Today, 97% of consumers look at Google Business Profiles to read reviews and form opinions about the business.
However, about 56% of businesses have not claimed their Google My Business listing despite its benefits. In this article, we will go through 9 tips you can implement today to improve your Google Business Profile to rank higher.
According to Google, three important aspects determine your local rankings. These include:
Relevance: How relevant your business is to a search, matters. If your profile is incomplete, Google might not consider it relevant even if searchers are looking for your business.
Distance: Google Business Profiles are all about local results. If your business is in Dayton, Ohio you are not going to appear in Dallas or even your neighboring city. Make sure your location and the areas you serve are up to date.
Prominence: This is where reviews play a major role. The more positive reviews your business has, the more Google prefers you to be prominent. Hence, developing a way to generate reviews regularly is crucial.
#1: Create or Claim Your Google Business Profile
Well, first things first — claim your profile on Google! Before optimizing your Google profile, it is important to claim and verify your profile for it to display on Google Search & Maps. By claiming your profile, you assume ownership, enabling you to actively manage business details, respond to customer reviews, and engage with your audience.
Verifying your profile with Google solidifies your business’s legitimacy, enhancing its credibility and visibility in local search results. Google offers various verification methods to suit different business structures. A claimed and verified GBP serves as a robust foundation for subsequent optimization efforts, maximizing your business’s potential to attract local customers.
If someone else is managing your Google Profile, you can request access or claim on Google.
If you have not created a Google Business Profile, you can proceed without requesting access and begin creating your profile.
Tip #2: Complete and Optimize Your GBP Information
Once you have claimed and verified your Google Business Profile, you will fill out all fields with accurate and comprehensive information. A complete profile provides Google with valuable data to understand your business better and match it with relevant search queries.
When updating your profile and information, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Business name: Keep your business name consistent on all online listings. If your business is listed on Yelp as ‘XYZ Thai Restaurant’ then you want to make sure your business name on Google is also ‘XYZ Thai Restaurant’.
Business description: Crafting a compelling and easy-to-understand overview of your business is essential. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally.
Business hours: Maintain accurate and up-to-date hours of operation, including holiday schedules.
Business attributes: Utilize attributes to describe your business’s features, such as “wheelchair accessible” or “free Wi-Fi.”
Contact information: Ensure your phone number, website, and email address are correct.
By providing exhaustive and accurate information, you increase your chances of appearing in local search results for a wider range of relevant keywords and queries.
Tip #3: Master the Art of Local SEO Keywords
For Google Business Profile optimization, incorporating keywords your audience is using is a great way to bump your profile in local search results. You can use keywords throughout your profile and as you do, you enhance your chances of ranking higher for targeted search queries.
However, it is important to remember that stuffing keywords is a red flag. Instead, focus on adding keywords organically in your description, attributes, and category. But what kind of keywords should you include in your Google My Business listing?
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Keywords for Google Business Profile Optimization
Here are a few local keywords you can use.
City-based keywords: Houston plumber, Dallas dentist, Austin restaurant
Service-based keywords: car repair San Antonio, HVAC repair Fort Worth, lawn care Austin
Neighborhood-based keywords: dentist downtown Houston, pizza delivery North Dallas, Italian restaurant West Austin
By incorporating these types of keywords into your GBP, you can attract more local customers searching for your specific services in their area.
Tip #4: Unleash the Power of High-Quality Images and Videos
For many businesses visual content is a powerful tool to engage customers and enhance your Google Business Profile. If you are a restaurant, your customers want to see what the food looks like, or what the ambiance is like. High-quality images and videos can significantly impact your local search rankings and overall online presence.
What Pictures to Upload on Your Google Business Profile?
Showcase your business: Upload photos of your storefront, interior, products, services, and team members.
Tell a story: Create compelling videos that highlight your business’s unique selling points and customer experiences.
Optimize image file names: Use descriptive file names with relevant keywords.
Encourage customer-generated content: Encourage satisfied customers to share photos and videos of their experiences.
By investing in visually appealing content, you can make a lasting impression on potential customers and increase your chances of appearing in Google’s image and video search results.
