The Power of Google My Business for Kent Small Businesses

If you run a small business in Kent, you probably know that getting found online is key to attracting more customers. But did you know that Google My Business (GMB) is one of the easiest and most powerful tools to boost your local visibility?

When people search for businesses like yours—whether it's “best café in Canterbury,” “electricians in Maidstone,” or “florist near me”—Google My Business helps your company show up in search results and Google Maps.

Best of all? It’s completely free to use!

In this guide, we’ll show you why Google My Business is essential for Kent businesses and how to set it up step by step.

1. What Is Google My Business?

Google My Business (GMB) is a free tool from Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence in search results and Google Maps.

When you search for a local business, you've probably seen a box appear on the right-hand side of Google with business details like:
✅ Name and address
✅ Phone number and website
✅ Opening hours
✅ Customer reviews
✅ Photos and updates

This is a Google My Business listing, and having one helps customers find and contact you quickly.

Example:
If someone searches for “Kent Plumbers near me”, Google will show a list of local plumbing businesses, and the ones with verified GMB profiles appear first.

That’s why every local business in Kent should have a fully optimized Google My Business profile!

2. Why Kent Businesses Need Google My Business

Still not convinced? Here’s why GMB is a must for your business:

✅ 1. Appear in Google Search & Google Maps

Having a Google My Business listing means your company appears in local search results and Google Maps when people look for your services.

Example: If someone types “best bakery in Canterbury”, Google prioritizes businesses with optimized GMB profiles.

✅ 2. Get More Website Visits & Phone Calls

A well-optimized GMB profile encourages potential customers to:
📞 Call you directly from search results
📍 Get directions to your shop or office
🔗 Click through to your website

✅ 3. Build Trust With Customer Reviews

Google reviews are one of the first things people check before choosing a business. A high rating makes your business look more trustworthy and professional.

✅ 4. Post Updates & Special Offers

You can share posts, events, and promotions on your GMB profile to keep customers engaged and informed.

✅ 5. It’s Completely Free!

Unlike paid advertising, Google My Business is 100% free, making it a no-brainer for any local business.

3. How to Set Up Google My Business in Kent (Step-by-Step Guide)

Step 1: Create Your Google My Business Account

1️⃣ Go to Google My Business
2️⃣ Click "Manage Now"
3️⃣ Sign in with your Google account (or create one)

Step 2: Enter Your Business Details

📌 Business Name – Use the exact name of your business
📍 Address – If you have a physical shop, enter your address
🚗 Service Area – If you don’t have a physical location (e.g., a mobile hairdresser), select the areas you serve
📞 Phone Number – So customers can call you directly
🌍 Website Link – Helps drive traffic to your site

Step 3: Choose a Business Category

Select the most relevant category for your business. This helps Google understand what services you offer and show your listing to the right audience.

Examples:

• Café in Canterbury

• Electrician in Maidstone

• Florist in Dover

Step 4: Verify Your Business

Google will send you a verification code by post, phone, or email. Once verified, your business will officially appear in Google search results.

Step 5: Optimize Your Profile

Now that your business is verified, make it stand out by adding:
✅ High-quality photos of your shop, office, or products
✅ Opening hours (including special holiday hours)
✅ A detailed business description using keywords like "affordable plumbing in Kent"
✅ Regular posts about promotions, events, or special offers

4. How to Get More Reviews on Google My Business

Reviews are one of the most important ranking factors for local businesses. The more positive reviews you have, the higher you rank on Google.

How to Get More Google Reviews:

✅ Ask satisfied customers to leave a review after a service
✅ Send a follow-up email with a review request link
✅ Offer a small discount or freebie for leaving a review
✅ Respond to all reviews—both positive and negative—to show professionalism

5. Keep Your Google My Business Profile Active

Once your profile is set up, don’t just forget about it! Regularly updating your GMB profile keeps your business visible and engaging.

What to Post on GMB?

📢 Promotions & Discounts – “20% off for new customers this weekend!”
📸 New Photos – Show off your latest products or happy customers
📆 Event Announcements – If you’re hosting an event or sale
✅ Business Updates – “We’ve extended our opening hours!”

6. Google My Business Success Story: A Kent Business Example

📍 Example: The Coffee House in Canterbury
Before setting up Google My Business, The Coffee House relied mainly on foot traffic. But after optimizing their GMB listing, they:
✅ Ranked #1 for “Best Café in Canterbury”
✅ Increased website visits by 40%
✅ Gained over 100 5-star reviews
✅ Saw a 25% boost in takeaway orders

👉 Now, customers can easily find them, check their menu, and visit their café!

7. Get Started With Google My Business Today!

Google My Business is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your online presence and attract local customers in Kent.

🚀 Quick Recap:
✅ Set up your GMB profile (It’s free!)
✅ Add your business name, location, and contact details
✅ Post updates, promotions, and special offers
✅ Collect and respond to customer reviews
✅ Keep your listing active and optimized

💡 Need help optimizing your Google My Business profile? We specialize in helping Kent businesses rank higher, attract more customers, and grow their online presence.

📞 Contact us today for expert help with local SEO and web design!