As a business owner, it’s common to be looking for ways to boost your online presence, and we know exactly how to help. Search engine optimisation is a great way to boost your presence, and a Google Business Profile can help too! In this blog, we’re letting you know how to optimise your Google Business Profile.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a tool that allows you to edit how your business appears on Google’s search engine and Google Maps. This is a fantastic tool that can really help to boost your local search engine optimisation (SEO).
Many business owners don’t take advantage of this simple tool, which has many benefits. One of the biggest benefits of using a Google Business Profile is that it’s free!
It’s worth noting that Google Business Profile is the same as ‘Google My Business’. The new name was introduced in 2022.
How to set up your Google Business Profile
Setting up your profile couldn’t be easier. For some businesses, it will involve adding a new business, whereas for others, it may be a case of claiming the business.
If you need to add your business, you can use Google Maps. Simply sign into your Google account and open Maps. Then, type your business’s physical address into the search box. To the side of the search box, it will say ‘add your business.’ Click this and enter your business details.
To claim your business, you will need to open Google Maps and search for the business name. When the correct business appears, select ‘claim this business’. You will then need to follow the steps for verification.
What can you do on a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profiles can display business information and business photos. You can also add a cover photo to further optimise your Google Business Profile. Businesses can also receive and reply to reviews on a Google Business listing, which helps to build brand trust.
How to optimise your Google Business Profile
Claim your Google Business Profile account
Following the steps above, the first thing you need to do is claim your profile. Once verification is complete, you’ll be able to update your business details and manage your profile easily. Your business will now be more likely to appear in Google search results.
Fill out your profile in detail
It’s not a good idea to skip sections when you’re adding information to your profile. Instead, aim to add as much information as you can. Profiles will allow you to add your business hours and even help users with a Q&A.
Ensure that all information is correct. This will help boost your SEO, as you are showing the search engine that your business is relevant to specific search queries.
When filling out business information, you will be asked to select from a range of business categories. It’s important to choose the business category that is most relevant.
Carefully check your contact information
More and more users are using search engines to find businesses, and they want to be able to click ‘call now’ and reach the business easily. By having up-to-date information on your profile, you will allow users to do this. This will help to improve the user experience and will lead to potential customers viewing your business in a more positive way.
You can also link your social media accounts to enhance your business’s visibility online. You may find it useful to publish posts on your Google Business Profiles to inform customers what’s going on. If you post regularly, you may find more people messaging your business directly. This is why it’s crucial to have accurate business information.
Write a quality description
Your business description is an important part of your profile as it allows you to show potential customers what your business is about. It’s a good idea to add details such as how much experience you have, who you support and more details about your products and services.
Maintain your profile
Many business owners claim their listings and then forget to update them as time goes on. This is not a great idea, as it means that the information can quickly become outdated. Additionally, new customers may be put off working with you if they see that you don’t update your listing regularly.
Always ensure that your business address and contact information are kept up to date.
What are the benefits of using a Google Business Profile?
It’s free to add a Google Business Profile listing
There aren’t many free things in life, so when they do come about, it’s worth taking advantage of them. Google Business Profile is a completely free way to promote your business online.
It boosts your SEO (local SEO too!)
Your website’s SEO can be heavily impacted by your Google Business Profile. Additionally, having a profile gives you another chance to show up in search results to the side of the results or even above them.
When people search for a business ‘near me’, Google looks into Google Business Profile data and provides users with the most accurate information. If you aren’t optimising your website for local search engine optimisation, you’ll have less chance of showing up in local search results. These types of searches are becoming extremely popular, especially with the rise of voice search, as users are looking for convenience.
We offer a high-quality SEO service that allows you to show up on Google. We aim to get your business ranking ahead of competitors and other local businesses. Our SEO experts have achieved fantastic results for clients across the UAE and worldwide.
It allows you to enhance your brand presence
Google Business Profile helps your business to be seen even when it is not specifically being searched for. This means that it may drive customers who might have actually been looking for your competitors.
Google is a great way to gather reviews for your business, and you can reply to them directly when they are posted. It’s always a good idea to remain active on the platform by responding to reviews and answering any user questions.
It’s easy to manage your Google Business Profiles
Google Business Profile is very easy to use and manage, so there’s really no reason not to use it! You will be able to use the Google Business Profile dashboard, and there are plenty of tutorials on this if you need help.
You can claim your business with a quick verification process and then get started adding the most important details about your business. As long as you keep your details up to date, there’s really not much you need to do when it comes to Google Business Profile, it does the hard work itself. That’s how easy it is to have an optimised Google Business Profile.
Are you looking to boost your business’s online presence but not sure how? We can help. Our team of experts works hard to support businesses of all sizes with their online presence. Contact us today to see how we can help you.