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What if we told you that there was a free and simple way you could boost your ranking on Google searches, improve your conversion rate, and essentially get free advertising? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, a Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business, can do all of this and more. Make the most of optimising your Google Business Profile with our ultimate how-to guide.
What is a Google Business Profile?
When people are looking for a business online, their first impression is often a Google Business Profile. Seeing useful information at a glance – including a phone number, physical and website addresses and opening hours – makes it easy for people to contact a business. Reviews and images also help people compare your business to another.
A Google Business Profile is predominately for businesses that have in-person contact with customers, which can include physical stores, restaurants and service providers such as plumbers and electricians. If your company is exclusively online, you will have to use other tools such as Google Ads to try to gain some of the benefits offered by the Google Business Profile tool.
What Are the Benefits of a Google Business Profile?
Maintaining a Google Business Profile offers three key benefits:
- Enhances your visibility on Google
- Builds credibility through customer reviews
- Provides a platform to share business information with customers
When you search for a business in Google, a well-optimised Google Business Profile will show up in the top search and map results when searched for. This is referred to as a ‘local pack’ or ‘map pack’. A local pack refers to location specific searches. For example, searching up ‘digital marketing agencies near me’ a map like down below will show.
How Do I Set Up My Business Profile?
Step 1: Go to Google Maps and Add Your Business
Sign into Google Maps. If your business is not on Google Maps, open the menu by clicking on the 3 lines in the top left corner. From here, click ‘Add your business’.
Step 2: Create Your Business Account
Step 3: Fill Out Your Business Name and Category
How to Claim an Existing, Unverified Google Business Listing
Step 1: Search for your business on Google Maps.
Step 2: Look for the ‘Claim this Business’ button and click on this link.
Step 3: Once on this page and you are certain that this is your business, click ‘manage now’.
Step 4: Lastly, verify your business by selecting the method that works best for you. Google typically offers the option to receive a verification code via text message or to complete the process through video verification.
Verifying Your Google Business Listing
Google usually offers two ways to verify your listing:
1. Text Message: A verification code will be sent directly to your phone, which you’ll need to enter into your Google Business Profile to complete the verification process.
2. Video Verification: Record and upload a short video that proves your business is real and operating at the listed location.
What to Include in Your Video Verification
If you choose the video verification method, it is important that your video clearly shows:
- Your business location, including any exterior signage (if applicable).
- Access to your premises, such as unlocking the door to walk through the workspace.
- Provide proof of business activity, such as your team, branded equipment, or space/office setup.
- Operational tools or documents, such as a bookings calendar, business cards or a POS system, are also important to include to demonstrate that your business is operational.
How to Submit Your Video
- On your mobile device, open your Business Profile in a Chrome browser. If you started the process on a computer, scan the QR code to continue on mobile.
- Tap Get verified > Capture video.
- Tap Start recording, then begin recording your video.
- Tap Stop recording > Upload video.
Once the process has been completed, Google will review your submission within five business days and once verified, your business will officially be visible and searchable. If unsuccessful, you’ll receive feedback and can resubmit a new video.
Plan ahead! Your video must be recorded and submitted in real time through your Business Profile. Google doesn’t accept pre-recorded or uploaded files, so be ready to capture everything in one go.
How Do I Ensure My Profile is Optimised?
Now that your listing is set up or claimed, it is time to optimise it. In order to ensure that your profile is performing, we recommend that you follow these steps to keep your Google Business Profile well-optimised. At Digital Pie we are happy to help manage your Google Business Profile, but here is a simple step-by-step guide so you can learn how to take charge of your own listing.
- Check up on insights data, which shows the number of people who have seen your profile, how they found you and how they interacted with your listing.
- Is all the information on your listing correct? Beware people can suggest edits to your profile, so be sure to check your listing for accuracy.
- Could your business description be improved? Adding some keywords can help with SEO and improving your ranking. But don’t overdo it, because Google will penalise your profile. It is also a good idea to make the most of the 750-character limit.
- Are your images up to date? Adding new images is beneficial to showcase your company and ensure that your profile is up to date and the images are still relevant.
- Is there a public holiday coming up or are your hours temporarily changing? Be sure to let people know by updating your opening hours.
- Has someone just asked a question about your business? Providing prompt answers reflects well on your customer service and may be just what you need to convert someone into a customer. You can also upload your frequently asked questions.
- Have you received a new review on your products or services? Good or bad, it is good practice to respond to reviews. This also shows that you are prompt in acknowledging your customers.
Business is competitive, and a Google Business Profile is a great way to stand out from the crowd. A strong profile is complete, engaging, and actively managed, showing both your customers and Google that you’re a legitimate, trustworthy business worth highlighting.
How could you resist a simple and free way to advertise your business? Connect with the team at Digital Pie and get ahead before your competitors do!
