Why Having a Website Is Essential for Google My Business in 2025
Have you ever noticed that many local businesses have Google My Business profiles, yet customers sometimes feel unsure or cannot find enough information? Adding a business website fills this gap. Customers can explore detailed information about products and services, read reviews, check the latest promotions, and contact you immediately through forms or a secure booking system.
When Google My Business and your website work together, local businesses are more likely to appear in Google Maps search results. Customers gain confidence and trust in your brand, an essential step to turning interest into actual sales. This article explains in detail how a website supports Google My Business and how to use it to attract customers effectively.
What is Google My Business
Google My Business, often called GMB, is a free tool from Google that helps local businesses appear prominently in search results and on Google Maps. Suppose a customer is looking for a café, a hair salon, or a clinic nearby. The first thing they see is not the website but the business information displayed directly on search results, such as the business name, operating hours, phone number, map location, and customer reviews. All of this is managed through Google My Business.
The advantage is that business owners don’t need advanced technical skills to use it. Simply fill in key information, such as business category, photos, logo design, and contact channels, and customers can easily find your business. Moreover, maintaining an up-to-date GMB profile increases your chances of ranking in local search results, which is perfect for businesses that want to attract nearby customers.
However, no matter how powerful GMB is, it still has limitations. The information shown to customers is usually brief and does not fully explain your services, strengths, or what makes your business unique. This is where a website comes in to fill the gap and make your business look more credible and complete.
Digital Agency Bangkok's Google My Business
The Role of a Website in Google My Business
Google My Business is a great business profile, but often customers prefer businesses with a real online presence and detailed visuals. A website bridges the gap from “search” to “purchase decision.” At Digital Agency Bangkok, we analyzed the key roles a website plays when linked to a GMB profile.
1.Builds Business Credibility
A website linked to GMB reassures customers that your business is legitimate, not a fake profile. For example, a restaurant with a website showing the menu, pricing, and photos of the atmosphere looks more trustworthy than a business with only phone numbers and map details on Google.
2.Expands Information Beyond GMB Limits
GMB can include basic details, but it is limited. A website allows you to provide:
- Full menu with prices
- Special services, such as home delivery or monthly promotions
- Product galleries and ambiance videos
- FAQ pages that answer common customer questions immediately
These details are essential for customers before making a decision and cannot be fully displayed on GMB.
3.Provides Flexible Contact Channels
GMB offers only a phone number and directions. A website adds convenience with contact forms, live chat, Line OA, or online booking systems. Customers have more options and are less likely to go to competitors.
4.Creates a Complete Marketing Funnel
A website linked to GMB can integrate seamlessly with digital marketing campaigns, such as SEO, Google Ads, Facebook Pixel, or lead capture forms, increasing your reach and potential customer acquisition.
5.Strengthens Local SEO
Google scores business profiles based on completeness. If your GMB links to a secure website (HTTPS) with fast loading and quality content, your business is more likely to rank higher in local search results. For instance, a massage shop with a website showing services, prices, real reviews, and a health blog has a better chance of appearing for searches like “massage near me” compared to one without a website.
6.Showcases Brand Identity and Personality
GMB only shows basic information. A website tells your story through design, brand tone, and imagery. For example, a professional aesthetics clinic with a website featuring the medical team, before-and-after photos, and success stories builds more confidence than a clinic with just an address and phone number.
Limitations of Using Only Google My Business Without a Website
Some businesses may think that GMB alone is enough because customers can find them on Google Maps and search results. In reality, having only GMB has several limitations that can cost business opportunities
1.Limited Information Display
GMB shows basic details, but if customers want more in-depth information such as menus, pricing, promotions, or detailed services, GMB cannot provide the same level of detail as a website.
2.Lower Business Credibility
Most customers use GMB only as a starting point. The real decision comes from visiting a website. Without a website, customers may feel the brand is not professional enough, especially in competitive sectors like clinics or hotels.
3.Missed SEO and Search Opportunities
Local SEO on GMB is limited to location and short queries like “coffee near me.” Specific searches such as “late-night café in Sukhumvit” or “Bangna acne clinic” will favor websites with good SEO.
