GOOGLE BUSINESS STRATEGY
A Google Business Profile is a free tool/platform provided by Google that allows a business to manage their online presence on Google Search and Google Maps. Business owners can create and manage their brands Google Business Profile to increase their online visibility and reach new potential customers in their area.
KEY BENEFITS FROM SETTING UP AND MAINTAINING YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
- Improve your online appearance: A well optimised and put together Business Profile can improve how your business appears online and makes it easier for your potential customers to find you and key information.
- Attracting new customers: New customers can find your business and its products/services when they are searching in your local area.
- Interact with your customers: Through your Google Business Profile you can interact directly with your customers. This can be in the form of responding to reviews, answering questions people may have as well as providing relevant updates to the business.
- Direct customers to your website: A Google Business Profile allows you to link to your website directing customers to visit your site and learn more about your business and its offerings.
- Collect reviews as well as respond to them: Your Google Business Profile will allow you to collect reviews for your business which can be great for social proof and encourage potential customers. It also gives you the opportunity to respond quickly to reviews and situations where customers may not be completely satisfied.
CHECKLIST TO FOCUS ON:
Accuracy: It is very important that all your businesses’ information on your profile is accurate and up to date. Key areas to focus on are your business name, address, website url, phone number and business hours.
Category Selected: Google Business Profile listings are segmented into different categories such as different industries your business may operate in. It is important you select the correct one for your business, so Google best understands your products and services.
Reviews: Trying to encourage your customers to leave positive reviews and responding to all reviews in a timely manner is a great way to help build trust with potential customers and help to improve your businesses online reputation.
Photos & Updates: Posting high-quality photos of your products/services can help your profile showcase the great products/services you offer to your potential customers. Focus on generating photos that really showcase your brand image and culture. Posting regular updates such as new products, menus and other items can help to increase awareness of your business.
SETTING UP YOUR GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE
New account:
Setting up your Google Business Profile can vary depending on whether there already exists a profile or you need to create a new one.
Step 1: Go to Google My Business website
Visit the Google My Business website at https://www.google.com/business/ and click on “Manage Now” to start creating or claiming your business profile.
Step 2: Sign in or create a Google account
Sign into your existing Google account or create a new one if you don’t have one.
Step 3: Add Your Business Information
Enter the name of your business, address, phone number, website, and category. Make sure that all the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date. This will help customers find your business and provide relevant search results.
Step 4: Verify Your Business
To verify your business, Google will likely send a postcard to the address provided. Once you receive it, you can log back into your Google My Business account and enter the verification code. This step may take a few days, so be patient.
Step 5: Complete Your Profile
After your business is verified, you can add additional information about your business, such as photos, products and services, business hours, and more. Make sure that you provide high-quality photos that showcase your business and its products or services.
Claim an Existing Profile:
If your business is already listed on Google My Business, you can claim it by following these steps:
Step 1: Search for Your Business
Visit the Google My Business website and search for your business using the name and address.
Step 2: Claim Your Business
If your business is already listed, click on the “Claim this business” button to claim it.
Step 3: Verify Your Business
Verify your business by following the same process as creating a new profile.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
After your business is verified, you can complete your profile by adding additional information and photos.
Useful Links:
Google Business Profile Homepage
How to add or claim your Business Profile on Google