Are You Taking Advantage of Your Google Business Profile 🔍
You might be sensing a theme from us - that everything in the digital marketing world is in a state of constant change and transition. That’s why we’re working to ensure you’re on top of trends and industry changes so your business has the best chance of standing out.
If you’ve ever done a Google search for a business or service, you’ve likely seen a box appear on the right of the results page with the business name, hours of operation, and maybe even some photos. That’s a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business), and it’s one of our favourite and most invaluable tools to keep your business relevant in a Google search. Outside of your website, your Google Business Profile can contain some of the most important information a new visitor would need to know.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free business listing from Google that allows you to provide details of your business in one convenient and accessible location. It’s available to businesses that have contact with customers or clients, whether that’s a store or a clinic, or a service that meets with clients like consultants or HVAC technicians. Having a Google Business profile helps you appear in a Google search and add-ons like Google Maps and Google shopping.
Why You Need One
Whether you’re looking for foot traffic to your business, or more engagement with your online presence, a Google Business Profile can be like the best friend who won’t stop referring people to your business. Your profile will help potential customers discover your business when they search for your products and services in their area. It will show them where you are and how to visit. Plus, with the strong local SEO built into a Google profile, you’ll have a great SEO ranking, which helps your entire digital marketing strategy.
A Google Business Profile also helps you control online business information like your contact information, hours, and up to date brand identities like logos, photos. You can post updates like a new service or menu, new hours, or a temporary closure. Your profile is a compact, easy to find place to share all of your business updates. Having a regularly updated Google Business Profile helps build your credibility online.
Speaking of credibility, did you know that around 80% of people trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation, and the average person will look at 4 reviews before they decide to make a purchase? That’s another thing a Google Business Profile can help you with. Built into this platform is the Google Review service, which allows people to post real, authentic reviews of their experience with your business or service. We know - it can be scary opening yourself up to feedback online, especially for the few people who haven’t had a great experience. But, having a mix of reviews makes your business more credible, and when you respond to reviews of all types, potential customers can see how you respond to adversity. A good response means a lot more than a negative review pretty much every time.
How to Optimize Your Profile
Complete all the elements: your business name, address, phone number, link to your website, and services.
Make sure your account is verified: after you set up your profile, Google will send you a postcard to the address you use to set it up. The number on this postcard is required to verify your account. Without it, your profile won’t rank because it’s not complete.
Add pictures and videos: people love seeing pictures of your business or service. Post pictures of your staff, clothing, food, new items and anything else a new customer might find interesting about you compared to the business down the road doing something similar.
Use keywords (you know… because SEO): make it completely clear what you offer using keywords that a new customer would use when searching for the products or services you offer.
Respond to Reviews: Remember what we said above? Responding to reviews boosts your credibility and leaves a good impression of you to someone who has never visited your business. Respond kindly to the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between.
Keep Business Information Up to Date: this includes your business hours (especially around holidays), contact information and updates like new menus or services.
We’re here to help!
If you’re looking for ways to boost your online presence, optimize your SEO, or stand out on Google in particular, email us at
hello@thesmallsocial.com to book a discovery call. Our team of digital marketing experts are ready to support your business growth any way we can.