Tip #5: Harness the Power of Google Posts
Google Posts offers a dynamic way to share updates, promotions, events, and engaging content with your audience directly within your Google Business Profile. Using this feature effectively, you can increase visibility and drive traffic to your website, fostering customer engagement.
What Updates to Share on Your Google Business Profile?
Share timely updates: Inform customers about new products, services, or special offers.
Create engaging content: Use high-quality images and compelling text to grab attention.
Include a call to action: Encourage customers to visit your website, make a purchase, or contact you.
Regularly posting fresh and relevant content keeps your GMB active and engaging, improving your chances of appearing in local search results.
Tip #6: Reputation Management with Reviews
Whether you own a landscaping business or a plumbing company, positive reviews or testimonials are invaluable assets for your business. Positive reviews on your Google Business Profile help build trust, and credibility and ultimately influence potential customers to click call. Managing online reviews can help improve your local search rankings and attract new customers.
A strong review profile not only boosts your local search rankings but also creates a positive impression on potential customers.
Encourage reviews: Since reviews are so important, you want to make it easy for your customers to leave reviews. Google allows you to generate a link through your Google Business Profile manager that you can share with your customers. You can also print out QR codes and display them in your office.
Respond to all reviews: Positive reviews are great but not responding to the reviews leaves other potential customers thinking you do not value their feedback. Responding to reviews helps create a positive image of your business, and sentiment helps customers feel more inclined towards your business.
Address negative reviews: You will inevitably receive a negative review, at some point. Often, businesses make the mistake of not responding to the negative review or when they do, they tend to defend their business. Unfortunately, neither is a good tactic. When you receive a negative review on Google, respond to feedback gracefully and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
Tip #7: Leverage Google Q&A
Google Q&A is a way for customers and potential customers to ask specific questions about your business. These could be questions specific to your expertise, location or hours. Regardless, this becomes a great section for you to demonstrate your expertise, and interact with your audience.
One key recommendation for any business type for the Google Q&A section is to monitor questions at all times. Anyone asking a question is likely to be at the bottom of the funnel and they are looking to have a question answered before reaching out to you. Proactivity in answering questions also demonstrates your ability to provide good customer service. At the same time, answer the questions thoroughly and professionally. Questions in the Google Q&A section are not 1 on 1 conversations, hence other prospects are reading as well.
By effectively managing the Q&A section, you can enhance customer satisfaction, build a strong online reputation, and improve your GBP’s overall performance.
Tip #8: Track Your Performance with Google Business Profile Insights
Understanding how customers interact with your Google Business Profile is essential for making data-driven optimization decisions. Google Business Profile Insights provides valuable analytics to help you measure your profile’s performance. By tracking key metrics like impressions, clicks, website visits, and phone calls, you can gauge your profile’s impact. Analyzing customer behavior allows you to understand how customers find your business, what information they seek, and how they engage with your profile. This insight helps identify opportunities for improvement, enabling you to optimize your GBP accordingly. Making data-driven decisions based on actual performance data maximizes results. By leveraging Google Business Profile Insights, you can fine-tune your GBP to better meet the needs of your target audience and achieve your business goals.
Tip #9: Stay Consistent Across All Online Platforms
Consistency is key when it comes to building a strong online presence. Ensuring your business information is accurate and consistent across all online platforms is crucial for maintaining a positive brand image and improving your local search rankings.
NAP consistency: Keep your Name, Address, and Phone number identical across all online directories, social media profiles, and your website.
Brand identity: Maintain consistent branding elements such as logo, colors, and messaging across all platforms.
Business descriptions: Use similar language and keywords in your business descriptions to reinforce your brand identity.
Social media integration: Link your Google Business Profile to your social media accounts to enhance visibility.
By maintaining consistency, you improve your credibility and make it easier for customers to find and interact with your business.
Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Optimizing your Google Business Profile means more people find you on Google, leading to more customers. Think of it as your digital storefront. The information you add and the positive reviews all matter. Many businesses miss out on this free opportunity but Google Business Profile optimization can help outrank your competitors.
DVC Agency specializes in local marketing and Google Business Profile optimization for small and mid-sized businesses like yours. We understand the power of a well-optimized GBP and can help you unlock its full potential. Let us handle the technicalities while you focus on growing your business. Ready to dominate local search? Schedule a call with our marketing experts today!