Google Business Profile: Why you need it, how to set it up, and what to do with it
Unlocking the Power of Google Business Profile: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello everyone, lets talk about Google Business Profile also known as Google My Business. Why should you be there, and how to set it up? Google Business Profile is a platform that Google provides for businesses to create their own profiles. It allows you to have information about your business, your location, your phone number, your website, products, and also to gather and collect reviews.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is an essential tool for businesses to enhance their online presence. When you type a business name into Google’s search engine—not the URL, but the name—your business profile typically appears on the right side. There are numerous advantages to having your business profile, especially for local businesses, because it is tied to Google Maps.
Why Use Google Business Profile?
The primary advantage of Google Business Profile is its ability to help Google recognize when someone’s searching for a business where proximity is a factor.
For example, if you’re looking for a restaurant, Google will show you results within a kilometer of your location because it uses map data to display the nearest businesses. Being on Google Business Profile helps your business appear when people are searching due to its integration with maps.
Google Business Profile vs. Google Maps
It’s crucial to understand that appearing on Google Maps is not the same as having a Google Business Profile. Google aims to gather as much information as possible about all businesses for their maps.
If you don’t create your own profile, Google may create one for you using information collected online. Moreover, anyone can create a profile for you without your knowledge, leaving reviews you cannot manage. This is why you need to have a Google Business Profile account that you can link to your map account, allowing you to manage and control all the information as much as possible.
Benefits for Local and B2B Businesses
While Google Business Profile offers more advantages to local businesses that require physical visits, such as restaurants, plumbers, electricians, or doctors, it is also beneficial for B2B companies. Google recognizes that B2B transactions often occur online or via phone, not necessarily in person, but having a profile still provides advantages.
It is free to create and maintain, and it enhances your SEO by adding credibility in Google’s eyes. Regular updates show Google that you are an active business, which can improve your search engine rankings.
Building Trust and Credibility
For distributors, having a Google Business Profile validates your business and creates trust. When someone searches for your business by name, Google will display your listing. Many people search for businesses by name, whether they met you somewhere or are your clients who can’t remember your URL.
A Google Business Profile ensures you show up in these searches.
Collecting and Managing Reviews
Google Business Profile is also a valuable platform for collecting reviews. There’s nothing better than Google reviews when someone is evaluating working with you. They will check to see if you have reviews, just as you do when considering a service. Google reviews, written by customers, are more credible than testimonials on your page, which you could write yourself.
You can even have a feed to bring those reviews directly to your website, adding credibility and increasing conversions.
Setting Up Your Google My Business Profile
To set up your Google Business Profile, visit https://jitc.co.za/google-business-profile-questionnaire
If you’re creating a new page, you’ll need to fill out basic information to create your account, such as your name, address, phone number, and website. Verification is required, and Google will send you a postcard with a code.
Once you receive the code, enter it to complete your profile setup.
Optimizing Your Profile
After setting up your profile, enter your business details, including your name, address, phone number, website, business description, and hours of operation. You can also add special hours, such as holiday hours, and service areas by city.
Additionally, you can include an appointment link, which could be your website’s contact page, and list your products or services.
Attributes and Photos
Attributes are a new feature where you can add details like being a women-owned or black-owned business.
Photos play a crucial role in validating your business. Even if you work from home, take photos of your office, samples, and promotional materials. Photos of you working, your team, and any branded vehicles are beneficial, providing Google with enough information to confirm your business’s legitimacy.
Consistency is Key
Ensure your information is consistent across all platforms. Your business name, phone number, and address should match your website and any other directories, like Yelp or the Yellow Pages.
Consistency, even in small details like spelling out “street” versus abbreviating it, is vital for Google’s indexing.
Regular Posting and Engagement
Posting regularly on Google Business Profile is essential. You can integrate it with your social media management tools to post the same content you share on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram.
Google values fresh content and active businesses, so aim to post at least three times a week to signal to Google that you are a valid business.
Requesting and Managing Reviews
To request reviews, share your business profile link with clients via email, asking them to leave feedback.
Reviews are crucial as they remain visible to everyone and are more valuable than referrals. Respond to all reviews, thanking customers and engaging with their comments.
Analyzing Performance with Insights
Google My Business provides insights into your profile’s performance.
You can see how often you appear in searches, actions taken by users, and more. This information is emailed to you monthly, helping you track and improve your profile’s effectiveness.
Adding Users
If you want someone else to manage your Google Business Profile page, you can add them as a user instead of sharing your password. This feature is useful if you hire a company or an internal team member to oversee your Google properties.