For any business today, having a strong online presence is essential. A key part of that is making sure your Google Business Profile (also known as your Google Business listing or Google My Business profile) is complete and optimized. Google uses information from Business Profiles to rank local search results, so the more complete and optimized your profile is, the higher you are likely to rank.
Here are some tips for getting your Google Business Profile in top shape:
Find and Verify Your Profile
The first step is conducting a Google search to determine if your business already has an existing Google Business Profile listing. If your search results show a profile matching your business information, you may be able to claim and verify that existing listing as the rightful owner.
However, if no current listing appears in the search, you’ll need to create a new Google Business Profile from scratch. Follow Google’s verification process to establish the new listing and confirm your identity as the official business owner.
In either scenario, accurately providing your complete business details is crucial. This includes supplying any supporting documents Google requires to validate your ownership and authority over the profile. Proper verification unlocks full access to optimize your Google Business Profile for maximum visibility.
Keep Your Business Information Updated
Complete and updated business information is critical for matching relevant search queries. Take the time to fill out every possible detail about your business, including:
- Category and subcategories describing your products/services
- Opening hours and any special hours of operation
- Contact information like address, phone, website
- All attributes that apply, like whether you have Wi-Fi, accept reservations, have outdoor seating, etc.
The more comprehensive your profile, the better Google’s algorithms can match it to user queries. You should also update any changes like new hours or services offered right away, to keep everything accurate.
Manage Reviews and Respond to Customers
Positive reviews and ratings are one signal Google uses to determine a business’s prominence and trustworthiness. Encourage customers to leave reviews if they’ve had a good experience. And make sure you are actively monitoring your reviews so you can:
- Respond to negative feedback professionally and work to address issues
- Thank customers for positive reviews
- Report any inappropriate or fake reviews for removal
Good review management shows you value your customers and their feedback.
Add High Quality Photos and Videos
Visual elements make your profile more appealing and give customers a preview of your products, services, location, etc. Make sure photos and videos are recent, clear, well-lit and present your business in the best light.
Consider having professional photography/videography done if you can’t capture quality visuals yourself. Highlight your business’s top offerings, specialties, facilities and more.
Use Google My Business Insights
Insights gives you important data on how customers find and interact with your profile. Pay attention to key metrics like:
- Number of views and searches your profile receives
- Top queries matched to your profile
- Popular times for views and visits
- Customer actions like website clicks, driving directions, phone calls, etc.
Use this data to identify areas of improvement and make optimizations. For example, if you notice certain keywords or attributes driving more views, try boosting those qualities.
Maintain a Strong Online Presence
While the Business Profile is key, Google determines local search rankings holistically. A strong overall internet presence helps boost prominence. Focus on building a professional website, being consistent across directories, and working to get positive brand mentions across the web.
We know this may seem like a lot, but having an optimized Google Business Profile is hugely beneficial for organic local search visibility. If you need help with any part of the process, feel free to reach out for professional assistance with your online presence.
Need Help Optimizing Your Google Business Profile?
If you need help optimizing your Google Business Profile for better local search rankings, our team at Brick House Web Design is here to assist. With expertise in web design and digital marketing, we can manage and optimize your profile to make sure your business stands out online.
A well-crafted Google Business Profile is a key factor for connecting with nearby customers and driving more visit. Schedule a discovery call with us today, and let’s work together to improve your online visibility through expert Google Business Profile optimization.
