Let’s get real for a second—if your business isn’t showing up on Google My Business (GMB), you might as well be invisible. GMB is your ticket to getting found by customers, and understanding your GMB insights? That’s how you level up. We’re diving deep into how to benchmark your business’s GMB performance and make sure you’re maximizing your online presence.
The Power of Discovery Searches (Hint: It’s 84% of the Game)
Did you know that 84% of searches for local businesses come from discovery searches? That’s when people aren’t looking specifically for you, but you pop up because they need a service you offer. Think about it—being in that top spot when someone searches "plumber near me" could mean the difference between getting a new customer or being completely overlooked.
To put this into perspective, the average business gets found in 1,009 searches per month. Out of those, 852 are discovery searches. So yeah, your GMB presence isn’t just important—it’s a gold mine.
“Discovery searches grew 6% year-on-year, while direct searches shot up by 38%. People are looking for businesses they already know, but discovery searches still dominate. Your job? Show up and stand out.” — GMB Fox Data Analysis
What Actions Are Your Customers Taking?
Views are cool, but conversions are where the magic happens. Of the businesses we analyzed, 5% of GMB views led to a website click, call, or direction request. Sure, 5% may seem small, but if you’re getting 1,000 views a month, that’s 50 potential leads. In some industries, that’s a game changer.
Pro tip: Don’t just rely on your GMB listing sitting pretty. Beef it up with great photos, collect killer reviews, and make sure all your info is up-to-date. The businesses that do this see far more engagement.
Why Your GMB Photos Matter More Than You Think
Ever heard the saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words"? Well, in the world of GMB, it might be worth a thousand dollars. Local businesses have a median of 11 photos on their profile. And guess what? More photos typically mean more customer engagement.
People want to know what they’re getting into before they walk through your doors or hire your service. So, whether it’s showcasing your office space, team, or product offerings, load up that gallery.
The GMB Insights Goldmine: What You Can Learn
GMB insights can feel like deciphering the Matrix, but once you get the hang of it, it’s marketing gold. Whether it’s understanding how customers find you through direct vs. discovery searches, or knowing when to expect those high call volumes (hint: Monday at 10 AM is prime time), GMB insights offer actionable data that helps you tweak and refine your local SEO strategy.
“GMB Insights are far from perfect, but they give you direction. Like any tool, it’s a guide, not gospel. Use the data to make informed decisions, but keep testing and improving.” — Ben Fisher, GMB Expert
Benchmarking: How Does Your Business Stack Up?
This isn’t just about your numbers. It’s about how you compare to others in your industry. For example, car dealerships see the highest number of calls and website visits from GMB, while hotels dominate views on Search and Maps.
But even if you’re not in the hospitality or automotive industry, you can still take steps to boost your GMB presence. Look at what the top players in your field are doing and implement those strategies. If they’re raking in reviews, getting featured on Google Maps, and ranking high in searches, guess what? You can too.
Conclusion: Your Next Move
If you’re not fully using your GMB insights, you’re leaving money on the table. This isn’t just about getting found online—it’s about getting chosen. Your competitors are already out there, fine-tuning their GMB strategies and pulling in leads. The question is, are you?
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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