Google Business Profile is a powerful tool that allows business owners to highlight their business information on Google Search and Google Maps. It’s a free tool provided by Google that helps businesses connect with potential customers and increase their online visibility.
We’re completely online today, so having a Google Business Profile is essential for any bricks and mortar business looking to succeed online.
Google loves you using Google services, so take advantage of that to improve your online visibility!
What is a Google Business Profile and why is it important?
Definition of a Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile listing appears on Google Search and Maps when people search for a specific business or business category. It includes all the essential information about the business, such as its name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and customer reviews.
This can help users find your business in local search results and is one of the most important reasons to have a Google Business Profile if you are a local business.
There is however so much more you can do with your Google Business listing which can really help your businesses’ SEO and online visibility.
Importance of having a Google Business Profile
Not only does having a Google Business Profile allow businesses to establish a presence on Google’s search engine and maps, it helps potential customers find relevant information about the business and enables them to contact the business directly with click-through links if they are using a smartphone to search.
A Google Business Profile also provides an opportunity for businesses to highlight their products, services, and customer reviews, which can help build trust and credibility.
Benefits of optimising your Google Business Profile
Optimising your Google Business Profile has several benefits:
- Firstly, it improves your business’ visibility on Google search and maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
- Secondly, it increases the chances of your business appearing in the local search results, especially when users search for location-specific keywords.
- Finally, an optimised Google Business Profile can attract more customers, drive website traffic, and lead to increased sales and revenue.
How to create and verify your Google Business Profile?
Step-by-step guide to creating a Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile is straightforward.
Visit the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account. Then, enter your business name and address. If your business doesn’t appear in the suggested options, you can create a new listing.
After providing the necessary information, you can verify and manage your business profile.
Why is it important to verify your Google Business Profile?
Verifying your Google Business Profile is crucial because it establishes the legitimacy and authenticity of your business. It helps prevent unauthorized changes to your business listing, ensures that your business information is accurate and up-to-date, and enables you to access additional features and insights on your profile.
Methods to verify your business on Google
Google provides several methods to verify your business on their platform. The most common method used to be by mail, where Google sends a postcard with a verification code to your business address. Currently, Google is requiring video verification to prove your business has a street address and set up at which customers can actually visit you. (This is because businesses that are online only are not eligible to have a Google Business Profile.) Other methods include phone verification, email verification, and instant verification for businesses that have already been verified through Google Search Console.
Ways to optimise your Google Business Profile
Using targeted keywords in your business name and description
One of the key ways to optimise your Google Business Profile is by using targeted keywords in your business description. By including relevant keywords that describe your products or services, you can improve your chances of appearing in search results when users search for those keywords.
Do not use keywords with your Business name though unless they are actually part of your business name or are consistent with your branding (eg a tagline that appears with your logo on your website) as doing so is a breach of Google’s guidelines and could see your business listing removed. It’s also not unusual for competitors to report a business doing this to Google.
Optimising your business information and category
Optimising your business information and category is essential for ensuring that your profile is complete and accurate.
Provide detailed and comprehensive information about your business, such as your address, phone number, website, business hours, and photos.
Select the most appropriate business category to help Google understand the nature of your business and display it to relevant searchers.
Importance of accurate contact information
Accurate contact information is crucial for potential customers to reach out to your business. Make sure to provide a valid phone number, email address, and website URL.
Regularly check and update your contact information to avoid any missed opportunities or customer dissatisfaction.
The impact of Google My Business on local search results
How Google My Business affects local SEO
Google My Business (as it used to be known) plays a significant role in local SEO. When users search for local businesses or services, Google displays relevant Google Business Profiles in the local search results.
Optimising your Google My Business profile can improve your local search rankings and increase your chances of attracting local customers.
Why Google My Business is essential for local search results
Google My Business is essential for local search results because it provides valuable information about your business to local customers.
It also helps Google understand the relevance and credibility of your business in a specific location, leading to improved visibility in local search results.
Improving your local search ranking with Google My Business
To improve your local search ranking with Google My Business, focus on optimising your profile with accurate and up-to-date information.
Regularly post updates and offers to keep your profile fresh and engaging.
Promptly respond to customer inquiries and feedback.
Get the most from Google Business Reviews
- Encourage customers to leave positive reviews.
- Respond to every single review.
Utilising Google Posts to enhance your Google Business Profile
What are Google Posts and how do they work?
Many businesses don’t realise that their Google Business Profile is a Social Media platform you can post on. You should be doing so at least weekly.
Google Posts allow businesses to publish short updates, offers, events, or product highlights directly on their Google Business Profile.
These posts appear in Google search results when users search for the business or related keywords. They provide businesses with an additional opportunity to engage with potential customers and drive traffic to their website.
Tips for creating effective Google Posts
To create effective Google Posts, make sure to use compelling visuals and concise, attention-grabbing text. Include a clear call-to-action to encourage users to take the desired action, such as visiting your website or making a reservation.
