Whether you’re new to Google Business Profile or not, it’s worth going back and optimising this platform every 2-3 months. It’s such a crucial tool for improving local search visibility, attracting more customers, and providing useful information about your business. If you want to learn how to optimise your Google Business Profile, please follow these steps:
Claim and Verify Your Business Profile
Obviously, first sign in to Google Business Profile by visiting the Google Business Profile website here https://www.google.com/business/. Alternatively, log in with your Google account using your Gmail address or create one if you don't have an account.
You may be able to “Claim Your Business”. Sometimes a profile may have an automatically created profile made by Google (especially if someone has created a review about your business) and you can claim this as your own. To do this, you would need to search for your business name in the search bar and claim it. There are some steps to take, so follow the prompts.
If your business isn’t there, then simply put in your business information and start from scratch.
Your profile will only be publicly displayed if you “verify your business”. This step is undertaken to ensure that you are the correct person, and the business has a location / service area where it operates from. The verification can be instantaneous, using email, phone and sometimes video. Follow the instructions provided by Google to complete the verification process.
Complete and Update Business business information.
There is one thing that helps your profile no end and that is ensuring you complete all the basic information. This means that you enter your business name and ensure it is accurate and matches your storefront and website. Likewise, provide the complete and accurate address of your business, phone number and link to your official website.
Next add your primary business Primary Business category. They're not very comprehensive with their listing unfortunately, so you need to find the closest category to what you offer and then add a couple more categories (if you can) that will be assigned as a secondary category.
Then specify your opening hours and any special days / half days coming up, which will help better manage the expectations of your customers.
Please ensure you complete your business description. This is keyworded so keep it clear and specific and make sure to include any unique selling points you may have. Always nice to see what you’re offering from the outset. Bonus point here you have up to 750 characters so you can afford to get in some detail and up your SEO value to boot.
Add high-Quality Photos and Videos
Fully optimising your profile also includes adding cover and profile images to your account. I frequently use Instagram or Facebook sized images, but you can also use LinkedIn templates here as well; they just won’t show the whole image in a preview.
One very useful addition to your photos is adding images of inside and outside your business, which helps with recognition from the road. You can add photos of all your product and services here with any offers you have. If you have staff and further locations, you can add them here too. Finally, you can add short videos of up to 30 seconds.
Collect and respond to Reviews
It’s become vital that we get reviews and recommendations to gain authority and recognition. We all check other people’s testimonials before purchasing
Step 1: Try to Encourage Reviews
Ask for Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews by providing a direct link or asking in person.
Promotional Materials: Include a request for reviews on your website, email signature, and social media.
Step 2: Monitor reviews
Regular Check: Regularly monitor your Google Business Profile for new reviews.
Notifications: Set up notifications to be alerted when a new review is posted.
Step 3: Respond to Reviews
Thank Positive Reviews: Respond to positive reviews with a thank-you message to show appreciation.
Address Negative Reviews: Respond professionally to negative reviews, addressing concerns and offering solutions.
Engage: Users respond to show engagement and build trust with customers.
Use Google Posts
Yes, GBP is yet another social media platform! You can do text, video and image type posts and honestly, even if you only post once a week, you’re likely already doing more than your competitors.
Step 1: Login to Google (once you’ve created your Profile) and click Add Update
Post Types: Create various types of posts, including updates, offers, events, and announcements.
Content: Include images, text, and a call to action. Keep text concise and engaging.
Step 2:Schedule Regular Posts, through a 3rd party like OneApp andPlanable
Frequency: Aim to post at least once a week to keep your profile active.
Content Calendar: Plan your posts in advance using a content calendar.
Step 3: Monitor Engagement
Insights: Use Google Business Profile Insights or something linked to Monitoring and Engagement Looker Studio to track engagement with your posts.
Adjust: Refine your posting strategy based on what’s most engaging for your audience.
Update Your Profile profile regularly.
Step 1: Review Information
Monthly Review: Set a schedule to review your business information monthly.
Update as needed: Ensure all information is current, including hours, contact details and services.
Step 2: Add New Photos and Posts
Fresh Content: details, Regularly add new photos and create Google Posts to keep your profile dynamic.
Seasonal Updates: Update for seasonal changes, promotions, and events.
If you would like some help updating and optimising your Google Business Profile, then please contact me today.
Working with clients Nationwide from base in Mullingar.
