Google My Business vs Website Which One is Better?

Google My Business vs Business Website Which One Is Better?

If you own a small business, you have heard of the power of online advertising. However, knowing which platforms to choose can be challenging with many different platforms and available options.

In this article, we'll compare two of the most popular options. Google My Business and a business website.

We'll look at the benefits and drawbacks of each platform, as well as which one might be right for your business.

Google My Business

Google My Business is a free online business listing provided by Google.com. The business listing allows businesses to manage their online information across Google's search engine.

The Google My Business listing has grown in popularity since it provides users with the local business information they are looking for.

Google does a good job of detecting what a user is looking for and where the user is located. This allows Google to display local business listings to users in just a few seconds.

Google is providing the customer with a lot of the information they require through your GMB listing, so there is less reason for them to click on the link to your website.

By creating a Google My Business listing, businesses can display important information about their business, such as their address, phone number, hours of operation, and even customer reviews.

Having a Google My Business listing can help increase a business's visibility in search results and make it much easier for customers to find their local business.

Advantages of Google My Business

Increased visibility in search results: Google My Business allows businesses to appear in local map search results. This can increase their visibility and reach more customers.

Free to use: Google My Business is a free business listing provided by Google, making it an affordable option for businesses with limited budgets.

Provides valuable data and analytics: The platform offers insights into how customers find and interact with your business, allowing you to make data-driven decisions.

Easier for customers to find your business: By providing accurate and up-to-date information about your business, Google My Business makes it easier for customers to find and contact you.

Allows for customer reviews: Google My Business allows customers to leave reviews about your business, which can help build trust and credibility with potential customers.

Disadvantages of Google My Business

Limited customization: Google My Business listings have limited customization options, meaning you have less control over your branding and messaging.

Limited functionality: Google My Business is primarily designed to display basic business information, so it may not be the best option for businesses that require more advanced functionality.

Limited support: While Google My Business is a widely-used platform, support can be limited, making it difficult to get help when needed.

Advantages of a Business Website

A website is a collection of web pages that are accessed through the internet. Websites can provide information about a business, sell products or services, or serve as a platform for customer communication.

Consumers expect businesses to have a website. There is no question that a business without a website will lose credibility.

Advantages of Having A Business Website:

Increased credibility and professionalism: A well-designed website will help build credibility and professionalism for your business, making it more appealing to potential customers.

More control over branding and messaging: With a website, you have more control over your branding and messaging. This allows you to create a more cohesive and consistent brand experience.

Ability to sell products or services directly: Websites are used to sell products or services directly to customers, making it easier to generate revenue.

More advanced functionality: Websites can offer more advanced functionality, such as online booking systems or interactive tools, allowing you to provide a more engaging user experience.

SEO benefits: Websites can be optimized for search engines, allowing you to appear in search results for more relevant keywords and driving more traffic to your site.

Disadvantages of Having a Business Website

Can be expensive: Creating and maintaining a website will cost more, particularly if you require a custom design or advanced functionality.

Time-consuming to set up: Building a website can take time, mainly if you are unfamiliar with web design or development.

Requires ongoing maintenance: Websites require constant maintenance, including software updates and security measures, which can be time-consuming and expensive.

Differences Between Google My Business and a Websites

Google My Business (GMB) and a website are important parts of a business's online presence. Still, they do different things and have different features.

Search Visibility: GMB provides businesses with improved search visibility by showing up in Google Maps and search results when users search for relevant keywords.

GMB also allows businesses to appear in Google's Local Pack, which displays three local businesses in the search results.

By using SEO techniques like keyword research, on-page optimization, and link building, a website can make it easier for people to find a business when they search for it.

Customer Interaction: GMB allows customers to interact with a business by leaving reviews, asking questions, and messaging the company.

It also allows businesses to respond to customer reviews and messages.

A website allows customers to interact with a business by filling out contact forms, subscribing to newsletters, and making purchases.

Which Platform is Better?

The decision between using Google My Business (GMB) and a website depends on the type of business and its goals.

Here are some guidelines for which platform is better suited for different types of businesses:

Local brick-and-mortar businesses: GMB is great for local brick-and-mortar businesses that want to increase their visibility on Google Maps and local search results. It's also great for companies that want to manage their customer reviews and engage with them online.

E-commerce businesses: A website is a must for e-commerce businesses that want to sell products online and provide detailed product information to customers.

A website also allows businesses to track customer behavior, run marketing campaigns, and manage orders and inventory.

Service-based businesses: Both GMB and a website can work well for service-based businesses. Still, the decision depends on the type of services offered.

GMB is better for businesses that want to show off their services and give basic information. At the same time, a website is better for businesses that want to provide more detailed information and interact with customers through content marketing.

Online businesses: A website is essential for online businesses that want to sell products or services online, build brand awareness, and establish credibility.

A website also allows businesses to showcase their products or services, provide customer information, and offer support and assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Google My Business and websites serve different purposes, they are both essential tools for businesses looking to establish an online presence.

Google My Business is a great starting point for local businesses to provide basic information and increase visibility in search results.

On the other hand, websites provide businesses with more advanced functionality and customization options, as well as the ability to build credibility and professionalism.

Ultimately businesses should use both a website and Google My Business listing. By leveraging the strengths of each tool, businesses can establish a strong online presence and reach more potential customers.

Image Credits

All photos used have been curated by Verity staff