Google Business – are you missing a trick?

Well, yes you could definitely be if you haven’t set up your Business Profile properly. You could be missing a free opportunity to promote your business locally.

What is a Google Business Profile?

Many business owners are what I call “semi-aware” of a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). That means, they have almost certainly come across a Google Business Profile when searching for something and are half-heartedly aware that they should have one. It’s on the do list (but not at the top) or there’s an assumption that Google will take care of this for you. It is very easy to get started and I encourage you to do it today! 

I have popped a link in at the end of the blog which outlines how to get started.

What does your profile include?

When you create your business profile, you can include your location and the location you serve, your address, website address, and contact details, a description of what you do, your logo, photos of your business and your team, and even videos. In short, you can add all sorts of details.

Why do it?

Well, this is a no-brainer. Of all the billions of daily Google searches, 50% of them are local searches. Your profile helps you get found in those searches. For example, try doing a general, local search for an accountant in your town, and you’ll see that just beneath the paid advertising, there’s a box that contains local results. That’s where your profile will appear. Think of it as Google’s local business directory and you’re in it.

Customers are also 2.7 times more likely to consider your business reputable if you have a complete Business Profile.

More than a directory

But it’s more than that. Once you have a live profile, you can use the Google Business Profile tools as a sort of mini marketing kit. And they allow:

  • Customers to leave reviews -it combines a star rating and space for customers to share information about their experience with your business.
  • Direct messaging and alerts
  • Publishing posts – a bit like a mini blog or a social media post
  • Details of pricing products, hours and your USP
  • Photos and videos to make it look and feel vibrant, relevant, and current.

Your profile also lends your business credibility especially if your business is new or small. Most people researching a new business will look online and in particular at your website, your LinkedIn profile and your Google listing to confirm your credibility. And if you don’t appear, you can bet that your competition does.  

You can also add important keywords to your profile to help it rank better! This is where I go a bit techy so bear with me, but I’ll keep it simple. If someone has searched using a particular phrase, and that phrase appears in a certain section of your profile, Google will highlight that section and put keywords that it thinks are significant in bold. But to do this you will need relevant content and keywords in your profile information, your answers to questions and reviews, and your posts.

Google Insights

Your Google Business Profile dashboard also has an insights section which allows you to find out what search terms people are using to find you, as well as a summary of the actions taken in respect of your profile. That in turn helps you fine tune your other marketing efforts meaning the whole process starts to run like a well-oiled machine.

Keep it up to date and active

And one last word on the subject of your Google Business Profile. Once you have lovingly crafted and created your listing, do not forget about it. From July 2022, you can now update it from Goggle Search and Google Maps.

Google specifically says that “businesses with complete and accurate information are easier to match with the right searches.” You need to keep it up to date. If your business hours change for example at different times of the year, make sure you add this to your profile. You need to encourage people to leave reviews which you in turn should respond to promptly. Remember to add posts and photos so that Google knows that you and your business are still very much alive.

I know, I get it

It’s just one more thing to do in my already overly busy day, I hear you say and yes, I do understand. But your Google Business Profile is such an important part of your overall marketing collateral it really should be at the top of your to do list. And if you really don’t have time? Well, that’s what I’m here for so give me a call on 07988 676219 or email karen@littleacornmarketing.co.uk. I love this stuff.

Here is the link I promised you earlier –  How to add or claim your Business Profile on Google