Google Business Profile Optimization 101: Everything You Need to Know

There are hundreds of businesses online today and several factors that make them rank high. Businesses spend thousands of dollars on paid google ads and optimizing their website, however, sometimes, they don’t get their desired goals.

One of the biggest mistakes they make is not optimizing their Google Business Profile. GMB account is a free feature from Google that helps businesses claim themselves and get known online. In this article, we’ll learn everything about Google Business Profile optimization. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Google Business Profile (Formerly Google My Business)

Google has always been there to provide its best services to local clients. Starting from the initial phases of Google Places, then shifting to Google + Local, to Google My Business, and now Google Business Profile.
A google Business Profile helps businesses to make their name in the digital world and manage their online presence. Also, it helps to keep them engaged. As a business owner, you can also use this feature and make your profile to boost your online visibility on search engines and get known better.

The Benefits of Google Business Profile

Here are some of the benefits of Google Business Profile.

1. Google Business Profile is Free!
2. Makes your business visible – GBP listings are prioritized on the top page of local search results.
3. Displays helpful and accurate information about your business.
4. Gives a wonderful first impression.
5. Enhances Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
6. Makes your business appear in all the ‘Near Me’ searches in your area.
7. Engage and respond to customer feedback. In fact, businesses that reply to at least 25% of reviews generate up to 35% more income.
8. Is a component of your Google Profile, which includes Google Maps, Google Ads, and other Google tools.
9. Gain customer insights, such as how customers discovered your item and what actions they took. Businesses can use these consumer feedback to improve themselves.
10. Create a free website in GBP.
11. Another online communication channel that can help you expand your business.

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

Now that you know everything about Google Business Profile, let’s optimize your profile now.

1. Fill All Sections In Your Profile 

As a businessman, you may find it funny and basic to be given an instruction to fill all the sections in your GMB profile. However, it is the most important thing. You’ll be surprised to see how many uncompleted GMB(Google My Business) profiles are available on the site. It affects your ranking factor a lot. The sections can include:

• Name
• Address
• Phone
• Website
• Hours

Note: Make sure you put in consistent information across all your profiles on the internet. For example; website, social media platforms, and GMB accounts.

2. Write Your “From The Business” Description

In a GMB account, there are some things that you cannot add by yourself. That’s why you should add as much information as you can. So, add a short description below the review section and give an intro about your business in it.

Moreover, add SEO rich keywords in your description so your audience can easily find you through them. Furthermore, make sure to include your unique selling point—how you are different from your competitors.

3. Select The Right Business Category

Be sure to select the right business category in your Google Business Profile. Most businesses fail to enlist themselves in the right category and as a result, their target audience cannot find them. Try to choose the most relevant category as your primary category and then choose the additional related ones.

4. List All Of Your Available Products and Services

Sometimes, it’s not clear what services or products you offer to your audience in your information section. That’s where the products and services section comes to save you. You can add all of your products and list your services with visuals so your audience can have a clear understanding of what you have to offer.
Moreover, try to add name, description, and price for each product or service that you have listed. 

5. Add High Quality Photos

Visuals are the game changers in any industry. There are two ways to add photos in your GMB account.

1. Added By Customers

Customer added pictures are like a cherry on top. They may not be of the best quality but they build confidence and trust among the audience. Another tip is to add photos regularly as google rank profiles that actively add photos.

2. Added By Business

Make sure to add high-quality photos and videos with google pixels so your audience can see everything clearly and make a good image of your business.

6. Add Authentic Customer Reviews

Reviews can make or break your Google Business Profile. The pro tip is to ask your most satisfied and loyal clients to add reviews first and then comes the rest. You can send an email to your customers as a soft reminder to leave a review. However, if they don’t, make an offer for them. For example, get a 5% discount on your next order by leaving a review. 

7. Address Common Customer Queries Through A Q&A Section

There is another amazing feature in the GMB account; the Q&A section. You can add the frequently asked questions in that section to guide customers about the basic information about your business. Think of it as a user who knows nothing about your business and is looking to find out the basics of it.

Moreover, one thing to keep in mind is that anyone can add questions and answers in your GMB profile. That’s why make sure you have your notifications alert on, so whenever anything puts on a question, you answer them as soon as possible. On the other hand, if someone answers an incorrect information, you take that down promptly.

8.  Keep Your GMB Account Active

Some businesses make their GMB account once, and then leave it alone. That is one of the biggest mistakes any business can make. If you want your GMB account to rank high actively, you need to keep optimizing it actively as any other social media platform.

You can stay active by answering questions, adding reviews, and actively posting (once a week). Another way to show you are active is by adding updates under your “from the business” section. You can add updates about discounts going on, offers, or any other updates. Make sure to add a cta or link under the update so customers can see and take an action directly.

9.  Allow Messaging Through Your Google Business Profile

Enabling messaging through your Google Business Profile allows clients to send texts directly to your phone without requiring you to post a personal phone number. As today most people use their phone to do searches, this will give them an edge to contact you easily. 

Easily Manage Your Google Business Profile with Hootsuite

Managing your Google Business Profile along with other social media profiles can be stressful. Hootsuite lets you update your Google Business Profile and other sites efficiently. Whether you’re introducing a new product or releasing a vital update, Hootsuite lets you schedule posts in advance to save time and ensure consistency.

Hootsuite tracks Google Business Profile data and makes posting easier. By using this tool, you may use customer interactions and engagement data to guide your marketing choices. From a single dashboard, Hootsuite enables you to make data-driven decisions to enhance your online visibility and commercial outcomes.

Conclusion:

Optimizing your Google Business Profile boosts online visibility and customer acquisition. Make sure to fill all sections in your profile, add high-quality photographs, respond to reviews, and keep your profile active to boost search ranks and audience trust. Manage your Google Business Profile today to develop your business online. Contact DigiStack Marketing Agency now to get expert help in optimizing your profile and driving more leads!

Frequently Asked Questions