For any business that is trying to increase exposure online, a Google Business Profile is a must. A Google Business Profile is a tool that lets companies directly influence the way local consumers connect with them online. It can also substantially help to improve your local SEO. At Unwired Web Solutions, we specialize in Google for business in Canada, and through Google Business Profile optimization, we can help build your business and help it grow online.
Vital For Local Business
If your business is primarily or exclusively local, it is important to find effective strategies to advance your local SEO. Most people find local businesses through searches, and Google Business Profile can substantially increase these numbers. 97% of consumers learn more about local businesses online compared with any other source, and approximately half of all Google searches are looking for local business information. So, if you want to get your local business found online, Google Business Profile is essential.
Google Business Profile optimization is one of the best ways to increase your success and influence in the local market. It can offer a wealth of business information to Google Analytics and local customers. The details provided in your Google Business Profile are used in various ways by the search engine. It can use your information for populating Google Maps, a knowledge panel, providing voice search results, and assisting with Google app search results.
Where To Start?
The first place to start when optimizing your Google Business Profile is to make sure your information on the profile is correct. Your name, address, and phone number for your business are crucial to optimizing your profile. While it may sound simple, remember that your business changes over time and may possibly have had a different address or a number in the past. It is essential to make sure all of your online business citations are consistent with the one you include as part of your Google Business Profile. For example, the contact page of your website should have the same information that you have entered into Google Business Profile; otherwise, it could cause a red flag with Google web crawlers.
Choosing the right category on Google Business Profile is also an important component of local SEO. It is vital to select the category and subcategory that best describes your business. For example, if you sell pizza, the category you may choose is “pizza restaurant” which would allow people looking for “pizza” or “pizza restaurants” to find your business in local searches.
The subcategory is just as important, especially if your business does more than one thing. Selecting the correct category and subcategory can often be the deciding factor for you outranking your competition, so you need to get it right.
The Business Description
Writing your business description on Google is a great way to let your customers know what’s unique about what you do. Google gives you 750 characters to describe your business, so it’s important to make them count. Tell people about your products and services but do not include any promotional talk in your description as Google doesn’t allow that. It’s also a great idea to have something about your business history and mission.
Photos can speak 1000 words, so it is essential to use some in your Google Business Profile profile. You can upload both exterior and interior shots of your business, as well as 360-degree views. Good quality photos are important because 60% of local shoppers say search results with strong images capture their attention. Also, according to Google, businesses that have photos receive, on average, 42% more requests for driving directions to their location and 35% more clicks through to their websites compared to businesses that don’t have any photos.
Reviews
We can’t express enough how critical reviews can be for your Google Business Profile. On average, consumers read at least ten reviews before trusting a business. Unfortunately, customers are slow to give reviews and often forget, so you need to be proactive with a consistent process to request them. You will also need to monitor and respond to those reviews so that your customers and Google know that you care about your consumer.
Even if you are a business that does not sell products, it is vital to use the product section. Because of its visibility, everyone should fill out the product section of Google Business Profile. Products get arranged in a carousel-like design which can help to drive more sales, views, and calls.
You can categorize and add images, descriptions, and calls to action to these product profiles, so be sure to leverage it to your advantage. For those who do not have a product to show, think of the section as a way to advertise your services. Instead of uploading a photo of a product, include an image of an employee providing your service.
Blog Posts
Blog posts are extremely important both on your website and in Google Business Profile. When posted to your Google Business Profile, they essentially become mini-blogs that give consumers important information and updates about your business. Posting regular blogs can help feed the important keywords and phrases vital to your business directly to Google’s algorithm. Regular posting can also help to drive up engagement. Google measures how much you as a business owner engages with your profile so, the more you post blogs, photos, or update your information, the more serious Google takes your business.
The Q&A feature of your Google Business Profile can be enormously helpful to your customers. Google allows you to create a storehouse of questions and answers within your profile. Use customer data you already have to include the right questions and the best solutions. By ensuring this section answers important questions, you can have control over the narrative and the perception of your business online.
At Unwired Web Solutions, we understand how overwhelming it can be when trying to drive potential customers to your website. Our experts are trained in SEO strategies and marketing techniques, including Google Business Profile that can help more customers find you. Contact us today for more information about our services.