13 Ways Your Google Business Profile Can Help Customers Find You

If you’re a small business owner, chances are you already have a Google Business Profile (previously Google My Business). If so, keep reading for some tips on how to improve your online visibility. And if you haven’t set up your Google business profile yet, definitely keep reading!

The Google Business Profile is a great way to be found, as it allows you to manage how your business appears on Google Search and Google Maps. Here are thirteen (13) tips on how to make sure your customers find you, show up, and keep coming back.

1. Claim and Verify Your Business

If you already have a profile set up, double check to make sure it’s claimed and verified.
When you claim and verify your business, you’re ensuring you have control over the information that’s displayed, and you can manage any updates. To claim your business, search for it on Google and follow the prompts to claim it. Verification usually involves receiving a USPS postcard from Google with a verification code, though phone or email verification may also be available.

2. Complete Your Profile Thoroughly

A complete profile definitely improves your chances of appearing in local search results. Sometimes, business owners start their profile but don’t get into the nitty gritty, and sacrifice some visibility by not tending to these details.

Here are the basics:

• Business Name: Use your official business name without adding unnecessary keywords.
• Address: Provide your exact business location. This helps Google accurately place your business on the map. If you move,
• Phone Number: Include a phone number. There are lots of ways to contact you, but a phone number can help to build trust; it lets potential customers know you are reachable and welcoming.
• Website: Add your website URL. This directs traffic to your site and it also helps Google understand more about your business.
• Category: Choose the most relevant category for your business. This helps Google match your business with relevant local searches. It’s a good idea to add additional categories to get more specific about what your business offers. Be specific, but don’t grasp for keywords, as this can cause confusion on Google’s side, and result in your listing being harder to find.
• Hours of Operation: Add your business hours and be sure to update them if/when they change. Include special hours for holidays or events. There’s nothing more frustrating than showing up or trying to contact a business when they are closed (though Google says they’re open!).

3. Optimize Business Descriptions

Your business description should clearly tell your customers what you offer and why they should choose you. Of course, use relevant keywords, but use them naturally—avoid keyword stuffing, which is a big red flag for Google. You want to highlight unique selling points, special services, or aspects of your business that set you apart. A well-crafted description goes a long way in being found in local searches.

4. Add Photos and Videos

It probably goes without saying that visual content is incredibly engaging. It can also significantly impact local visibility. Add high-quality photos of your business, products, services, and staff. Also consider adding videos as a personal touch, to showcase customer testimonials, special promotions, and even virtual tours. Be sure to keep your profile fresh by regularly updating both photos and videos.

5. Encourage and Manage Reviews

Of course, customer reviews play a vital role in local search rankings and they definitely influence your potential customers. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile. Go one step further and provide them a direct link to your review page to make it easier for them! Then, engage with your reviewers! Respond to all reviews politely and promptly, by thanking them for their positive feedback or addressing any negative reviews/concerns.

6. Utilize Google Posts

Google Posts is a feature within your Profile that allows you to share updates, promotional offers, events, and news directly on your listing. Take advantage of it! This is a great way to keep your audience informed and engaged.

7. Leverage Q&A

The Q&A section on your Google Business Profile allows customers to ask questions directly. If you use this feature and are proactive, it can positively impact your local search visibility. Like customer reviews, the important thing here is to actively monitor and respond to these questions. Check the questions frequently and give them a timely response. When you provide clear, helpful answers, you establish trust and enhance customer experience. Note: Consider building a pre-emptive list of FAQs to post in this section and expand/update it when needed.

8. Offer Booking

The Booking button feature allows customers to book appointments directly through your Google Business Profile. Determine if this applies to you and consider adding a booking URL to your Profile to save your customers time.

9. Messaging—Yes or No?

Messaging is another feature of your Google Business Profile that can prove to be helpful. It does what it says—it allows two-way customer engagement directly through your Profile. It can help to increase your visibility and offers some automated options. But be careful! Remember that the more personalized communication you can offer, the greater the trust you’re building. Don’t let automation replace the personal touch you want to provide to your customers. We recommend doing some research into the pros and cons of messaging before making a decision.

10. List Your Business’ Specific Attributes

Business attributes will vary according to your niche, but they can also help to improve your visibility in Google’s search list. Attributes include things like free wi-fi, wheelchair accessibility, outdoor seating, languages available, payment options, and others. Like other elements of your Profile, make sure to keep these current and active.

11. Use Insights for Optimization

Google Business Profile provides valuable insights into how customers interact with your listing. Review these insights regularly to understand customer behavior, track how they find your business, and see what actions they take. You can easily view data such as website visits and direction requests. Additionally, Insights will allow you to identify the search terms customers are using to find your business. Knowing this information can show where keywords and descriptions need to be adjusted.

12. Ensure NAP Consistency

NAP (Name, Address, and Phone number) details need to be listed consistently across all online platforms. Discrepancies can confuse search engines and customers, negatively impacting your visibility. If there are changes in your contact details, update them as soon as possible across all your platforms.

13. Engage with Your Local Community

Participate in local events, collaborate with other businesses, and support community initiatives to strengthen your business’ reputation and give you more visibility. Yes, we know, this is not an online activity. But highlighting these activities in your Google Business Profile can help you build stronger local connections. Think of it as a networking show-and-tell!

Conclusion

Beyond these thirteen (13) features of your Google Business Profile, there are smaller nuanced features you may want to research before deciding to use. There are pros and cons to everything, so don’t consider this list to be written in stone. The main keys for your Profile are consistency in your details, staying active and regularly updating your information, and continuing to establish and build relationships with your customers. Remember, you are the most valuable part of your business. While your Google Business Profile can help your visibility in Google’s search and maps, your personal touch will ultimately position your business for its greatest success.

If all of this feels like a lot of time-consuming work and details to wade through, Pier5 can do the heavy lifting for you! We’ve created our new Google Business Profile Optimization service to help with this very thing. We will manage reviews to keep your reputation great and will regularly update your profile’s visual appearance to continue to draw customers to you. Beyond that, we provide you with regular updates on metrics, reviews, etc. Because your profile plays a key role in your overall online presence, we are committed to providing what you need to be visible and effective!

Contact us to learn more about how Pier5 can help manage your Google Profile, your overall online presence, or other business elements. 

Louis

I have a passion for using technology to make workflow and the day-to-day easier. Pier5 allows me to help businesses with digital technology, allowing them to focus more on what they love and are good at – their product or service!