Do you ever use maps on your phone to find places to go? Maybe you’ve looked up the address for the pizza place or the movie theater. Well, those map listings you see are extra important for businesses. They are called Google Business Profile.
Businesses need a good Google Business Profile so that people can easily find them on maps and learn all about their store or office. Having an awesome listing helps a lot with local SEO too. What’s local SEO? Let me explain!
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is like an online listing that tells Google all the important details about a business. It includes stuff like:
– The address where the business is located
– The hours when the business is open
– Photos showing the inside and outside of the business
– The phone number to call the business
– The website address for the business
– Lots of other helpful information!
Google uses all of these details to show people the business listing whenever they search for that type of business on Google Maps. So if you search for “pizza places near me,” Google will show you all the pizza places in your area based on their Google Business Profiles.
Why Is It So Important?
Having an up-to-date and complete Google Business Profile is super important for a few big reasons:
1. It helps new customers easily find the business
2. It provides all the key details people need about the business
3. It allows the business to look great and professional on Google
4. It’s a huge part of doing well with local SEO
What Is Local SEO?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s all about making your website and online listings show up at the top whenever people search for things related to your business.
Local SEO is the same thing, but specifically for people searching in your local area or city. Like if you have a restaurant in Dallas and someone searches “Italian restaurants in Dallas,” you’d want your listing to be one of the first things they see.
Google Business Profile plays a huge role in local SEO. Google looks at complete, well-optimized Google Business Profiles to decide which businesses to show at the top of local search results. The better your profile, the higher you can rank!
So businesses really need to make sure their Google listing is as good as it can possibly be. It’s one of the most important local SEO Services signals that Google pays attention to.
Why Else Do Google Business Profiles Matter?
Still not convinced that having an awesome Google Business Profile is a must for local businesses? Here are some other key reasons why they are so valuable:
- Help People Find You Easily
When someone searches for your business by name, your Google listing will show up on the right side of the results with all your info like your address, hours, photos, and more. This makes it super easy for people to quickly find and learn about your business.
- Get Discovered Through Maps
If someone is looking for the type of business you are on Google Maps, your listing will be right there with your location pinpointed so they can swing by. This brings in lots of new walk-in customers.
- Look Professional & Trustworthy
Seeing a business with a super detailed listing that has lots of photos, reviews, and info makes them look way more put-together and credible. It builds trust right away.
- Attract More Website Visitors
Your website is linked right on your Google listing, so interested customers can easily click through to learn more about you and what you offer.
- Share Key Updates & Announcements
You can use your Google listing to post updates like special offers, events, product launches, and other important news about your business.
- Manage & Respond to Reviews
Your Google listing includes your reviews from customers, and you can respond to them right from the same place. This helps build relationships and keep folks happy.
As you can see, there are a ton of awesome reasons to make sure you have a 100% complete and optimized Google Business Profile set up for your local business.
How to Optimize Your Google Listing
So now that you know how crucial Google Business Profile is, you’re probably wondering how to actually get set up and make yours look amazing, right? Here are some quick tips:
- Claim & Verify Your Listing
First, you need to claim your business listing on Google so you have full control over it. You’ll have to verify that you are actually the owner through a quick phone or email process.
- Enter 100% Complete Data
Once claimed, fill out every single section as thoroughly and accurately as possible – your business name, category, address, hours, attributes, photos, and every other detail.
- Use Consistent Name/Address/Number (NAN)
Make sure the name, address, and phone number for your listing exactly matches how it is listed across your website and online directories. Google checks for consistency.
- Get a Short Google Maps URL
You can get a short and branded URL link for your Google Maps listing to share and help people find you quicker. This looks really professional.
- Add Lots of High-Quality Photos
Take clear, well-lit photos of your business, products/services, team, interior, and exterior. Businesses with more photos get way more clicks.
- Encourage Customers to Review
More positive reviews can really elevate your local listing and make it stand out above others in your area. Send customers reminders to leave feedback.
- Post Updates & Announcements
Use the updates and posts section to publish custom offers, events, news, and other announcements that potential customers will see on your listing.
- Monitor Your Insights
Google provides insights on how many views and clicks your listing gets, as well as queries used to find you. Check these analytics often.
- Optimize Based on Market & Audience
Don’t set it and forget it! Use your insights to regularly update listings with new photos, offers, etc based on your local audience and competition.
- Interact With Reviews/Q&A
Respond promptly and professionally to all new customer reviews and questions on your listing. Active management builds credibility.
