When you’re running a local business, you want to get noticed online by people who are in your area and likely to use your services or buy your products. If you paint houses in Wellington, you want people in Wellington to find you when they search online – someone wanting their house painted in Christchurch isn’t a good match. For this you need a solid local SEO strategy (Search Engine Optimisation) and for most small businesses there’s really no better place to start than with a well-optimised Google Business Profile listing.
What is a Google Business profile?
A Google Business Profile is a valuable free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence and make it easier for customers to find them on Google Search and Maps. It is essential for businesses to have a well-optimized Google Business Profile in order to increase their search engine visibility, attract new customers, and boost their online reputation.
For those actively leveraging Google Business Profiles in their local marketing efforts, the benefits are evident. However, many are yet to tap into its potential. So what does it have to offer?
The benefits of a Google Business Profile
Visibility
A Google Business Profile can help your business to stand out in your local area by appearing at the top of the search results for local searches. For example when someone is searching for “House painters in Wellington”
Trust & Credibility
Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Review stars appear in the map results, enhancing trust. Additionally, you can showcase your premises, staff, products, and services through images.
Location
Google Business Profiles are synchronized with Google Maps, making it easy for new customers to locate your business. They can benefit from directions and street view if available.
Share Information
The Google Business Profile includes contact details, website address, and more. You can provide additional information such as products and services you offer, opening hours and nearby parking options to help potential customers. You can also post updates to the profile, keeping it fresh with photos and announcing any important news.
It’s Free!
There is no cost involved in setting up a Google Business Profile, making it an essential listing for every business. It’s a valuable directory listing with one of the largest internet companies in the world.
Large User Base
Given Google’s significant market share in search engines, setting up a Google Business Profile is a strategic choice. It allows you to reach the largest number of potential customers locally.
Getting Started With Your Google Business Profile
To set up and optimize a Google Business Profile, follow these steps:
1. Claim your business profile or create a new one by signing into Google Business.
2. Provide accurate and consistent information, including your business name, address, phone number, website, category, and hours of operation.
3. Upload high-quality photos that showcase your business, such as interior, exterior, products, and team.
4. Write a compelling business description and include relevant keywords to improve visibility in local search results.
5. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on your profile to build credibility and attract more customers.
6. Regularly update your profile with any changes to your business information, such as new products or services, special promotions, or updated hours of operation.
By following these steps and ensuring all relevant business information is accurately and consistently displayed across Google services, you can optimize your Google Business Profile for local marketing and increase visibility in local search results. This will help attract more potential customers and improve your overall online presence.
Need help?
If you want help to set up or optimise your Google Business Profile, fill in the form below and we’ll be happy to help you start experiencing the benefits