Where Do “Ready-to-Buy” Customers Come From?
As business owners, we’re all chasing the same goal: customers who aren’t just browsing, but who are ready to make a decision.
Our latest Google Analytics data makes it clear: visitors who came through Google, whether from search or Google Maps, engaged with our website at a rate of 63%. By contrast, most social media visitors dropped off within a few seconds.
The difference is simple. Google doesn’t just send traffic. It sends people who are already in the decision-making stage.
What Is Google Business Profile and Why Does It Matter?
You might remember it as Google My Business, but today it’s officially called Google Business Profile (GBP). Whatever you call it, its purpose is the same: it’s your digital storefront, the first thing many people see when they search.
With the right setup, your profile shows at a glance:
- Your business name, opening hours, and location
- Photos, videos, and real customer reviews
- Quick-action buttons like Call, Directions, Website, and Message
- Promotions and seasonal offers through posts
- Insights into how people are interacting with your listing
Think of it as more than just a listing—it’s the bridge between discovery and action.
Why Google Customers Convert Better
- Clear Intent
When someone searches “coffee shop near me” or “golf course Phang Nga”, they’re not casually browsing. They’re looking to take action now. On social media, clicks are often driven by curiosity, not immediate purchase intent. - Higher Conversions
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Google traffic → 63% engagement rate
- Social traffic → often below 40%
That difference translates directly into more calls, bookings, and sales.
- Trust Through Reviews
Nothing builds credibility faster than Google reviews. A stream of positive, recent reviews is often more persuasive than even the most polished Instagram ad.
How to Make Google Business Profile Work Harder
- Keep Photos & Videos Fresh – Upload recent visuals so people know exactly what to expect.
- Reply to Every Review – Positive or negative, it shows you care and also boosts your ranking.
- Use Posts for Offers – Promote seasonal deals, new packages, or events right in Google search.
- Check Your Insights – Don’t just watch website sessions. Calls, direction requests, and messages are signals of intent that really matter.
What the Data Shows – and How SEO and Social Fit Together
Our September 2025 data analytics told a clear story:
- Visitors from Google spent nearly five times longer on our website than visitors from Facebook or Instagram.
- Overall engagement from Google was almost double that of social media.
In digital behavior terms, that difference is huge. A few extra seconds online can mean the difference between someone bouncing away—or taking the time to check your menu, explore your offers, or click to call.
The lesson? Google Search + Google Business Profile consistently connect you with customers who are not just looking, but ready to act.
But that doesn’t mean social media doesn’t matter—it simply plays a different role.
- Social Media is best for brand awareness, storytelling, and community building. People might not purchase instantly, but they become familiar with your brand.
- SEO (Google Search) captures high-intent customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
- Google Business Profile acts as the connector. It turns awareness and search intent into action—through trust (reviews, photos, accurate details) and instant steps like calling, booking, or requesting directions.
The winning strategy isn’t choosing between them, but combining them—anchored by Google Business Profile as the tool that turns visibility into real conversions.
Our Final Thoughts
If you haven’t optimized your Google Business Profile yet, you’re missing out on customers who are actively looking for your service every single day. The data proves it: Google delivers stronger engagement and higher conversion potential than any other channel.
At We Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses bridge the gap between online visibility and actual sales. From local SEO and review management to conversion tracking and website optimization, we make sure your Google Business Profile isn’t just active—it’s working as hard as you do.
Ready to turn searchers into paying customers? Contact us today to start optimizing your Google presence.