Tips to Improve Your Google Business Profile
Google is the world’s largest online search engine. There are about 99,000 searches made on Google every second. Having a Google Business Profile allows your business listing to be front and center on search engine rankings in terms of local search.
Business Profile Example
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is an online listing that appears when customers search for your business on Google Search and Maps. It provides essential information about your business, such as your address, phone number, website, business hours, and customer reviews. An accurate and up-to-date Google Business Profile will help increase your online visibility, attract more customers, and build trust with your audience. By claiming and optimizing your profile, you can manage how your business appears on Google and connect with potential customers looking for products or services you offer.
It’s free. Marketing expenses can add up, so it's essential to take advantage of free search engine marketing as much as possible; the only thing you’ll spend is your time!
It’s customer-forward. Your Google profile is ideal for displaying your contact information (physical address, phone number, website URL, photos, hours, etc.) and briefly describing your products and services. Attracting potential customers means creating interest, which is key to an up-to-date Google business page.
It’s current. Updated business information and recent customer reviews (and replies) build trust with potential customers while letting them know you’re an active and engaged business owner.
It steers traffic to your website. A link from your Google Business Profile to your website is a time-tested way to drum up new clients. Google referrals are valuable and primary ingredients of the search optimization recipe.
Tips to Improve Your Google Business Profile
Add accurate information to your profile. When creating your profile, fill in all appropriate information, skipping as few fields as possible. Complete your business name, phone number, physical address, website address, and a description of your business, products, and services. In addition to this information, upload at least one logo and photo for the featured images.
Accumulate reviews. Have your recent customers and clients leave you a Google review by sharing your Google review link, or by having them search your business (they’ll need a Google account to leave a review). Once you get a new review, be sure to reply in a timely manner to show that you’re active and engaged. Remember, this is public information, so reply professionally and accurately.
Offer discounts. Who likes to save? And who loves customer perks? …EVERYONE! By offering discounts and promotions in posts, your business will raise sales and keep customers returning to your profile for additional offerings. Use promo codes and deals with end dates to engage potential customers. Additionally, ensure the post links back to your website and the specific page of the product/service offered.
Keep your profile up to date. If your business is closed for the holidays, your phone number has changed, or your company has moved, make sure you update this information on your Google Business Profile. Nobody wants to show up to a business that says open online, but isn’t open when you walk up to the door or call. The primary info (hours, location, etc.) is the most critical data to keep current, but it is also beneficial to keep graphics and photos fresh.
We recommend starting with the basics. Complete your profile, make the page live, and enjoy all the local foot traffic you receive from your free Google account. Once your page is set up and running smoothly, consider working on an offer here or there. Experiment; you never know if a marketing avenue is profitable unless you try it out.
With these simple tips, your business should head toward a more significant local presence on Google. We are excited to see your business appear on local searches, showcasing it in its most excellent light. The world is also waiting to hear what your business has to offer, so keep us all posted!
Contact us to help you get started or assist in managing your Google Business Profile.
