Google My Business for Femmeprenistas: Get Local Clients Now

Your First Smart Move: Why a Google My Business Profile is a Non-Negotiable for New Femmeprenistas Seeking Local Impact

Alright, lovelies, let’s have a real heart-to-heart. You’re in the thick of it, aren’t you? That exhilarating, slightly terrifying, often sticky-fingered whirlwind that is launching your own business, especially when you’re juggling it with the beautiful chaos of family life. I see you. I am you. I remember those early days, trying to map out a business plan while one of my daughters was using my leg as a climbing frame & another was demanding to know why the sky was blue – all before my first (or maybe third) coffee. It’s a lot.

And in that glorious muddle, when your to-do list is longer than a five-year-old’s Christmas list, it’s so easy to overlook the simple things, the foundational stones that can make a world of difference. We often think we need complex strategies & hefty budgets right out of the gate. But what if I told you one of your first, most powerful smart moves is free, relatively simple, & can put you on the local map almost immediately?

I’m talking about your GMB profile. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – "Another thing to set up? Another platform to manage?" And I get it. Believe me, I get it. As someone juggling a PhD, four kids (including a toddler & a baby!), & Femmeprenista, believe me, I really get it! But trust me on this one. For us ambitious female entrepreneurs, especially those of you wonderful Foundation Builders just starting to lay the bricks of your empire & aiming to make a splash in your local community, setting up your GMB profile isn't just another task on the list. It’s a non-negotiable. It’s an act of taking personal responsibility for your visibility from day one.

The Essential First Step: Why GMB is Your Local Welcome Mat

Think about it. When you’re looking for a local service – a brilliant new hairdresser, a reliable plumber, that amazing cake maker for your little one’s birthday – where’s the first place you usually turn? For most of us, it’s Google. If your business isn’t showing up there, particularly for local searches, you’re essentially invisible to a huge chunk of your potential customers. Setting up a Google My Business profileGoogle My Business profile is an absolute must.

For new businesses, especially service-providers targeting a local clientele, a GMB profile is your digital shopfront, your online handshake, your 24/7 welcome mat. It’s the fundamental tool that tells Google (and therefore, the world) "Hello, I’m here, I’m open for business, & this is what I offer!" It’s not just a nice-to-have; it’s an absolute essential for establishing that initial professional presence & getting discovered by the very people who are actively searching for what you do. This isn't just about being found; it's about making a clear statement that you're serious about your venture. It’s a practical way to build a strong foundation, ensuring your marketing efforts have a solid base from which to grow. And hey, what's more empowering than taking control of your destiny?

Maximum Local Impact with Minimal Resources: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Let’s be honest, when you’re starting out, resources – both time & money – are often tighter than your favourite jeans after Christmas dinner. I remember my early entrepreneurial ventures; every penny & every minute counted. You’re likely wearing all the hats: CEO, marketing manager, customer service, finance department, & chief snack provider. The thought of intricate marketing campaigns can feel overwhelming, if not impossible.

This is where the sheer brilliance of GMB shines. It’s a phenomenally cost-effective & time-efficient marketing strategy. Free to set up, straightforward to manage, it allows new entrepreneurs, often juggling so much already, to compete effectively on a local level & begin building that all-important trust without needing a colossal marketing budget or a degree in digital wizardry.

It’s about working smarter, not just harder, from the get-go. This simple step helps you create early momentum & efficient systems for being found, which aligns beautifully with building a business that flows – part of our How We Work / Business Flourish Framework.

I learned this lesson the hard way myself, back when I was first setting up my GMB profile. I completely missed adding photos for months! I just thought of it as a listing with basic details, not a visual platform. It wasn't until a potential client mentioned they couldn't "see" my business that I realized my mistake. Like my client, Sarah, a local children’s party entertainer, whose bookings tripled after adding photos of her amazing face-painting skills. Adding photos of my coaching space and client testimonials made a HUGE difference!

Taking the Reins: Empowerment in Every Click

There’s something incredibly empowering about taking ownership of your business’s visibility. It’s a tangible act of saying, "I am building this, & I am going to make sure people know about it." Setting up & optimising your GMB profile is exactly that. It’s you, taking control. Honestly, it’s about that belief that “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul” —as William Ernest Henley put it.

And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple. Google provides clear, step-by-step instructions. You don’t need to be a tech genius. You just need a little bit of time & your business details. This isn’t some complex, mystical process. It’s a practical, achievable action that you, as a busy femmeprenista, can implement quickly & see almost immediate results. It demystifies one piece of the marketing puzzle & puts the power directly in your hands. This act of taking ownership & building your confidence is a core part of sharpening your entrepreneurial focus, & a great way to get some early momentum as you're laying the foundation for your business to grow.

Building Bridges to Your First Clients: Credibility & Connection

So, you’re visible. What next? GMB is more than just a listing; it’s a dynamic tool for building credibility & directly attracting those vital first clients. Think about the features:

• Reviews: This is gold. Positive reviews are powerful social proof. They build trust & make it easier for potential local customers to choose you over a competitor. Encourage your happy clients to leave a review – it’s one of the most impactful things they can do to support your new business.

• Q&A: Potential customers can ask questions, & you can provide prompt, helpful answers. This demonstrates your expertise & customer service.

For example, you could get asked "Do you offer evening appointments?" You could respond: "Yes! We offer appointments until 8 PM on Tuesdays & Thursdays to accommodate busy schedules."

• Photos & Videos: Show off your work, your premises (if you have them), your team, or even the results you get for clients. Visuals make your business more tangible & relatable.

For instance, a video testimonial is more powerful than a written one.

• Services & Products: Clearly list what you offer, making it easy for people to understand if you’re the right fit for their needs.

• Posts: Share updates, offers, events, or blog content directly on your GMB profile.

These features work together to create a rich, informative profile that not only helps people find you but also helps them choose you. It’s a direct line to initial client acquisition, helping you turn those searchers into actual customers. It’s about crafting an authentic message & making it easy for your ideal clients to connect. As Sabri Suby — a renowned marketing expert — wisely puts it, you want to "enter the conversation already taking place in the customer's mind." Studies show that businesses with complete & accurate GMB profiles are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.

A Smart Foundation for Flourishing Growth

Setting up your GMB profile is more than just a quick win. It’s a strategic foundational step in your broader entrepreneurial journey. It helps you validate your business concept in your local area, see what resonates, & start building that crucial early momentum. As you gather reviews & interact with customers, you gain invaluable insights that can shape your offerings & your overall business strategy.

This practical approach to local visibility aligns with our 'Flair' (authentic marketing) & 'Flow' (efficient systems) pillars within our holistic blueprint for sustainable success, the How We Work / Business Flourish Framework. It’s a smart, simple action that contributes significantly to laying a strong foundation for a flourishing local business, allowing you to grow with intention & purpose.

Taking these foundational steps, like setting up your GMB, is crucial, & remember you're not alone on your entrepreneurial journey. After getting discovered locally, understanding how to best serve those new clients & create a truly irresistible offer is the next logical step.

So, if you’re a Foundation Builder just starting out, make creating or optimising your Google My Business profileGoogle My Business profile a priority this week. It’s a small investment of time that can yield significant returns, helping you connect with your local community, build your brand, & welcome those all-important first clients through your (digital) door.

You’ve got this. One smart, empowered step at a time.

Carlene Nisbett

Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)

Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift

P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!

If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?

Join the Femme:Connect Facebook Community

We'd love to welcome you!