Photo by Monica Bourgeau
When people search for a product or service within their area, they often turn to Google first. And what stands out most in local search results? A well-made Google Business Profile.
Whether you’re running a small coffee shop or a chain of supply stores, optimizing your Google Business Profile can make a world of difference in driving more (online and foot) local traffic to your business.
Let’s take a look at 8 simple tips to optimize your Google Business Profile and attract more customers.
1: Claim and Verify Your Business Profile
First things first, make sure you actually own your Google Business Profile. Head to Google’s Business Profile Manager to claim your business. Once you’ve claimed it, make sure you don’t skip verification.
Google requires verification to ensure you’re the rightful owner of the business. Verified profiles rank higher and eliminate the risk of duplicate listings, which could confuse potential customers. Be prepared to show business licenses, utility bills and sometimes Google will even have you upload videos and pictures to verify your listing.
2: Have a NAP
An incomplete profile is like an unfinished jigsaw puzzle. Make sure every section is filled out, especially the important information like your business Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP). Make sure this information matches perfectly across other directories, your website, and your social media pages. Google loves consistency because it signals a trustworthy business, and typically ranks that business higher in the search engines results.
3: Choose the Right Categories
Categories can make or break how Google matches your profile to user searches. Select a primary category that best represents your business, and add secondary categories for any of your additional services.
For example, if you run a bakery, your primary category might simply be “bakery,” while your secondary categories could include “cakes” or “bagels,” or even “coffee.” These categories help Google connect your business with relevant search queries.
Photo by American Heritage Chocolate
4: Use High-Quality Photos
Images speak louder than words when it comes to bosting SEO and engaging potential customers. Keep your profile visually appealing with high-quality images of your storefront, products, services, and even your team at work. Avoid stock photos and focus on authentic images that reflect your business’s unique vibe.
5: Add a “From the Business” Description
The “From the Business” section offers a 750-character space for businesses to showcase their services, highlight unique selling points, and share other key details. It’s an opportunity to provide a short, compelling description that shows what makes your business special.
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- What problems do you solve for your customers?
- What’s your unique value proposition?
This is your space to show how you stand out from the competition – get creative!
6: Encourage and Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews are one of the most powerful tools you have for building trust and boosting your local ranking. Politely ask your customers to leave a review and make the process as simple as possible by sharing a direct link to your Google Business Review page.
But don’t stop there. Respond to every review, whether it’s glowing praise or constructive criticism. Thank the happy customers, and address concerns from the dissatisfied ones with professionalism. This shows that you value all customer feedback, and you’re committed to improvement. Positive and negative reviews are an indication of what is going well and what may need to be improved on.
Photo by EmbedSocial
7: Keep Your Profile Up to Date
Nobody likes running into outdated or incorrect information, and neither does Google. Make a habit of reviewing your business profile regularly to make sure your details are still accurate.
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- Change your hours for the holidays? Update your profile.
- Launching a new product? Add photos and posts to highlight it.
Regular updates show Google that your profile is active, which can help your ranking.
8: Check Your Analytics
How do you know if all your efforts are paying off? Google offers a powerful analytics tool to help you evaluate the effectiveness of your business profile.
You can track data like the number of views, search queries driving traffic, and customer actions (including website visits, calls, direction requests and purchases). Use these insights to tweak your profile for even better results. For example, if analytics show that a majority of inquiries come from searches for “bakery near me,” you might want to emphasize location keywords in your business description.
Stay Ahead with Local Search Optimization
Long story short, optimizing your Google Business Profile isn’t just a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process, and a strong foundation for an effective marketing strategy.
At Smart Link Solutions, we specialize in local search optimization services to help you stay ahead of the competition. From crafting the perfect profile to ongoing analytics tracking, we’re here to elevate your local presence. Get in touch today to start optimizing and attracting local customers like never before.
Want to see how your business is showing up in local search right now? Click here to run a free listing report.
For more information, call (866) 757 – 5100 or visit Smart Link Solutions today!