Have you ever searched for a business on Google?

 

Have you noticed the box on the right with information about a business?

 

This box is known as a Google Business Profile. A Google Business Profile is a free and easy tool that appears when someone searches for your business in Google.

 

You can add information about your business like your phone number, hours of operation, photos, logos, and more.

 

Optimizing your listing can be a massive help to your business, so here’s how you can optimize to get the best out of it.

 

Why Should You Optimize Your Listing

 

Optimizing your listing can come with many great benefits, so it’s critical to have it optimized for your business.

 

Improve Engagement

 

More people are finding information about businesses right from the google search screen instead of clicking on websites.

 

So by not having a Google Business Profile for your business, you could be missing out on those customers.

 

Reviews

 

Reviews on your Google Business Profile pop up when your business listing comes up. These reviews can influence potential customers to purchase from your business.

 

They help you interact with customers and allow you to respond to any reviews promptly.

 

Responding and interacting with reviews shows Google you are active with your business and sends you further up the rankings.

 

Convert More Customers

 

You can show up in keyword searches with an optimized profile.

 

For example, customers may not know your business yet when searching for fixes to their problems.

 

An optimized profile can help your business appear for keywords related to your business instead of just direct searches for your company name.

 

Boost Your Local Ranking

 

Just because your customers are close to your location doesn’t mean they’re going to see you.

 

If you don’t tell Google your location, how will it know where to place you?

 

You can show up in map searches when you add your location, thus bringing more traffic and clients to your business.

 

Insights

 

Using Insights, you can see how people are finding your listings. You can see data like views, searches, and actions your customers take.

 

Knowing what is working and what isn’t allows you to focus on the things that will grow your business.

 

How to Optimize Your Business

 

You should take some steps to fully optimize your profile and make sure it’s the best it can be.

 

The steps are:

 

Claim Your Business

 

While there are a few ways to claim and verify your business, it will be through mail most of the time, as this is the default.

 

You will receive a postcard with a five-digit verification code that you need to enter to confirm it is you. This process can take up to two weeks.

 

Some businesses can verify through phone or email, but you must be eligible to do so.

 

Fill out Your Entire Profile

 

The more information you add to your profile, the more Google can find your target customers.

 

So ensure you fill out all information like your contact info, categories, products/services, business description, and more.

 

You also want to make sure that you include your keywords in these if possible.

 

Photos

 

Adding photos can help customers identify your business and create better engagement.

 

You can add your logo, cover photo, and business photos to be more recognized and easier to find. 

 

You are also able to add pictures of your products or services.

 

For example, say you own a house painting business, you can post photos of your finished houses to show people how great you are and why they should choose you.

 

Posts

 

There are different types of posts you can create to increase your customer engagement. Including:

 

Events

 

If your business is having an event (like a bookstore having a book signing), you can create posts about that event.

 

Event posts can tell people what’s happening with your business and grab their attention.

 

Offers and Specials

 

A Google Business Profile allows you to create posts showcasing any sales or coupons you might have.

 

For example, if your business has a 30% off t-shirts day, you can show this through a post.

 

They even include a “view offer” button so your customers can see and use them with ease.

 

Products

 

Product posts showcase your new products or services.

 

These can show customers what’s new and draw them into your business.

 

Announcements

 

You can create posts for overall announcements like any updated hours, special guests, or what’s new with the business.

 

For example, if your business is staying open late or changing its hours, you can create a post informing customers of the latest changes.

 

Or maybe you are having a special guest give a speech. You can create an announcement post to let people know when, where, and who. 

 

Add Special Features and Attributes

 

There are many different types of attributes you can add to your business listing. However, not all will work for your business.

 

Certain features are only available to those who are eligible. For example, hotels can display class ratings and amenities offered, while food and drink businesses can add their menus and a link for online orders or reservations.

 

If you know of a feature that would be helpful to your business but it’s not showing up, take a look at your categories and make sure all that fit your business are selected.

 

Reviews

 

Having reviews can attract more people to your business by showing them that you are trusted and knowledgeable.

 

After you prove your company through a job well done, ask them to leave a review for your business on your Google Business Profile.

 

You’re even able to create a custom link for your customers to use, making it easier for them to leave a review. Then you can take a look at them and respond and interact with what they had written.

 

Conclusion

 

Using a Google Business Profile can increase your engagement, leading to an increase in your sales, leading to a life of financial freedom and peace.

 

However, navigating and optimizing the profile can be a bit of a challenge, so if you’re struggling, reach out and let us help you grow your business.