5 tips on setting up a Google Business profile
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Build visibility and attract more customers with a strong Google Business profile. A profile elevates your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) to make a big impact on your search engine ranking. This blog post explores five tips to help you create an impactful Google Business profile to make your business more discoverable and accessible by potential customers.
Implement these tips to rank your business higher on Google and make your business the more trusted and reliable option in the local community. So, pencil in some time to create an effective Google Business profile and sit back as the enquiries come to you.
Your Google Business profile is often the first impression customers have of your business as they search for trusted business in the area. Customers use Google Business profiles to find out what your business is, where it’s located, past reviews, opening hours and more.
Tip 1: Complete your profile
The first step to creating an effective Google Business profile is completing all of the information the profile asks for. Details include your business name, address, phone number, website, business category, and more. Show off your business by adding photos and videos of your products, services and shop.
Make sure that the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. This way your customers can find you and have your correct contact details. A customer calling the wrong number may not go to the effort of looking for your real number through your website.
Also, Google Business profiles offer the option to add extra info like if you provide curbside pickup or delivery. Adding all relevant specifications can help customers quickly identify your services that align with their needs.
Tip 2: Encourage customer reviews
Customer reviews are valuable when it comes to good SEO and can dramatically improve your search engine ranking. Encourage customers to leave reviews on your profile by giving great customer service and making it easy for them to leave feedback.
Incentives can be used to entice customers to leave reviews. This can be done by offering discounts or rewards. It’s important though that customers are not violating Google’s policies regarding incentivised reviews.
There’s also the subtle approach of including a link to review in your customer invoice and email signature. Sometimes customers need a few reminders because we’re all busy. If that’s the case, one or two post-job emails checking up on the client can be the subtle reminder that they need.
Respond to customer reviews to manage any comments that come through. Thank customers for their positive reviews and address any negative feedback by offering a solution or explaining your side of the story. This shows potential customers that you’re committed to providing excellent customer service and can help build trust in your brand.
Tip 3: Utilise Google My Business features
Google My Business features help you manage your Google Business profile to continue improving your search engine ranking. Some of these features include:
- Posts: Post about new products or services. Or, any announcements that you think customers should know about.
- Messaging: Google My Business now offers a messaging feature so make your team more accessible to customers with direct contact.
- Insights: Insights are valuable in understanding how customers are finding out interacting with your profile.
- Q&A: Set up Q&A to give customers an opportunity to ask questions and receive responses.
Use these features to provide customers with more information about your business and improve your visibility on Google.
Tip 4: Optimise for local search
Optimise your Google Business profile for local search to attract local customers. Local SEO is different from traditional SEO, because it focuses on optimising your website and online presence for local search queries.
You should use the following strategies to optimise your Google Business profile.
- Use location-specific keywords in your business description.
- List your business on local directories and review sites.
- Use structured data markup to provide search engines with more information about your business.
- Make sure your website is easy to use on mobile devices.
Improve online visibility in your area and make your business more attractive next to competitors by optimising your Google Business profile for local search.
Tip 5: Regularly check and update your profile
Finally, keep an eye on and constantly update your Google Business profile. This entails responding to consumer feedback, updating any information that has changed, and including fresh images or videos.
By constantly updating your profile, you can be sure that your data is correct and up to date. By doing this, you can raise your search engine rating and draw in additional clients.
Google frequently updates its algorithms and features, so it’s crucial to stay informed of any changes and modify your profile accordingly. Check your profile frequently, and update it as necessary to stay ahead of the pack and appear prominently in local search results.
More Google Business best practises advice
In addition to these five tips,
You can employ more methods to enhance your Google Business profile. This may involve setting up a Google My Business website, a simple and free tool that enables you to construct a website for your business. It might be especially helpful if you don’t have a website or need a simple way to promote your business online.
Put only the best photos and videos in your profile. This does a great job of showcasing your company and giving them a clearer idea of what you have to offer. Make sure your photographs are sharp and well-lit to appropriately represent your business.
Wrap up
Use these five suggestions to enhance your profile for local search and provide prospective customers the details they require to choose your business. To develop a successful Google Business profile, fill out your profile with correct and up-to-date information, promote reviews, utilise Google My Business features, and optimise for local search.