Why Small Businesses Should Register On Google Maps
Did you know that Google Maps is the undisputed navigation app of today?
It’s true! In a recent survey, about two-thirds of all respondents say that they prefer Google Maps over other options. Statistics have further cemented Google’s dominance in the navigation market- about six times as much as Waze, the second most-used app.
The numbers don’t lie- Waze only has a 12 percent adoption rate, while third placer Apple Maps only has 11 and MapQuest comes in at 8 percent.
What does it mean for small and local businesses? Mobile navigation is an essential part of acquiring more customers. Therefore, getting on the Map (Google’s, that is) is a must-have if you want your business to grow and thrive.
Interestingly enough, the survey from The Manifest showed that the 511 smartphone users use at least 3 unique apps each day. 72 percent of the total respondents are female. In groups, 28 percent of them are aged 25 to 34 and the least are people aged 65 and up (5 percent).
How People Use Google Maps
Navigation apps are meant to show you the route you can take on a turn-by-turn basis to your destination. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that more than 70 percent of participants say that they use navigation apps mainly to get from Point A to Point B.
Broken down further, 36 percent say they look up the directions before climbing in their vehicles, while 30 percent say they open the app while en route. 30 percent of respondents mention they use maps before getting into and while driving on their cars.
How Do Others Use Navigation Apps Like Google Maps?
Navigational tools like Waze, Apple and Google’s popular map aren’t just exclusively for drivers. As it turns out, people also look up directions while walking, riding a bicycle or as they head to the nearest public transportation.
Per region, the Northeast tops out the list by having up to 24 percent of responders using the app for non-driving reasons. In the West and Midwest, about 12 percent of responders say they use navigation for other things, while the figure is only 8 percent for the South.
Why Should Small Businesses Take Notice?
It makes total sense to put yourself on Google Map. Not doing so is missing out on all the opportunities it can present.
For instance, you can make your business discoverable by others who are looking for what you’re selling, whether it be electronic goods, services, food and others. The more people can see you on the internet, the better it will be in terms of reach and exposure.
As you may know, the more customers you have the greater the profits and possibility of repeat customers. Moreover, there’s also the power of word of mouth advertising, which can single-handedly give you the momentum in terms of returns, profits and reach.
Registering your small business on Google Maps only takes a few steps:
Step 1.
Claim your business. Head to the Google My Business section and tap on “Get on Google”, then fill up the fields with the necessary business information.
Step 2.
Add some additional info if you’d like.
Step 3.
Verify and complete the process. Done!
Keep in mind that you will appear on Google Maps even if you don’t have a website.
