Google is by far the biggest search engine out there (duh, no shit Sherlock!) so it would be foolish not to use Googles own tools to their full potential to increase your businesses visibility.  At Atatū one of the first places we look to get some quick wins for clients is the Google Business profile. Most companies already have one, more often than not they are incomplete and not not doing the company many favours.

An optimized online presence is imperative for businesses to thrive. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a golden tool helping your potential customers in their decision-making process. By optimizing your profile, you provide Google, the world’s leading search engine, with essential details about your business, thereby improving your local Search Engine Optimization (SEO). This beginner’s guide enlightens you on creating and optimizing your Google Business Profile.

Understanding Google Business Profile:

Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows you to promote your Business Profile and business website on Google Search and Maps. It encompasses various details like address, phone number, opening hours, and other relevant data about your company that can emerge on Google searches, Maps, and other Google features.

Your Google Business Profile presents a digital storefront, effectively guiding local customers your way even before they reach your website – It might even be their first encounter with your business. Therefore, an attractive profile could nudge them into becoming customers.

Creating a Google Business Profile:

Creating a Google Business Profile is simpler than you might think. Based on their owner verification status, entries are broadly categorized as confirmed and unconfirmed. Owners usually create these entries. However, some might be auto-generated from other data sources such as business registers. To claim or start a new profile, all you require is a Google account. Google then verifies the authenticity of your business via an automated call or postcard to the location mentioned on your profile.

Who Should Create a Google Business Profile?

The answer is simple: Any business that caters to customers locally, or exclusively offers services on-site. Google Business Profile is particularly designed to promote local companies. Selecting the most fitting categories for your business profile can enhance your Google Business Profile ranking and boost visibility among competitors.

Optimizing Your Google Business Profile:

An optimized Google Business Profile, along with your website’s on-page optimization, can significantly escalate your local SEO. The following five-step guide helps you polish your Google Business Profile:

1. Store Maximum Company Data: Filling in the extensive details about your business helps Google understand it better and eventually favors your search engine ranking.
2. Use High-Quality Images: Images are a fantastic way to showcase the authenticity and character of your business. They help to engage users while signaling to Google that your profile is adequately managed.
3. Write Regular Posts: Posting regular updates about your business, products, or events keeps your Google Business Profile fresh and enticing.
4. Utilize Google Statistics: Google’s comprehensive statistics help you understand your entry’s success and areas for improvement.
5. Garner and Respond to Customer Reviews: Positive customer feedback boosts your Google Business Profile’s prominence. Fostering dialogue with customers demonstrates that you value their input.

The Importance of Optimizing Google Business Profile:

Google Business Profile provides a platform for your business to stand out in Google searches and Maps, especially for local searches. It acts as your business’s first impression on potential clients – and as we all know, first impressions matter.

Essential Tools for Optimization:

Google offers a host of tools that facilitate Google Business Profile optimization. Google Analytics, for instance, helps you create tracking links to understand which clicks were generated from your profile. Google Search Console assists in identifying local search queries leading to your website, thereby aiding local SEO improvisations.

Leveraging Bing Places:

Once you’ve optimized your Google Business Profile, you can also consider transitioning this information to Bing Places. Bing is another valuable search engine with a robust user base. Its business portal, Bing Places, is similar to Google Business Profile and even offers a time-saving import function that lets you import data directly from your Google Business Profile.

Conclusion:

In an era where the internet dominates our decision-making processes, seizing opportunities like optimizing your Google Business Profile is crucial for small and local businesses. It doesn’t merely enhance your visibility; it serves as a beacon guiding potential customers to your business amid the hustle of daily life. In the words of racing legend Mario Andretti, “If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.” So, grab this chance and shift your digital presence into high gear with a well optimized Google Business Profile.

If you need a little help getting things sorted feel free to drop us  an email contact@atatu.co.nz