Are potential customers in Johor Bahru struggling to find your business online? If you’re a restaurant in Permas Jaya, a car workshop in Skudai, or a boutique in City Square, a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is your free ticket to getting discovered. Let’s get you set up so customers can find you on Google Search and Maps!

Why Every JB Business Needs a Google Business Profile

Think about the last time you needed a plumber urgently. Did you scroll through the Yellow Pages? Probably not. You probably searched “plumber near me” on Google. That’s exactly how your potential customers are finding businesses like yours.

A Google Business Profile is basically your online storefront on Google. It lets you:

Show up in local search results: When someone searches for “nasi lemak in JB” or “hair salon near me,” Google shows results based on location. A properly set up Google Business Profile dramatically increases your chances of appearing in these searches.
Display key information: Customers can instantly see your opening hours, address, phone number, website, and even photos of your products or services.
Collect customer reviews: Positive reviews are crucial for building trust and attracting new customers. Think of it as word-of-mouth marketing, but online!
Highlight promotions and special offers: Announce discounts, new menu items, or special events directly on your profile.
Answer customer questions directly: Respond to inquiries and address concerns promptly.

Remember, in Malaysia, mobile is king. Over 70% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices. People are searching on their phones while they’re on the go. A Google Business Profile ensures your business is visible and accessible to them, especially if your website is fast and mobile-friendly (something we at GX Automation can help you with - check out our /pricing).

Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Google Business Profile

Here’s a simple guide to creating your Google Business Profile:

Go to Google Business Profile: Visit google.com/business and click “Manage Now”.
Sign in with your Google account: If you don’t have one, create one. Use a business email address if possible (e.g., [email protected]).
Enter your business name: Be accurate and consistent with your existing branding.
Choose your business category: Select the most relevant category. You can add more categories later. This is important so Google knows what type of searches to display your business for.
Add your location: Enter your business address accurately. If you serve customers at their location (e.g., delivery, home services), you can specify a service area.
Add your contact information: Provide your phone number and website address. Make sure these are always up-to-date. Consider using a WhatsApp number if that’s your preferred method of communication with customers, and ensure it’s linked to a WhatsApp Business account for automated replies. We can help you integrate WhatsApp automation to enhance your customer service – see our /solutions/whatsapp-automation for more details.
Verify your business: Google will typically send a postcard with a verification code to your business address. This proves that you’re the legitimate owner of the business.
Complete your profile: Add a detailed description of your business, photos of your storefront, products, and team, and your opening hours.

Optimizing Your Google Business Profile for Maximum Impact

Once your profile is set up, here are some tips to make it stand out:

Use high-quality photos: Invest in good photos that showcase your business in the best light. People are visual!
Write a compelling business description: Highlight what makes your business unique and why customers should choose you. Include relevant keywords (e.g., “best coffee in Mount Austin,” “affordable hair salon in Johor Bahru”).
Regularly update your profile: Post updates about new products, promotions, or events. Keep your information accurate and current.
Respond to reviews promptly: Acknowledge both positive and negative reviews. Address concerns professionally and offer solutions.
Encourage customers to leave reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave a review on Google. Consider offering a small incentive.
Use Google Posts: Share updates, offers, and announcements directly on your profile. These posts appear in search results and on Google Maps.
Add Products/Services: List your main products or services with descriptions and prices. This helps customers understand what you offer before even visiting your website. You can even link directly to a product page on your website or a page on Shopee.

Why a Fast Website is Crucial for Your Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile points customers to your website. But if your website is slow and clunky, you’ll lose those potential customers. Think about it: someone finds your business on Google, clicks the link to your website, and then waits…and waits…and waits. They’ll probably just go back to Google and choose another business.

Malaysia has relatively slow internet speeds compared to Singapore or even KL. So you really need to consider website speed. We at GX Automation build high-performance websites that load in under 1 second. This means a better user experience, higher engagement, and more sales. See some examples of our websites and demo features at our /showroom.

Don’t Forget to Track Your Progress!

Google Business Profile provides insights into how customers are finding your business. Track metrics like:

Search queries: What keywords are people using to find your business?
Website clicks: How many people are clicking through to your website from your profile?
Phone calls: How many people are calling you directly from your profile?
Directions: How many people are requesting directions to your business?

Use these insights to refine your profile and optimize your marketing efforts.

Still Not Sure Where To Start?

Setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile can seem daunting. If you’re too busy running your business to handle it yourself, or you want to ensure it’s done right, we can help. We also offer a free website audit that will reveal areas where your current website is underperforming. You can get your free audit here: /audit

Ready to attract more customers to your JB business? Contact us today to learn more about our web design and automation solutions. Click this link to WhatsApp us now: https://wa.me/60169383640

Google Business Profile Setup Guide for JB Businesses