The Importance of Starting Your Online Presence with Google Business Profile (GMB)

In today’s digital world, your business’s online presence is no longer optional. In fact, it’s crucial for staying competitive. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the first step toward a strong online presence should always begin with Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business, or GMB). This profile serves as your digital storefront, making it one of the most powerful tools for reaching new customers. Here’s why starting with GMB should be your first step, and how it connects to the rest of your online presence.

Why Google Business Profile Should Be Your First Step

Before jumping into building a website, social media accounts, or even focusing on paid ads, Google Business Profile (GMB) should be your first priority. The reason is simple: Google is where most people search for businesses. In fact, over 46% of all searches have local intent, meaning that potential customers are looking for businesses like yours right now. Without an optimized GMB profile, you risk being invisible to these customers.

GMB as the Foundation of Your Online Presence

When you set up your GMB account, you're laying the foundation for your online presence. Here’s how it connects to everything else:

Visibility in Google Search and Maps: Once your GMB is set up, your business will appear in local search results and on Google Maps. This is crucial because people are using their mobile devices to search for businesses nearby—especially on the go. GMB listings make it easy for potential customers to find you with key information like your hours, phone number, location, and website link.

Building Credibility: Having a verified Google Business Profile helps establish trust. Customers can read reviews, see photos, and interact directly with your business through questions and answers. A complete and optimized GMB listing boosts your credibility and encourages customers to engage with your business.

Direct Connection to Google’s Ecosystem: Your GMB account feeds into all of Google's services, including Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Google Search Console. Optimizing GMB can directly improve your SEO, making it easier for people to find you across different Google platforms.

Once GMB is Optimized, Move on to Other Listings

After your GMB is fully optimized, the next step is to ensure your business is listed across other relevant online directories. These include Yelp, Bing Places, and industry-specific listings. Consistency is key when it comes to these listings. Ensure that your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are consistent across all platforms. Inconsistent information can confuse search engines and potential customers, negatively affecting your SEO rankings.

A Holistic Approach to Online Presence in 2025 and Beyond

As we approach 2025, a holistic approach to building your online presence is more important than ever. Gone are the days of simply creating a website and expecting customers to find you. Search behavior has evolved, especially with the rise of mobile devices and voice search. People now expect to find local businesses on the go, with the information they need at their fingertips.

Mobile Devices and Voice Search: Mobile searches are increasing year after year, and voice search is becoming a key player in how people find local businesses. Google reports that over 27% of the global online population is using voice search on mobile devices. Optimizing your GMB listing with the right keywords, up-to-date information, and engaging content is crucial for appearing in these voice search results. For example, when someone asks their phone, "Where’s the best pizza nearby?" a well-optimized GMB listing can help your business show up.

Integration of Data from Relevant Articles: Google’s algorithm now places more emphasis on relevant content and data-driven articles. For instance, if your business has written articles on your website or blog, Google will pull that data into search results. If your business is listed with up-to-date and relevant information on GMB, it enhances your SEO and can position you as an authority in your industry. Google’s machine learning now connects local search results with information from articles, reviews, and websites, creating a comprehensive online presence.

Why Businesses Need to Act Now

The landscape of digital marketing is shifting fast. With mobile searches dominating and voice search becoming a critical factor in how customers find businesses, it’s no longer enough to wait and see how things unfold. Businesses that fail to optimize their online presence now risk being left behind. The change is already happening, and by 2025, those who have not adapted will struggle to be found.

Your competitors are likely already optimizing their Google Business Profile, adjusting their SEO strategies, and preparing for the future of search. The businesses that understand the importance of local SEO, GMB, and the changing search trends will be the ones who thrive.

Conclusion

Starting your online presence with Google Business Profile is the most effective way to ensure your business is visible to local customers and integrated with the vast Google ecosystem. By optimizing GMB, businesses can build credibility, increase visibility, and establish a strong foundation for future growth. From there, expanding to other online listings and embracing a holistic approach to digital marketing will help businesses stay competitive as search behavior continues to evolve in 2025 and beyond.

Make sure you’re ready for the future—optimize your Google Business Profile today.