google My Business (Google Business Profile)
Google My Business (GMB) – recently rebranded as Google Business Profile – is a free tool. It allows businesses to create and manage their online presence across Google.
When you create a Google listing, you provide crucial information about your business, including:
· Business name
· Address
· Phone number
· Website
· Operating hours
· Photos
This information appears in Google Search and Google Maps. This makes it easier for potential customers to find and connect with you.
One key advantage of using Google Business Profile is the ability to manage your business information directly from a user-friendly dashboard.
Via the dashboard, you can:
· Update your details
· Respond to customer reviews
· Post updates
· Gain valuable insights into how customers are interacting with your business online.
The mobile app makes it even easier to manage your business on-the-go.
Understanding Google Maps
Google Maps is an incredibly popular navigation and mapping service. Millions of people from across the globe use it daily to:
· Find locations
· Get directions
· Obtain real-time traffic information
· Locate businesses
· Get the best routes to a destination
· Get traffic alerts
When a customer searches for a business type (e.g., "coffee shop near me"), Google Maps provides a list of relevant businesses in the area, along with their location on the map. This is known as the "local pack," and it displays businesses that have set up a Google listing through Google Business Profile.
Google Maps is indispensable to businesses. This is because it provides customers with essential information, directly at their fingertips. With Google Maps, users can:
· See your location
· Read reviews
· Find contact details
· See photos of your premises
However, it's important to note that the information on Google Maps is often pulled from Google Business Profiles.
Google Business Profiles VS. Google Maps: Key Differences
Yes, Google Business Profile and Google Maps are certainly interconnected. They also serve a similar purpose – to increase visibility for businesses. However, there are some distinct differences between the two.
Purpose and functionality
Google Business Profile
GBP focuses on managing and optimising your business’ listing across Google’s ecosystem. With it, you can update your business details, provide updates about your business and engage with customers.
Google Maps
Google Maps is primarily a mapping service. It helps users find locations and businesses near them. This is a tool for discovery and navigation, where people can search for specific types of businesses or places.
Control over information
Google Business Profile
Provides complete control over your business information. Via the platform, you can edit your address, phone number, opening hours and more. You can also respond to reviews and upload photos.
Google Maps
Displays information from Google Business Profiles and other data sources. However, you cannot directly manage your business details here. Any changes must be made via the Google Business Profile dashboard.
Customer engagement
Google Business Profile
GBP allows for direct engagement with customers. You can respond to reviews, post updates and answer frequently asked questions. This helps build trust and improves customer satisfaction.
Google Maps
While customers can leave reviews and see updates, you cannot directly interact with them through Maps alone. Any engagement happens via the Google listing managed through Google Business Profile.
Insights and Analytics
Google Business Profile
Offers detailed insights into how customers find your business listing, what actions they take (e.g., clicking on your website or calling your business), and how many views your listing receives. These analytics are crucial for understanding customer behaviour and improving your online presence.
Google Maps
Does not provide in-depth analytics on its own. You need to rely on the data provided by Google My Business to gauge performance.
Which is better for your business?
Now that we understand the differences between Google Business Profile and Google Maps, the question arises: which is better for your business?
Ultimately, the answer depends on your goals and how you want to manage your business' online presence.
For managing and optimising your business information:
Want to have full control over your business listing, manage customer interactions and gain insights into customer behaviour? Then Google Business Profile is the way to go.
It provides a centralised platform where you can manage all aspects of your online presence. The mobile app is especially useful for businesses that need to update their information frequently or engage with customers regularly.
For local search visibility:
Is your primary goal to attract local customers searching for your services? Then Google Maps is indispensable.
That said, your visibility on Google Maps largely depends on the quality and optimisation of your Google Business Profile. As such, while Google Maps is crucial for discovery, you need to have a well-maintained Google Business Profile to ensure your business appears prominently in local search results.
For Customer Engagement
Engaging with customers is vital for building trust and encouraging repeat business. Google Business Profile allows you to respond to reviews, post updates and share news about your business directly. Google Maps displays this information, but you need to use Google Business Profile to manage it effectively.
The power of using both
While there are differences between Google Business Profile and Google Maps, they are most effective when used together.
Having a well-optimised Google Business Profile ensures that your business is visible on Google Maps, which is crucial for attracting local customers.
At the same time, managing your business listing through Google Business Profile helps you control your brand image, interact with customers and understand how people are finding and engaging with your business.
Combining both platforms ensures that your business:
· Is visible
· Provides the best possible experience for potential customers.
You can:
· Manage your business efficiently
· Gain valuable insights
· Use these insights to improve your online presence and customer satisfaction.
Are you using either of these platforms? Or both?
In the debate between Google Business Profile and Google Maps, there isn't a clear winner – each serves a unique purpose. In fact, they complement one another.
For businesses looking to increase visibility, attract local customers and engage more effectively, both platforms are indispensable tools.
Start by creating and optimising your Google Business Profile, and you’ll naturally see your business appear more prominently on Google Maps.
By leveraging both, you can enhance your business’s online presence, manage your business more effectively and ultimately drive more customers through your doors.
Looking for digital marketing support for your business? EWM has got you covered. Our experts specialise in creating tailored digital marketing strategies that drive visibility, engagement and growth.
Reach out to EWM today – let's take your business to new heights together!