Experiment with different types of content, such as articles, videos, or offers, to see what resonates best with your audience.
How Google Posts can attract more customers
Google Posts can attract more customers by providing them with valuable information and enticing offers directly on the search results page.
They grab users’ attention and make your business stand out from the competition. By consistently posting engaging and relevant content, you can create a positive impression and increase the likelihood of users choosing your business over others.
Google Business Profile Optimisation FAQ’s
Q: Why should I optimise my Google Business Profile?
A: Optimising your Google Business Profile is crucial for several reasons:
- It helps your business show up more prominently in relevant search results on Google. This means that more potential customers will be able to find your business and learn about the products or services you offer.
- It provides valuable information about your business, such as your opening hours, address, and contact details, making it easier for customers to get in touch.
- Optimizing your profile can also improve your overall online visibility and enhance your brand’s reputation.
Q: How can I optimise my Google Business Profile?
A: There are several ways to optimize your Google Business Profile. Here are 8 effective strategies to help you get started:
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your business, including your address, phone number, and website.
- Choose relevant and descriptive categories that accurately reflect your business type.
- Use high-quality images and videos to display your products, services, and the overall ambiance of your business.
- Encourage customers to leave reviews and respond to them in a timely and professional manner.
- Regularly update your business hours, especially during holidays or special events.
- Add posts with engaging content to keep your profile fresh and inform customers about promotions or events.
- Use relevant keywords in your profile description and posts to improve search engine optimization (SEO).
- Take advantage of the Google My Business dashboard to monitor and analyze customer engagement and insights.
Q: How do I verify my business on Google?
A: Verifying your business on Google is a simple process.
- Sign into your Google My Business account.
- Select the business you want to verify if you have multiple listings.
- Click on the “Verify now” button to begin the verification process. Google used to allow you to verify your business in several ways, such as through a postcard sent to your business address, phone verification, or email verification, but at the time of writing, Google is requiring video verification.
- Follow the instructions provided by Google to complete the verification process and gain full control over your business profile on Google.
Q: What is the importance of using Google My Business for my profile?
A: Using Google My Business is essential for optimising your business profile on Google. It allows you to manage and update the information displayed in your profile, ensuring that it is accurate and up-to-date.
Google My Business also provides valuable insights and analytics about your profile’s performance, including the number of views, searches, and customer interactions.
Additionally, having an active and optimized Google My Business account increases your chances of appearing on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find and visit your physical location.
Q: How can I improve my business’s visibility on Google?
A: Improving your business’s visibility on Google starts with optimising your Google Business Profile. In addition to this, there are a few other strategies you can implement:
- Build a strong online presence by creating a website for your business and investing in search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.
- Regularly publish fresh and relevant content on your website and social media channels.
- Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile and respond to them promptly and professionally. 4. Use online directories and business listings to get your business’s name out there.
- Consider running Google Ads campaigns to increase your visibility in search results.
- Collaborate with local influencers or businesses to sponsor events, increase exposure, and gain backlinks to your website.
Remember, improving visibility takes time and consistency, so be patient and persistent in your efforts.
Q: Can having an optimised Google Business Profile help my SEO?
A: Absolutely! Having an optimised Google Business Profile can greatly impact your search engine optimisation (SEO) efforts.
When your profile is well-optimised, it increases your chances of appearing in the Google Local Pack, which is the section of Google’s search results that displays local businesses.
This means that if someone searches for a business type or service in your area, your profile has a higher likelihood of being prominently displayed.
An optimised profile with accurate information, relevant keywords, and positive customer reviews can improve your overall online visibility and enhance your website’s SEO performance.
Q: How can I add photos to my Google Business Profile?
A: Adding photos to your Google Business Profile is simple.
- Sign in to your Google My Business account.
- Navigate to the “Photos” section within the dashboard.
- You can choose to add photos of your businesses’ exterior, interior, products, or services. Make sure to use high-quality, visually appealing images that accurately represent your business.
- You can also add captions and descriptions to provide more context.
Regularly updating your photos can help keep your profile fresh and engaging for potential customers.
Q: Can I change my business name or address on Google Business Profile?
A: Yes, you can make changes to your business name or address on your Google Business Profile.
- Sign in to your Google My Business account.
- From the dashboard, select the business you want to edit.
- Navigate to the “Info” tab and click on the pencil icon next to the corresponding field you want to change.
- Make the necessary edits and click “Apply” to save your changes.
It’s important to note that Google may require verification for certain changes, especially if they are significant. Follow the instructions provided by Google to successfully update your business name or address.
Q: How does Google use my business profile for its search results and maps?
A: Google uses your business profile to provide relevant and accurate information to its users when they search for businesses or locations on Google Search and Google Maps.
When someone inputs a search term that matches your business type or products/services, an optimised Google Business Profile can increase the chances of your business appearing prominently in the search results or within the Google Local Pack.
Your profile information, such as your business name, address, operating hours, reviews, and images, is used to provide potential customers with essential information about your business and helps them decide if they want to engage with your products or services.