Top tips to maximise your Google Business Profile

All you need to know about setting up a Google Business Profile and how you can maximise its potential.

Google Business Profile, formerly known as Google My Business, is an essential tool that can significantly enhance your online presence and visibility. It offers a wealth of benefits, including improved local search ranking, increased customer engagement, and valuable insights about your audience.

Here’s a look at what you need to know about Google Business Profiles and how you can maximise its potential to boost your business.

1. Complete Your Business Information

The first step in optimising your Google Business Profile is to provide accurate information about your business. Begin with your business name, ensuring it aligns with the name used across all other platforms and locations. This aids brand recognition and builds trust with customers.

Next, detail your location and contact information. Precise location details, such as your address and phone number, are crucial for local searches. Make your physical location easy to find or allow customers to contact you directly from your profile. If there are additional details like suite numbers or landmarks that make your location easier to find, include those as well.

Operating hours should also be regularly updated. This includes standard hours as well as special hours for holidays or specific events. Keeping an accurate schedule helps prevent customer frustration that could occur if they arrive at your business when it’s closed.

If your business has a website, ensure it’s linked from your profile. Additionally, if your business operates by appointment, include a booking link. These links not only offer convenience for potential customers but also drive traffic to your website.

Selecting the most relevant category for your business is also important as it helps Google determine where to display your business in search results. You can also add attributes to your profile that highlight certain features of your business, such as “Free WiFi” or “Wheelchair accessible.”

Finally, provide a clear and concise description of your business, what you offer, and what sets you apart from competitors. If applicable, list your services or products along with their prices. The more comprehensive and precise your profile is, the more appealing it will be to potential customers. An accurate profile also increases your chances of appearing in relevant search results, leading to better visibility and increased customer interactions.

2. Keep Your Profile Updated

Information changes, and so should your Google Business Profile. Regularly updating your profile is crucial to maintaining its relevance and effectiveness.

For instance, if your operating hours have changed due to seasonal variations, public holidays, or other factors, promptly update these on your profile. This ensures that your customers always have the most current information and can plan their visits accordingly. Misinformation about opening hours can lead to customer frustration, which could harm your business’s reputation.

Additionally, any changes in the services you offer or the products you sell should be reflected in your Google Business Profile. If you’ve started offering a new service or launched a new product, updating this information can attract potential customers who are searching for those specific services or products.

In the event of significant changes such as relocation, it’s vital to update your address details as soon as possible. This prevents customers from visiting an old location and helps them easily find your new one.

Furthermore, updating your profile isn’t just about changes in information. It’s also an opportunity to add fresh content to your profile, such as new photos or promotional posts. This not only keeps your profile interesting and engaging but also signals to Google that your profile is active, which could positively impact your search ranking.

3. Utilise Google Posts

Google Posts is a feature that allows you to share a variety of content directly on your Google Business Profile. This tool is incredibly valuable for keeping your audience engaged and giving them reasons to revisit your profile.

One way to use Google Posts is to share updates about your business. For instance, if you’ve recently renovated your premises, won an award, or achieved a significant milestone, you can share this news through a Google Post. These updates help keep your customers informed about what’s happening in your business and make them feel more connected to your brand.

Promotions are another excellent type of content to share through Google Posts. If you’re having a sale, offering a special discount, or launching a new product, you can create a post to announce it. Not only does this increase visibility for your promotion, but it also provides a direct call-to-action – users can click on the post to learn more or make a purchase.

Events and offers are additional types of content you can share. If you’re hosting an event, such as a workshop, seminar, or grand opening, you can create a Google Post to invite your customers. Similarly, if you have a special offer, like a limited-time deal or a loyalty program, you can use a Google Post to advertise it.

By regularly creating Google Posts, you can keep your audience engaged with fresh, relevant content. Furthermore, these posts give your customers a reason to keep coming back to your profile, increasing their engagement with your business. This consistent engagement can not only boost your relationship with your customers, but it can also improve your visibility on Google.

4. Respond to Reviews

Customer reviews, whether positive or negative, offer a valuable opportunity for you to engage with your customers and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction. Responding to these reviews on your Google Business Profile is a vital aspect of managing your online reputation.

When you receive positive reviews, it’s essential to respond with gratitude. Thank your customers for taking the time to leave a review and for their support of your business. This not only helps build a stronger relationship with your satisfied customers but also shows potential customers that you appreciate and value those who choose to do business with you.

Negative reviews, while they may seem damaging at first, can also be an opportunity if handled correctly. If a customer has had a less than satisfactory experience, it’s crucial to address their concerns promptly and professionally. Apologise for any shortcomings, take responsibility for any mistakes, and offer a solution or explain how you plan to avoid similar issues in the future.

Responding to negative reviews demonstrates to both the reviewer and other potential customers that you take feedback seriously and are committed to improving. It can help turn a negative situation into a demonstration of excellent customer service.

Beyond just responding, it’s also beneficial to encourage reviews from your customers actively. The more reviews you have, the more information potential customers have about your business. Plus, a high number of reviews can improve your visibility in Google’s search results.

5. Use High-Quality Images

The importance of visual content cannot be overstated. Images, specifically high-quality ones, play a pivotal role in attracting and engaging customers. They provide a visual representation of your business, products, and services, making them an essential component of your Google Business Profile.

High-quality images serve to showcase your business in the best possible light. They can give potential customers a glimpse into what they can expect from your business. For example, if you run a restaurant, high-resolution images of your dishes can entice potential diners. If you own a retail store, clear and appealing images of your products can draw in shoppers.

In addition to showcasing your offerings, images can also help to convey the atmosphere and experience that your business provides. Photos of your premises, staff, and happy customers can give a sense of your business’s style and ethos. It’s not just about what you sell, but also the experience you offer.

Remember, first impressions count, and often, the first interaction a potential customer has with your business is through your online presence. High-quality images can make your profile more appealing and professional, increasing the likelihood of attracting and converting potential customers.

6. Capitalise on ‘Near Me’ Searches

The rise of mobile technology has led to a significant increase in ‘near me’ searches. These are searches where users are looking for specific services or businesses near their current location. For example, someone might search for ‘coffee shops near me’ or ‘bookstores near me’.

As a business owner, it’s crucial to capitalise on these searches as they indicate high intent from potential customers who are ready to make a purchase or visit a physical location. To do this, you need to optimise your Google Business Profile for local SEO.

Firstly, ensure your business’s name, address, and phone number (NAP) are accurate and consistent across all online platforms. This information is critical for appearing in local search results.

Secondly, include location-specific keywords in your profile and in the descriptions of your products and services. For instance, if you own a bakery in Nottingham, you might use keywords like ‘Nottingham bakery’ or ‘pastries in Nottingham’.

By optimising your Google Business Profile for ‘near me’ searches, you’re making it easier for local customers to find and engage with your business, thereby increasing your chances of attracting more customers and boosting sales.