Google Business Profile, formally known as Google My Business, is a tool that allows you to have control over what your current and prospective customers see when searching for products or services online. Similar to social media, Google Business Profile allows you to upload new photos, verify, and edit information such as what services you provide, as well as respond to customers who leave a review or ask a question, allowing you to interact and stand out in the “ever-crowded” world of Google.
Why Google Business Profile Is Essential For Your Business
When performing a search online depending on what words you type in the search bar, Google using algorithms lists pages upon pages of suggestions for users. The goal for Google here is to provide the user with the results that most closely match what they are searching for.
But with so many options, potential customers do not know what the best fit is.
Today we will tell you how Google Business Profile (GBP) allows your company to stand out from the crowd thus giving you the ability to manage your business online, allowing you to keep potential customers informed as well as interact with them.
What Is Google Business Profile
How To Create A Google Business Profile
How To Effectively Use Google Business Profile For SEO
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile, formally known as Google My Business is a tool that allows you to have control over what your current and prospective customers see when searching for businesses, products, or services online. Similar to social media, Google Business Profile allows you to upload new photos, verify and edit information such as what services you provide, as well as respond to customers who leave a review or ask a question, making it essential in standing out in the ever-crowded world of Google.
How To Create A Google Business Profile
Step 1: Email
In order to utilize Google Business Profile, the profile must be attached to an email address. You can use an existing email address or create a new one. This will allow you to take full advantage of what Google has to offer such as Google Docs, Google Calendar, Google Ads, and Google Analytics. Google Docs and Google Calendar allow you to share information within your team, Google Ads provides you with a platform to promote your business with only a small fee to pay once customers click your ad, and Google Analytics provides you with statistics that inform you of your SEO allowing you to keep track of online progress. If you wish to set up a Gmail account you can do so here: https://www.google.com/accounts. If you already have a Google account, you can skip this step as you will be given the option to select it when setting up your profile.
Step 2: Head to https://google.com/business
This will take you to the Google Business Profile homepage. Your next step is to click ‘manage now’ From here you will select the account associated with the business (usually your branded domain email account). You will then be given the option to search for your business, if it is not yet listed you will have the option to add the business. From here you will enter all information pertaining to the business such as physical location, business hours, services provided, contact details, business description, and high-quality photos, which ideally should be a minimum of 720 px tall by 720 px wide for optimal results. If you have the option, 360- degree photos stand out the most and are the best representation of what you are trying to showcase. In order to have your business profile visible online, you must then complete the verification step. The most common routes for verification are postcards, phone numbers, video, and video calls. It is important to note that it can take a few days or weeks to verify your information and you should not edit your business name, address, or category before you receive your verification.
How To Effectively Use Google Business Profile For Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
A Google search provides no shortage of results. However, the most coveted spot for any business is on the first page, and ideally close to the top. A strong SEO strategy helps your business be found on the first page of a Google search, making it easily available for potential customers to find and view. This is where adding GBP can help your business, as it allows you to show customers exactly what you have to provide and why they should visit you.
In other words, adding as much information to include address, phone numbers, pictures, reviews, and responses to reviews, as well as keeping your content up to date regularly, making edits when needed, and including as many keywords as possible within your business description leads to more clicks. This in turn benefits your SEO and your likelihood of success online.
Still, Feeling Lost? We can help.
At K. Cradley and Company, we strive to help businesses find success online by helping you stand out. Whether it’s creating a Google Business Profile or improving your SEO, our experienced team can help. Schedule a discovery call with us today and let us help you find your success.