FREE DOWNLOAD: A Guide to Google Business Profile For Small Business
If you are unfamiliar with Google Business Profile (GBP – previously known as Google My Business), I would like to introduce you to one of the most powerful digital assets for your business.
Google Business Profile is a tool that lets businesses manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps. It’s the first impression many customers have of your business, so making the information accurate and engaging is crucial.
Google is the most popular search engine in the world, with more than 90% of the search engine market share. By creating a Google Business Profile, businesses can increase their visibility and attract new customers through Google Search and Maps. This can be an effective way to promote a business and reach a wider audience.
As more than 60% of customers check Google reviews before visiting a business, your business needs a Google Business Profile. However, it is not enough to simply have a profile; you must also ensure it is constantly optimised to show Google your business is still active.
How to Optimise Your Google Business Profile
These GBP optimisation tips can increase your visibility on Google Search and Maps. By optimising your Business Profile, you’ll make it easier for potential customers to discover your business and understand what you offer.
1. Keep Your Business Information Relevant and Updated
Including your name, address and phone number (NAP) on your Google Business Profile can improve local SEO, while making it easier for potential customers to find and contact your business.
To avoid confusion for consumers, it is essential that your name, address and phone number is consistent and accurate across all online platforms. Ensure all relevant fields are filled out in your business profile and double-check for accuracy.
Keeping your Business Profile up-to-date when you have any changes to your NAP information is an essential task. If you have a new address or phone number, be sure to update your business profile as soon as possible to ensure your NAP information is accurate.
Optimising your NAP can benefit your business in three ways:
- It can increase trust with Google.
- Make it easier for customers to find and contact your business.
- Improve local SEO
Overall, keeping a constant NAP is a win-win situation.
2. Manage photos and videos for your Business Profile.
Sharing photos and videos is an easy way to showcase your business and give potential customers a better understanding of your business’s offerings.
Consider adding visually appealing images of your storefront, products, services, and team members to your Business Profile to give potential customers a better understanding of what your business offers.
An attractive profile can help draw in more customers, give them a clear idea of what to expect when they visit or use your services, and leave a lasting impression.
3. Manage and respond to reviews on your Google Business Profile.
Reviews are crucial for your Google Business Profile. High-quality, positive reviews can help potential customers learn more about your customer experience while increasing your business’s visibility on Google Search.
There are several ways to encourage customers to leave reviews for your business on Google:
- Ask Directly: After completing a service or transaction, kindly request feedback from your customers.
- Provide QR Review Codes: Display QR codes at your counter or attach them to emails for quick access to your review page.
- Use Direct Review Links: Share links that lead directly to your review platform.
- Automated Requests: Use automated tools to send follow-up emails or text messages encouraging reviews.
Responding to reviews helps uphold your business’s reputation by demonstrating to customers that you value their feedback and are committed to addressing any concerns they may have.
4. Post updates and promotions.
Posting on your Business Profile can allow you to directly connect with your customers to share announcements, offers, event details and more. Sharing your business activities can help improve consumer experience and increase engagement with your business.
Connecting with your audience by adding videos and photos to your posts can also help to enhance your customer’s experience.
5. Display your product and services.
Listing the specific products or services your business offers can help potential customers learn more about what you offer and make it more likely they’ll choose your business over a competitor.
In addition to listing your products and services, it’s a good idea to write a brief description of each one. This description should include information such as pricing, any limits on when the service expires and relevant keywords.
Want more in-depth tips to improve your Google Business Profile’s performance? Check out The Secret to Optimising Your Google Business Profile on The Help Me Grow My Business Podcast.
Is having a Google Business Profile worth it?
Absolutely! Having a Google Business Profile can be extremely beneficial for small businesses. While not every business may require a Google Business Profile, it is highly recommended for those who depend on a local customer base.
Benefits of a Google Business Profile:
- Improved visibility in Google Search and Maps results.
- Enhanced online reputation
- Boost enquiries and leads
- Improved rankings
- Access to insights and analytics on how customers interact with your business online.
A Google Business Profile can be a valuable asset for small businesses, but it should not be considered the sole aspect of a comprehensive marketing plan. Using other digital marketing solutions, such as Smart Websites, Performance Boost, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Google Ads are excellent ways to improve your digital presence.
Read more about Google Business Profile’s features and benefits.
Take the first step today—claim or create your Google Business Profile and unlock your business’s full potential!