3 Tips to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Local SEO is crucial for small business owners who want to market their products and services. To reach your area’s customers, you must ensure your brand shows up prominently in local search results.
While there are many ways to optimize your site and improve your online presence locally, Google offers a free tool to drive your small business traffic and sales.
Formerly known as Google My Business, this tool has been rebranded as Google Business Profile. In the future, you can claim and manage your local listings directly via Google Search or Google Maps – making it even easier to build customer connections.
But how do you increase your chances of appearing in local search results? By using SEO principles to enhance your Google Business Profile. Here are just a few tips to get you started.
Ensure NAP Consistency
You’ll want to start with the basics when using Google Business Profile or any local listing platform. Your business NAP – name, address, and phone number – should appear the same across all channels.
Even minor inconsistencies in how your NAP is listed can cause issues for your SEO. In some cases, search engines might not be able to recognize which listing is most accurate. This confusion can hurt your ability to rank. Moreover, prospective customers might not support your business because they won’t trust these fundamental details are correct.
Ensure your NAP is accurate on your Google Business Profile, and then ensure other local listings for your business align with those components. If your address or phone number is listed incorrectly elsewhere, correct those listings to eliminate confusion. Review all your online business listings to manage your online presence.
Include Relevant Keywords
One of the cornerstones of SEO is keyword research. Using relevant keywords can help your business appear more prominently in search results.
You’re probably familiar with this technique for on-site optimizations. You can use the same principle to enhance your Google Business Profile. By carefully utilizing the right keywords in your Google business listing, you can increase your chances of appearing in relevant searches performed by consumers nearby.
Perform basic keyword research to identify the most relevant keywords for your business that align with customer intent. It’s often best to focus on local keywords, as these can help you connect with potential buyers looking for answers nearby.
You can add keywords to your descriptions, posts, testimonials, and FAQ sections. Make sure to use keywords naturally and avoid keyword stuffing. (With SEO, you can fall victim to “too much of a good thing!”)
Ask For Customer Reviews
The Google Business Profile platform is meant to be a one-stop resource for your customers. Not only can you share pertinent information about your products, services, and team, but your customers can also share their thoughts.
Google Business Profile allows customers to share honest reviews of your business. This is especially helpful for attracting new customers, as most people trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations. And since these reviews show up immediately during a Google search, they instantly build trust with your audience.
Unfortunately, many customers will forget to leave reviews for their favorite businesses. They’re much more likely to share their thoughts after a bad experience. But a simple way to generate Google reviews for your business is to ask your customers to help you.
Whether you bring it up in person, send out an email blast, or post a request on social media, make it easy for customers to navigate to the right page and share a review. Let them know how big an impact their review can have on your business, they’ll usually be more than happy to help.
Be sure to respond to all reviews with compassion and understanding. Even if the review is negative, showcase your customer service skills and show others why they should support you!
Leverage the Power of Google Business Profile With SEO
Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for small business owners, allowing them to level the playing field and compete more granularly.
Claiming your profile is the first step. But optimizing your listing can take your local SEO strategy to the next level. By starting with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking rankings success.
- Stand out on Google with a free business profile
- Create a business profile on Google
Frequently Asked Questions About Google Business Profile
What is a Google business profile?
Answer: A Google business profile is a free company listing on Google that can help you attract new customers. You control the information shared on your page and decide what the public sees about the size, location, and contact info of your business. With a personalized picture of your store or organization as your profile photo, you'll show up first on Google for searches about businesses like yours in the area. Best of all—IT'S FREE!
Is a Google business profile free?
Answer: Yes, a Google business profile is completely free to create.
Google's Packaged Deals section has several package deals available to help businesses grow their online presence. For example, the AdWords Pack package includes 350 text ad daily campaign for your targeted ads across Google sites and extensions, while the Bulk Upload Package Store lets you add 25 products with custom descriptions in just five minutes. Offering promotions on Google Maps should be part of every company's marketing strategy as well--why not offer discounts or do a product giveaway?
How do I get a Google business profile?
Answer: Log into Google My Business with the email address you wish to link your business's social media profiles to Follow the prompts to select which channels you want linked. Choose one of your company's existing Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter or other social media accounts Change "business owner" profile picture to include a headshot If desired, also update the default description default description that shows up for your company's business listing on Google Search
Do not forget about your physical location. It is up-to-date and reflects hours of operation if it changes regularly. Store hours might be different than stated time due to staff availability or late night versus early morning
How do I edit my Google business profile?
Answer: To edit your profile, access the Google My Business mobile app on your mobile device or computer. Log in to your account and click on ‘Settings’ at the top of the screen. From there, you will find options to make changes like hours, website address, phone number and business description. All updates are saved automatically once confirmed by you! Contact us with any further questions.
On another note- it's not uncommon for people who have just moved into a new area to want to maintain their old location as well as tout their newest one with a fresh Google business profile. But if they try switch between profiles for different businesses they work at- both will be removed from search effectiveness because each is technically tied
