How To Get Started With Google Business Profile

No matter if you have a bricks and mortar business or not, it’s important to create a Google Business Profile (GBP) to improve your visibility in search results. This gets you on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find and contact you. With more than sixty different apps people use to search for info and directions, setting up your business with all the necessary details ensures that you’re visible across all platforms. This starts with Google.

Here are 9 steps to setting up a Google Business Profile (also known as Google My Business) for small businesses and start-ups.

Sign in to Google Business Profile: Create or sign in to your Google account and navigate to Google Business Profile (GBP).

1. Enter Your Business Details: Input your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and your business type.
2. Verify Your Business: Google will typically require you to verify your business either by postcard, phone, email, or instant verification, depending on your location and business type.
3. Optimise Your Business Profile: Add high-quality photos and videos, a detailed, keyword rich business description, your opening hours and contact details
4. Enable Messaging: Allow customers to contact you directly through messaging to improve communication and customer service
5. Respond to Reviews: It’s an absolute must to monitor and respond to customer reviews promptly to show appreciation for positive feedback and address any concerns or negative feedback. Although not admitted by Google, I believe how you handle reviews can impact how you rank in SERPs
6. Get Posting: Share updates, promotions, or events through Google Posts to engage with potential customers and improve your visibility in search results. Keep it fresh and frequent!
7. Track Performance with Insights: Use the Insights tab in your GBP dashboard to track how customers find and interact with your business listing, including views, clicks, and calls
8. Encourage Customer Engagement: Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews and ratings, which can help boost your business’s credibility and visibility. How you do this is up to you. Be inventive but keep within Google’s guidelines ie don’t pay for them!
9. Stay Active and Updated: Don’t just set it up and forget about it. Regularly update your business profile with any changes or new information and continue engaging with customers to maintain a positive online presence

Tip: Monitor Q&A as this will give you some useful insight into the questions customers ask about you. You can enter a question and answer it yourself, which may reduce the number of queries you receive directly.

By following these 9 simple steps, you can effectively set up and optimise your Google Business Profile to attract more customers and enhance your online visibility.

There are so many other benefits to setting yourself up with fresh and detailed content in GBP. If you’d like to know more contact me via email at josmithtoday@gmail.com.