Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a powerful tool that businesses can leverage to enhance their online presence and attract more customers through Google Search and Maps. Optimising your profile involves several key steps to ensure visibility, engagement, and credibility.
1. Claim and Verify Your Listing
Why Claim Your Listing?
Ensures Control Over Your Information: Maintains accuracy by preventing unauthorized modifications.
Boosts Trustworthiness: Verified listings are trusted more by customers and Google, leading to better rankings.
How to Claim and Verify:
Visit Google Business Profile: Go to the Google Business Profile website.
Follow Prompts: Enter your business name and address, then follow the on-screen prompts to claim your listing.
Verification Methods: Verify your ownership through mail (receive a postcard with a code), phone, or email.
2. Complete Your Profile
A complete profile provides comprehensive information that helps potential customers make informed decisions.
Essential Information to Include:
NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number): Ensure these details are accurate and match those on your website.
Business Hours: Include regular and holiday hours.
Website URL: Link to your official website.
Business Category: Choose the most accurate category for your business.
Business Description: Write a detailed description of your business, services, and products offered.
Importance of Completeness:
Improves Local SEO: A complete profile is more likely to appear in local search results.
Enhances User Experience: Provides all necessary details upfront, helping customers make quicker decisions.
3. Optimise for Keywords
Optimising your profile with relevant keywords improves your chances of appearing in local search results.
Keyword Optimisation Tips:
Natural Integration: Use keywords naturally in your business description, products, and services.
Location-Based Keywords: Incorporate local keywords to attract nearby customers (e.g., “best pizza in Brooklyn”).
Regular Updates: Update your keywords periodically to align with changing search trends and customer behaviour.
4. Gather Customer Reviews
Customer reviews play a significant role in building trust and influencing potential customers.
Benefits of Customer Reviews:
Enhance Credibility: Positive reviews increase trustworthiness and attract more customers.
Impact Rankings: Reviews contribute to local search rankings.
Valuable Feedback: They provide insights into customer satisfaction and areas for improvement.
Encouraging Reviews:
Ask Satisfied Customers: Prompt happy customers to leave reviews.
Respond Professionally: Address all reviews, whether positive or negative, in a timely and professional manner.
Use Social Proof: Highlight positive reviews on your website and other marketing channels to build credibility.
5. Post Regular Updates
Posting updates keeps your profile active and engaging.
Types of Updates to Post:
Business News: Announce new products, services, or changes in business operations.
Promotions and Offers: Highlight special deals, discounts, and limited-time offers.
Engaging Content: Share behind-the-scenes looks, customer stories, or community involvement activities.
Benefits of Regular Posting:
Increases Engagement: Regular updates keep your audience engaged and encourage repeat visits.
Improves Visibility: Active profiles are more likely to be featured in search re