How To Make Your Google Business Profile Shine

Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, is one of the free services online that directly impacts your business visibility through Google. Google Business Profiles appear on top of many other search results, and Google tries to emphasize GBP listings even if Google Ads appear on top of them.



Google Business Profiles are also given priority over the top results and have special functions that allow customers to view NAP (name, address, phone numbers), recent posts, pictures, etc. In short, having an optimized GBP means you get a VIP seat for organic traffic. But how can you make your Google Business Profile shine?

📲 Do you need an expert resource to set up your online reputation management? Schedule a Call with Speck Designs. 📞

Boosting Visibility and Building Trust

When listing your business online, you might encounter directories with limited options for describing what you do or with rigid category structures. Google Business Profile (GBP) breaks those barriers, letting you accurately categorize your business and provide a compelling description. This description is a powerful tool packed with keywords that help people find you when searching on Google. Plus,  adding a clear description and choosing the right category enhances your website's SEO.

Location, Location, Location

Spreading the word about your local business can feel like an uphill battle, especially if you don't have a solid online presence. GBP puts you on the map – literally! When someone searches locally, your business appears on both Google Maps and within search results, pinpointing your exact location. This is an invaluable way to stand out, especially when you're a local business facing stiff competition.

The Power of Reviews

Consumer reviews have an immense impact on purchasing decisions. With GBP, your reviews are automatically displayed, for better or worse. A highly rated business overflowing with positive reviews naturally attracts new customers and reinforces your brand's trustworthiness. On the other hand, a profile with consistently bad reviews is a major red flag for potential customers, making them more likely to choose a competitor instead.

Extra Benefits

Let's explore a few more reasons why Google Business Profile is great for businesses:

Customer Interaction: GBP allows customers to interact directly with you by asking questions or leaving messages. This builds engagement and helps you better understand your audience's needs.

Insights: GBP provides valuable data about how customers find your business. You'll see what keywords they're searching, giving you valuable insights for marketing efforts.

Promotional Tools: You can use GBP to share updates, special offers, and highlight new products or services. This keeps your existing customer base interested and attracts potential new ones.

Important Reminder: Keeping your Google Business Profile listing updated with accurate information is essential. Changes in hours, new services, or any temporary closures should be reflected on your profile to avoid customer frustration.

The Visual Power of Photos

Pictures speak louder than words, especially when showcasing your business on Google Business Profile (GBP). Carefully chosen photos go a long way in attracting attention and setting the right tone for potential customers. Here's how to make the most of this feature:

Showcase Your Space: Whether you have a storefront, a cozy office, or a beautiful outdoor space, high-quality photos of your location build trust and let customers know what to expect.

Highlight Your Services: Have a talented stylist or offer a unique spa treatment? Capture photos that demonstrate the expertise of your staff and the quality of your offerings.

Products Front and Center: Enticing product photos is essential if you sell tangible goods. This is especially important for food and drinks, where visually appealing images can make mouths water!

Customer-Generated Content: GBP welcomes user-submitted photos and videos. Encourage customers to share their experience at your business. Authentic, candid shots can be even more impactful than professionally staged ones.

Tips for Great Photos

• Good Lighting: Natural light is best. Avoid harsh shadows or dim, grainy shots.
  
  
• Variety is Key: Showcase different aspects of your business – the ambiance, the products, the team in action.
  
  
• Regular Updates: Don't just upload photos once and forget about it. Keep things fresh to reflect new menu items, seasonal decor, or special events.

Attributes: The Power of Specifics

Google Business Profile has evolved to give you more control over how your business is presented. Attributes let you highlight specific details that help customers decide if you're the right fit for them. Here's how they work:

Beyond the Basics: Attributes cover things like accessibility options (wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms), amenities (free WiFi, outdoor seating), and even your business's values (LGBTQ+-friendly, women-owned, eco-conscious).

Targeting Your Audience: Certain attributes can attract a specific type of customer. Highlighting pet-friendly policies or vegetarian options helps the right people find you.

Search Boost: Attributes act like mini-keywords, making you more discoverable when people search for businesses with those specific offerings.

A Note on Accuracy

It's crucial to select attributes that genuinely match your business. Misrepresenting yourself with inaccurate attributes can backfire and erode customer trust.

Maximize Your Google Business Profile: A Checklist

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is a powerful (and free!) marketing tool, but only if you optimize it fully. Let's break down the critical steps to making your business shine:

Claiming Your Stake

• Search for Your Business: Someone may have already created a basic listing, usually based on publicly available information. Search for your business name and location to see if it exists.
  
  
• Claim or Create: If you find your business, carefully follow the steps to claim ownership. If not, you'll create a brand new listing.
  
  
• Verify Your Listing: Google usually verifies ownership via mail or phone. This step is crucial to proving you're the legitimate owner.

Giving More Attention to Detail

• Complete Every Section: Don't leave any fields blank! Thoroughness boosts your profile's visibility in search results.
  
  
• Accurate Contact Info: Ensure your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation are correct. Typos or inconsistencies can frustrate customers.
  
  
• Category Selection: Choose the primary category that best describes your core business. You can also add secondary categories to capture other aspects of your offerings.
  
  
• Attributes Galore: Mark off every attribute that applies (accessibility features, payment options, service styles, etc.). These act as search filters for potential customers.

Compelling Content

• "From the Business" Description: This is your chance to tell your brand's story. Avoid generic language – make it unique and keyword-rich.
  
  
• Visuals Matter: As discussed before, upload high-quality photos and videos regularly. Show off your space, your products, and your team!
  
  
• Google Posts: These are like mini-ads for your business. Use them to share updates, promotions, events, or timely news. Aim for weekly posts.

Customer Engagement

• Respond to Questions: GBP allows users to ask questions about your business. Proactive, informative answers build trust.
  
  
• Manage Reviews: Positive reviews are marketing gold, so thank your happy customers. Negative reviews, while unpleasant, offer a chance to demonstrate excellent customer service. Always respond, even to difficult feedback.
  
  
• Product/Service Listings: If applicable, create detailed listings with descriptions and pricing. This makes it easier for customers to browse your offerings.
  
  
• Messaging: Enable the messaging feature to allow direct communication with customers.

Maintenance Mode

Your profile is never truly "finished." Keep it updated as your business evolves. Regularly review your information for accuracy and refresh your content to stay engaging.