The Power of a Google Business Profile

Hi! I’m Keelie at Avalanche Creative. I’m filling in for Lance this week while he is on parental leave.

Working at an SEO agency means that I am fully immersed in the world of Google and its variety of tools, but I use the same tools just as often in my personal life.

If I want to know the hours of the local pizza joint, I Google it. If I want to know if fish sleep, I Google it. If I want to know what time the big game is on, I Google it. I Google just about everything, and very seldom does Google fail me. I am sure this is a similar case for most of you.

The one tool from Google that I find particularly valuable as a searcher, especially when I need information quickly, is Google Business Profile. Today we’re going to share some tips on how to optimize your profile.

Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business—still having a hard time with that name change) allows you to share your business’s most valuable information with searchers without them having to even visit your website. This is extremely valuable real estate, especially if your business serves local markets.

If you own a business and have yet to make a Google Business Profile, let this act as a sign to do so. Here are some things to remember as you get started:

• Make sure the information is accurate and up to date! Double-check everything when creating the profile so you do not have verification issues or worse.
• Choose your categories wisely, and make sure your first one is the best fit for what you offer. You can view what competitors choose to get some ideas.
• Make sure to utilize UTM code to help you track and gain powerful insights on user activity from post clicks and the main listing appointments and website links.

If you already have a profile, here are some tips to ensure you are using the tool to its full potential:

• Make sure to have questions and answers on the listing, and answer questions in a timely manner. This not only helps customers get the information that they need, but also helps Google’s algorithm establish ranking factors.
• Post regularly. This establishes validity and trust for customers.
• Make sure to share your listing link with clients for reviews. Consistent and positive reviews will boost your listing’s visibility and position.
• If you have multiple profiles for different locations of the same business, ensure that all of the information is consistent throughout.

To reiterate, Google Business Profile is ultra-valuable—essentially, FREE real estate! It is important to capitalize on this appropriately. Some searchers may not even make it to your website, so ensure that all information on your listing is accurate, up to date, and consistent. You don’t want to lose out to a competitor just because your listing has less information.