How to optimize a Google Business Profile

You must have heard about Google Business Profile and its benefits. If you are a business owner targeting customers in your locality, then this article is for you!

From the previous blog post, we know that having a Google My Business profile enables us to show up on the first page of the search results. A Google Business Profile makes it easy for users to see your business details and contact information. It also helps your customers find your place easily.

When you create a Google Business profile, people can see all the information about your business on Google Maps as well as other sites like Facebook and Yelp. Moreover, users can also directly call or get directions to your store from their smartphones if they want to visit there sooner than later. Creating a Google Business profile is not just about creating a virtual presence but gives users an incentive to visit our sites again and again because they recognize our brand from their first visit.

If you own or manage a business, read on to discover how creating a Google Business Profile can further help you grow it faster.

Read more about Google Business Profile and why you need it.

How to create a Google Business Profile?

List of things needed to create a Google Business Profile

Keep the following ready with you before you start creating a Google Business Profile.

1. A Google account, preferably a separate business account from your personal one. If you don’t have a Google account for business, create one

2. Business description

3. Business website, if you have one.

4. Business address

5. Photos - store photos, product photos, etc.

Step-by-step process of creating a Google Business Profile

1. Go to https://www.google.com/business/ .

2. Sign in to your Google account made for your business.

3. Enter your business name.

4. Select Business type. Choose one of the three options - online store, physical store or service business.

5. Add the website address of your business. This applies only to businesses having a website.

6. Add the category of your business. It defines your business and helps people find you.

7. Add your business address. This will be your business premise address.

8. Add your phone number. You can skip this step, but it is advisable to add it helps users to connect store directions or business enquiries.

9. In the next step, you need to confirm if you want to add your business address on Maps. It helps to locate your business.

10. The next step is verification. Google will verify your account. This usually takes 1-2 business days.

11. You can further customize your profile in the next steps. Add business hours, and messaging features, add a business description and add photos of your business

12. Your Google Business Profile is ready. Your profile will be listed on Google once the verification process is completed. If you're a local store, verify the location. You can edit your profile from Google Business Manager.

Optimizing your Google Business Profile for local SEO

1. Include keywords in the business description

Including relevant keywords in your business description help in getting found by your audience. Just like SEO for a website, Google takes into consideration several factors. Use a keyword research tool to search for high-ranking keywords relevant to your business and include them in the business description. Using terms people search for help in getting discovered.

2. Keep updating your profile

Updating your business profile time-to-time is important. For example, you started as a toy store and now venturing into kids' clothing. Adding this information to your profile will help you get new customers who are searching for kids' clothing stores. If someone is looking for toys as well, they may visit your store instead of visiting two other stores.

3. Respond to reviews on your profile

How engaging with your audience helps on social media, similarly, engaging with your audience on Google is important too. Always respond to reviews you get on your profile. There may be some good and bad reviews. Responding to them will help you know where your customers are struggling and you can learn to improve. A good rating also helps in ranking.

4. Add products and services

You can use the “Product Catalog” feature in Google Business to list your products/services on your profile. List your products/services, and add a description, photos, and pricing. It helps your customers to get an idea about your products and services. They interact and spend more time on your profile.

Conclusion: The Importance of Having an Active & Optimized Google Business Page

Google is the most popular and used search engine. Getting your business listed on Google helps you in reaching a wider audience. It gives you an edge over your competitors and helps in getting your Local SEO right.

Learn more about growing your business online using digital marketing. Connect with marketing experts on Marketing Launchpad to shape your digital marketing strategy.

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