4.No In-Depth Customer Data
GMB gives minimal insights, like call counts or direction requests. A website can integrate Google Analytics, Pixel Tracking, or CRM systems to analyze user behavior, improving marketing accuracy.
5.No Sales-Closing Tools
GMB is not designed as a sales channel. Customers must call or message you. A website can include forms, booking systems, eCommerce website tools, or chatbots to close sales instantly.
Comparing Businesses With and Without a Website
Imagine a customer searches for “coffee near me” on Google. Multiple results appear, but which one will they click first?
Businesses with a Website and Complete GMB Information
- Clear information: Operating hours, phone numbers, map, and reviews visible immediately
- Link to website: Customers see menus, pricing, promotions, and photos of the shop
- Credibility: Professional design and HTTPS make customers trust the business
- Faster decisions: All essential information is on the website
Result: Higher chances that customers choose this business
Businesses with a Website and Complete GMB Information
Businesses with Only GMB
- Limited information: Customers see only address, phone, hours, and short reviews
- Lack of detailed offerings: Menus, prices, or promotions are missing
- Lower credibility: No website link makes customers hesitant
- Missed sales: Customers may move to competitors with more complete information
Result: Potential customers skip the business and choose competitors
From this example, GMB helps customers “discover” your business, but a website is the key to getting them to choose you. Businesses with both enjoy a competitive edge online. Google also tends to feature fully completed profiles first.
Conclusion
Google My Business is like the “front door” that helps customers find your business online, especially for local searches. But having GMB alone is like having only a signpost without a real shop to serve customers.
A website paired with GMB completes your business information, builds credibility, tells your brand story, showcases products and services, boosts SEO beyond local search, and provides tools to close sales immediately. For local business owners, a website works with GMB to increase trust, expand the customer base, and drive long-term growth.
If you want to create a website for your business, we offer full-service solutions from designing a brand-appropriate website, developing mobile-friendly and Local SEO-ready platforms, to integrating effectively with Google My Business. Digital Agency Bangkok has experience building websites for various businesses including shops, hotels, clinics, and local services. You can be confident that your website will be attractive, user-friendly, and truly help increase sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What type of website is suitable to link with Google My Business?
A: It should be mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and complete with business information such as maps, product/service menus, and contact channels to provide a smooth experience for users coming from GMB.
Q: Should I update my website frequently when using it with GMB?
A: Regular updates are recommended, especially for promotions, new services, or customer reviews. These help improve credibility and boost Google rankings.
Q: Can I create a website myself if I don’t have technical skills?
A: There are website builder tools available, but hiring experts ensures a professional design, SEO optimization, and long-term usability, saving you time and maximizing results.
Q: How much does it cost to create a website linked to GMB?
A: Costs vary depending on business size and features. Small business websites can start at 4900baht, while booking systems or eCommerce websites are higher due to complexity. Check Prices
Q: If I already have a website but don’t link it to GMB, will I miss opportunities?
A: Yes, because GMB acts as the “front door” visible on Google, while the website is the interior content. Without linking, customers may go to competitors with more complete information.
Tips for Maximizing Website and Google My Business Integration
- Add your website link clearly in GMB: Ensure links appear in the main profile, posts, and reviews so customers can access detailed information easily.
- Create dedicated landing pages: Direct GMB links to promotion or product pages to speed up customer decisions and increase conversions.
- Update images and reviews on the website: Show photos and reviews from GMB to reinforce credibility and provide consistent information.
- Optimize website speed and mobile experience: Most users visit from mobile. Slow or unresponsive websites can immediately lose customers.
- Use content for local SEO: Write location-specific content like “late-night café in Sukhumvit” or “Bangna dental clinic” to improve search visibility for both website and GMB.
- Connect with analytics tools: Install Google Analytics or Pixel Tracking to see what customers from GMB do on your site, from reading products to filling forms or purchasing online.
- Clear call-to-action: Every page linked from GMB should have clear CTAs, like “Book Online,” “Order Now,” or “Call for Inquiry,” to maximize sales opportunities.
