Make no mistake: Google Business Profile is one of the best marketing solutions available for local businesses. Formerly known as Google My Business, Google Business Profile is a free solution that allows you to create a listing for your company on the world’s biggest search engine.
It might sound simple on the surface, but this listing is a powerful tool for your business. It supplies a dynamic snapshot into your company that spotlights your important business information and best features. Most importantly, it gives potential customers an easy way to find your company, learn more about it, and engage with you directly.
Plus, to reiterate, it’s free!
However, to get the most out of this platform, you need to know how to optimize this solution. If you’re ready to take full advantage of Google Business Profile, here are seven tips to benefit from its impressive range of features.
Table of Contents
1. Setting up your profile
Before anything else, you first need to set up your Google Business Profile. This can be done through the Google Business Profile Manager. Once you’ve signed in, you need to complete the following steps:
- Add your business: If it doesn’t appear automatically via the drop-down menu, you will need to do this manually through the “Add your business to Google” option. Also, make sure to pick the most appropriate category that represents your company.
- Enter your location: Does your business have a physical premises? If so, you want to add this to your account. Use Google Map’s marker to pinpoint the location for greater address accuracy.
- Add contact information: Add your phone number and website. Note: neither of these has to be added if you currently don’t possess them for your business.
- Verification: You have to enter your mailing address for Google to verify your business. A postcard will be sent to your address for a physical business, while verification can be completed via email if you have a service-area business.
- Extra details: Business description, photos, messaging preferences, operating hours – all of these details can then be added to your profile. It’s highly recommended you flesh out your GBP as much as possible.
2. Don’t skip the verification process
It is possible to complete a Google Business Profile without needing to verify your business. Nevertheless, it’s important you do not take this approach. Why? Because Google has this to say about the topic:
“Verify your business locations, so they’re more likely to show in local search results across Google products, like Maps and Search.”
Basically, this is Google’s way of saying if you’re not verified, you’re not going to get very far in the local search game. That means your profile will be buried while verified accounts get pushed to the top.
Did you skip over the verification process? The great news is you can still go back and request that all-important verification postcard or email for your business.
3. Get visual
If you’ve ever done any work in the digital marketing realm, you’ll understand that visual content is king. The same is also applicable to your Google Business Profile. With a professional logo shot and cover photo, you can instantly take your profile to the next level – and further boost brand visibility at the same time.
This is just the start. GBP also supplies you with the opportunity to add further images and videos where you can truly showcase your business. You are able to share visuals about your products, team, work environment, and so on. By doing so, it gives potential customers a greater idea as to what you’re about and has to offer.
4. Incorporate keywords
Keywords are a tried-and-tested method with any search engine optimization plan, and they’re also applicable when refining your Google Business Profile.
With the correct keyword implementation, you can boost the relevance of your listing with your target market. Remember to use a keyword research tool to find the most suitable search terms for your business. Oh, and when blending keywords into your business description, ensure this is done in a natural way – keyword stuffing will only negatively impact your search ranking.
5. Make use of Google’s Business Messages
With Google Business Profile, you are provided with various tools and solutions to promote your company. One of the most effective options is Google’s Business Messages.
As the name suggests, Google’s Business Messages presents an opportunity for potential customers to contact your company directly. It is a real-time chat service, not too dissimilar from Facebook Messenger, that makes it effortless for people to fire over a quick inquiry and (hopefully) get a fast response in return.
For many, this is much more convenient than, say, phoning your company or sending an email message. They also don’t have to go to your website for further contact details – they simply contact you through your Google Business Profile.
If you need further convincing, Sprout Social details how Google’s Business Messages can be used to engage customers.
6. Encourage reviews
Social proof is one of the greatest factors that can decide whether a potential customer will purchase your products or services. As a result, it’s important you build up trust levels by acquiring as many positive reviews for your Google Business Profile as possible. There’s the added bonus it will place your business in a positive light with Google.
It is also recommended you respond to reviews you receive – both good and bad. Even if you feel a review is negatively unjust, remember to respond in a professional manner. This will often make those reading the review overlook the negativity and focus more on your response.
7. Remain up-to-date
You will quickly upset customers if your business information isn’t correct. This means if you have updated your contact details, operating hours, etc., ensure this is accurately reflected in your Google Business Profile.
With these updates, it’s also wise to use GBP’s post function to be even more transparent and direct with any changes.
