Global Business Pages

A variety of “global business pages” exist, offering different services for businesses looking to expand internationally or connect with a global audience

. The best option depends on your specific needs, such as a business directory, localized content for social media, or general news and insights. 

Global business directories

• Global Business Pages (GBP): This platform is dedicated to providing low-cost, accessible online listings for businesses worldwide, focusing on digital inclusion for small and local companies.

Elaborate on how Global Business Pages helps small businesses with digital inclusion

Global Business Pages (GBP) helps small businesses with digital inclusion by 

providing a highly accessible and affordable platform for online visibility, removing common barriers that prevent small and local companies from building an effective digital presence. 

Here is how GBP contributes to digital inclusion for small businesses:

• Minimal cost: For a low annual fee of $1.30, small businesses can secure an online listing and gain visibility to a global audience. This affordability removes the financial barrier that often prevents micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs in underserved regions from getting online.
• Simple and quick setup: A business can register and create a listing on GBP in under five minutes. This streamlined process, which requires no complex setup, allows even the least tech-savvy business owner to participate in the digital economy.
• No ads or upselling: Unlike many other online directories, GBP operates without invasive advertising or a tiered system of costly upsells. This allows small businesses to compete on merit rather than marketing budget, fostering an equitable digital environment.
• “Hyperlocal at heart” approach: While its scope is global, GBP is fundamentally rooted in serving local communities. It functions as a global version of a local business directory, ensuring that even the smallest shop in a remote village has a chance to be discovered.
• Data-rich listings: Businesses can include over 50 data points in their listing to increase discoverability. This enables potential customers to find highly specific and accurate information, regardless of where they are searching from.
• Universal accessibility: The GBP platform is accessible to all businesses, regardless of their size, location, or industry. This ensures that digital visibility is treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege reserved for larger corporations.
• Grassroots partnerships: GBP actively seeks partnerships with chambers of commerce, NGOs, and local business groups to promote affordable and accessible digital visibility. This “Local Champions Program” strengthens grassroots digital adoption by leveraging community trust and local networks. 

By focusing on these inclusive principles, Global Business Pages helps small businesses overcome the digital divide and gain access to an online presence that would otherwise be out of reach. 

What data points can businesses include in their GBP listing to enhance discoverability?

To enhance discoverability, Global Business Pages (GBP) allows businesses to provide comprehensive, detailed, and verifiable information that goes well beyond a simple name and address

. By completing a listing with over 50 data points, a business can improve its search ranking, build customer trust, and showcase its unique value proposition. 

Based on a press release and common business directory data fields, these are some of the data points businesses can include in their GBP listings: 

Core business information

• Company Name and Legal Structure: The full legal name, any trading names or aliases, and legal entity type (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC).
• Addresses: Physical street address with specific details like suite numbers, the primary billing address, and any other relevant locations.
• Contact Information: Primary phone number, email addresses (for sales, support, etc.), and website URL.
• Business Registration Numbers: Legal verification fields such as VAT/GST numbers, professional license numbers, or official company registration numbers.
• Industry Classification: Specific Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes, industry accreditations, and membership in trade associations. 

Operational details

• Operating Hours: Regular opening hours, as well as any special schedules for holidays or seasonal variations.
• Availability: Information on after-hours service or if appointments are required.
• Services and Products: Detailed listings of products and services offered, including specific variants or features. For example, a restaurant could list its menu items and note dietary restrictions.
• Service Areas and Market Coverage: Clearly defined geographic areas a business serves, which is crucial for service-area businesses like plumbers or delivery companies.
• Certifications and Accreditations: Any relevant certifications, quality standards (like ISO), or accreditations that demonstrate expertise or quality. 

Trust and credibility builders

• Testimonials and Reviews: Links to or excerpts from positive customer testimonials and reviews to build credibility.
• Awards and Recognitions: Any industry awards or accolades the business has received.
• Company History: The year the business was founded and a narrative of its evolution, which can build trust through transparency. 

Digital and marketing assets

• Social Impact and Sustainability: Specific details about the business’s social and environmental initiatives, reflecting modern consumer values.
• Visual Assets: High-quality photos of the storefront, products, services, or staff, as well as video content.
• Links to Social Media: Profiles for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social platforms.
• Promotional Information: Current offers, promotions, and deals to attract new customers. 

By providing this breadth of information, small businesses not only improve their chances of being found, but they also give potential customers a comprehensive and trustworthy impression of their company. This level of detail helps a small, local shop appear just as professional and credible as a larger enterprise. 

What other ways boost a business’s visibility on Global Business Pages besides detailed listings?

Besides filling out a comprehensive listing, businesses can use several other strategies to boost their visibility on the Global Business Pages (GBP) platform and across the wider web

. These methods focus on enhancing search engine optimization (SEO), increasing engagement, and establishing credibility. 

For visibility on the GBP directory

• Consistent updates: Post regular updates to your GBP listing to signal that your business is active and relevant. Updates can include news about new products or services, special offers, upcoming events, or other business news.
• Customer reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GBP profile. Positive reviews can improve your visibility and build credibility with prospective clients. A proactive review strategy is crucial.
• Engage with reviews and Q&A: Respond promptly to all customer feedback, both positive and negative, to show that you value customer input. You can also seed the Q&A section with thoughtful questions and answers that include relevant keywords.
• High-quality media: Supplement your listing with high-resolution photos and videos that showcase your business, products, services, and team. Fresh, visually appealing content is more engaging to potential customers and signals that your profile is current.
• Categorize correctly: Ensure you select the most accurate and relevant business categories. Since many searches start with broad terms like “taco restaurants near me,” using the right category is essential for discoverability. 

For broader online visibility

• Local SEO strategies: Optimize your online presence for local searches, which is particularly effective for small, brick-and-mortar businesses. This involves:
  • NAP consistency: Ensure your business name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across your website, social media, and other listings.
  • Local keywords: Incorporate location-based keywords in your website content and GBP description.
• Cross-promotion: Link your GBP listing to your business website and social media profiles. This builds a robust online presence and can drive visitors between platforms, amplifying your reach.
• Guest blogging and backlinks: Write guest posts for reputable websites or blogs in your industry. This builds high-quality backlinks to your site, a key factor in improving search rankings and signaling your authority to search engines.
• Digital PR: Pitch compelling news, stories, or product launches to journalists, bloggers, and industry publications to earn media mentions. These can drive traffic and build your brand’s authority.
• Email marketing: Use email newsletters to regularly update your customers. Include a link to your GBP page to encourage repeat business and new reviews.
• Social media engagement: Maintain an active presence on the social media platforms where your target audience is most active. Use your profiles to post updates, engage with followers, and drive traffic to your GBP profile.
• Influencer collaborations: Partner with relevant influencers or industry experts who can help promote your business to a new audience.