According to the Federation of Small Businesses, the number of private sector businesses increased by 3.5% in 2019 – that’s over 200,000 new business start-ups compared to the previous year. Search engine giant, Google, helps millions of businesses increase their online presence through their ‘Google My Business’ tool.

What is ‘Google My Business?’

‘Google My Business’ is a free online tool which allows you to display your key business information within the search engine itself including contact details, location, description, opening hours, maps, images and reviews. This provides businesses with an increased opportunity to showcase their services when an inbound search is made into Google.

The primary benefit and purpose of ‘Google My Business’ is so that your business can be found as easily as possible online. Therefore, the more information you are willing to add, the more likely it is that your business will benefit from increased inbound website visits and telephone enquiries.

Applying the best Business Number to your profile

To benefit from the highest amount of inbound calls generated from ‘Google My Business’, it’s important to include a number that is best suited to your business. Telecoms World offer a range of Inbound Numbers from just £0.99 per month.

Create a local presence - setting up your office location allows customers to locate your business through Google maps. This matched with a Telecoms World Virtual 01/02 Number will increase your local presence and help draw in local new business enquiries.

Add a Freephone Business Number – adding an 0800 Freephone Business Number to your profile will provide potential customers with an immediate call to action without having to spend a long time searching. 0800 numbers are highly recognised as free to call, enticing people to make an enquiry.

Increase charitable donations using an 0300 Number – if you are a charity or not-for-profit organisation, adding a credible Not-for-profit 0300 Number to your profile will support callers with free call charges from a UK landline or mobile, increasing the number of charitable donations.

Business 0333 Numbers – Business 03 Numbers have low call rates when calling from a UK landline or mobile phone. Business 03 Numbers are charged at local rate from a UK landline, the same as calling a local 01 or 02 Number. Calls from a UK mobile are included in mobile minute bundles.

Rebate 0845/0844/0843 Business Numbers - Generate up to 4 pence per minute rebate on every call to your number. The 084 Number ranges are the perfect choice for businesses that wish to cover part of their technical staff costs, for example customer advice departments and support lines.

High-Rebate 0870/0871 Business Numbers - Up to 8 pence per minute rebate is paid on calls to your 087 Number. The high-rebate ranges are the perfect choice for information and technical support hotlines. Calls can be routed to a single target number, hunt groups with multiple staff or a call queue, before reaching a skilled support agent.

Regularly update your ‘Google My Business’ information

To achieve the best possible outcome, ‘Google My Business’ profiles must be regularly updated with your latest business information and brand images. Ensure that your opening and closing times are present and update these for upcoming bank holidays and seasonal breaks such as Easter and Christmas. Ensure that social media links are visible, and if you have any special offers, advertisements, or announcements, be sure to include these.

Most Google searchers are immediately drawn to customer reviews when looking for new products and services. Therefore, it’s important to incorporate Google reviews into your profile. If you have an excellent TrustPilot score or a wealth of happy customers, encourage them to leave a Google review. This will increase the likelihood of visitors clicking through to your website or making that initial, all-important telephone call.

To boost your ‘Google My Business’ profile using our range of Inbound Business Numbers, and for more information, contact our team of experts on 0800 774 7772.

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