In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a powerful tool that can help you reach local customers, improve your online visibility, and drive more traffic to your physical store. In this quick 10-step guide, we’ll explore how to optimise your Google Business Profile in 2023 to stay ahead of the competition and make the most of this valuable platform.
Claim and Verify Your Profile
The first step in optimising your Google Business Profile is to claim and verify it. If you haven’t already, visit the Google Business Profile website and follow the simple steps to claim your business. Verification often involves receiving a postcard at your business address or a phone call, so make sure your contact information is accurate. Google Business Profiles are for use by physical (brick and mortar) businesses only – if your business is purely online, focus on getting reviews on your social channels or other reputable sites if they are applicable to your business i.e. TripAdvisor. It also pays to check for any duplicate or inaccurate listings, if you find one relating to your business try and claim ownership of it and then request to have it permanently closed (or ideally deleted by Google’s support team).
Update Your Business Information
Once your profile is verified, it’s essential to keep your information up to date. Ensure that your business name, address, phone number, hours of operation and website URL are correct. Consistency in this information is key for local SEO purposes. Google uses this data to display your business in local search results.
Utilise High Quality Images
A picture is worth a thousand words, and this holds true for your Google Business Profile. Upload high-quality images of your business, including your logo, interior, exterior, products, and team members. Visual content helps potential customers get a better sense of what your business offers and builds trust.
Collect and Showcase Reviews
Customer reviews play a significant role in your online reputation and search rankings. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your profile. Respond promptly and professionally to both positive and negative feedback. Positive reviews build credibility, while addressing negative feedback demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction. To get a link to send to your customers to leave you a review, ensure you’re logged into your profile and then navigate to the below icon shown in the screenshot below.
Add Relevant Categories, Attributes, Products and/or Services
Ensure your profile accurately reflects your business by selecting the most relevant categories and attributes as well as products and/or services. These details help Google understand what your business offers, improving its chances of showing up in relevant search results. Ensuring the primary category section is completed is crucial – and often missed! Q&As can also be submitted on your profile, you can add these yourself or encourage your customers to do so.
Publish Regular Updates
Keep your audience engaged by publishing regular posts on your Google Business Profile. Share updates, promotions, events, and other relevant content. Posts expire after seven days, so consistency is key to maintaining an active presence.
Monitor Insights
Google provides valuable insights into how users interact with your profile. Track the performance of your posts, views, and clicks to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Use these insights to refine your optimisation strategy.
Use Relevant Keywords and Content
If you’re able to, include the primary local keyword you’re focusing on in your business title, for example if someone is searching for ‘plumbers ranui’ and your business is called Ranui Plumbers Ltd, Google might rank it higher than a business called Majestic Plumbers. Also ensure to write a description of your business and fill it with semantically rich content (and relevant keywords!)
Keep an Eye on Google Updates
Google frequently updates its algorithms and features, so it’s essential to stay informed about any changes related to Google Business Profiles. Follow Google’s official announcements and adjust your optimisation strategy accordingly.
Seek Professional Help
For more guidance on optimising your online presence, consider our Local SEO Services or explore our comprehensive SEO Services. Additionally, we offer digital marketing training in Auckland to help you master the art of online marketing.
Ensuring your Google Business Profile is up to date in 2023 (and beyond) is crucial for staying competitive in the digital landscape. By following these ten steps and staying on top of the latest trends and updates, you can enhance your online presence, connect with local customers, and drive more traffic to your business.
