Week 9 Part B: Using Google for Business and Creating an Account

 Using Google for Business as a Small Brand Owner

As someone who started a small wellness brand in Colombia called IOMI, learning about Google Business tools has been really interesting. Back home, I used Instagram and word of mouth to grow my community, but I realize now how powerful Google can be, especially for businesses with a physical location or a clear online presence. Google isn’t just a search engine—it’s a platform that helps businesses be visible in a professional and organized way.

One of the tools I found most useful is the Google Business Profile. It allows you to add your address, business hours, photos, updates, and even interact with people who leave reviews. I checked a few small businesses here in California, and I noticed they use their Google page almost like a mini-website. They post pictures, respond to reviews, and share what’s happening with their services. I think it creates trust with potential customers before they even visit in person.

Google also offers analytics, which is great for understanding who’s checking out your page, where they’re from, and how they interact with your content. You can also link your Google profile to your website and add a map, which is perfect for helping people find you easily. It’s clear that Google offers powerful tools, even for people who don’t have a big budget, since many of the features are free or affordable.

Right now, because I’m an international student in the U.S., I can’t legally run my business or work while I study. That’s why I had to pause IOMI for now. But exploring tools like Google for Business makes me feel hopeful and excited for the future. When the time comes and I’m able to launch again, I know these tools will help me be more visible, connect with the right people, and maybe even grow outside of Colombia.

I believe that even small businesses, especially new or local ones, can benefit a lot from Google. You don’t always need to be active on every social media platform. Sometimes being easy to find on Google, with clear information and good reviews, is even more important. It’s definitely a platform I plan to use when IOMI returns.

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