How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile - 2024 Guide
In this guide, I will talk about setting up your Google Business Profile, including adding essential information like your business name, location and services. I'll also provide tips for enhancing your visibility in local search results. In my next guide, I will run through the verification process with Google and steps to help get your profile authorised by Google.
Having a strong online presence is essential for businesses of all sizes in today's digital age. One of the most effective ways to establish this presence is through a Google Business Profile. This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how to create and verify your Google Business Profile, ensuring your business stands out in Google Search and Google Maps.
Understanding Google Business Profile
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free marketing tool provided by Google that allows business owners to manage their online presence across Google Search and Google Maps. By setting up a Google Business Profile, businesses can provide essential information about their business, such as location, services and products, which enhances their visibility to potential customers. Most businesses, including those without a physical storefront like online retailers, are eligible for this service.
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Claim your Google Business Profile as early as possible, even if you're not ready to fully optimise it yet. Having control over your profile ensures your business information remains accurate from the start even if it is the basic entry information. This proactive step also allows you to start building your online presence in the local map search straight away.
The Importance of a Google Business Profile
Having a Google Business Profile is critical for any local business aiming to attract customers. It allows businesses to control how they appear online, ensuring that the business information presented is accurate and up-to-date. With over 88% of local searches resulting in a call or visit within 24 hours, a well-managed profile can significantly enhance customer engagement. Additionally, Google Business Profiles contribute to local SEO, making it easier for customers to discover businesses in their vicinity. The visibility gained through this profile can lead to increased traffic both online and in-store.
The Benefits of a Google Business Listing
Google Business Listings offer numerous benefits, including improved visibility in local search results and Google Maps. Businesses with complete profiles are 70% more likely to attract customers* compared to those with incomplete listings. The ability to manage online business information, such as business hours and contact details, helps maintain customer trust. Furthermore, reviews collected through the profile, often referred to as Google reviews, serve as social proof, enhancing credibility and influencing potential customers' decisions. Businesses can also post updates, promotions, and events directly on their profile, keeping customers informed and engaged.
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Creating a Google Business Profile Account
To create a Google Business Profile, you first need a Google Account. It is advisable to use a dedicated business account rather than a personal one to maintain professionalism and ease of access for potential collaborators. Once you have a Google Account, navigate to the Google Business Profile page and click on "Manage now" to begin the setup process. Enter your business name and follow the prompts to input essential details such as your business address, phone number and website. This initial setup is crucial for establishing your online presence.
Steps to Set Up Your Google Business Profile
Setting up your Google Business Profile involves several steps:
Log into your Google Account and access the Google Business Profile page.
Enter your business name, select the primary business category and provide your business address.
If applicable, specify your service areas.
Next, add your phone number and website to ensure customers can contact you easily.
After entering all the necessary information, complete the listing to prepare for verification. This process is essential to ensure your business can be found on Google Search and Maps.
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1. When specifying your service areas, try to be as accurate as possible about the locations you serve. This helps ensure that your business appears for relevant local searches, improving your visibility to potential customers in your target area.
Adding Your Business Information to Your Profile
Once you have created your Google Business Profile, the next step is to add comprehensive business information. This includes your business hours, services offered and a detailed description of your business. You can also upload photos that showcase your products or services, enhancing the visual appeal of your listing. Accurate and detailed information is crucial as it helps potential customers understand what you offer and when they can reach you. Regularly updating this information is necessary to maintain accuracy and relevance.
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1. Make sure to use the entire 750-character limit for your business description. A detailed and full description not only helps Google understand your business better but also makes it easier for customers to know exactly what you provide. This boosts the effectiveness of your listing, making you more likely to attract the right audience.
2. Adding additional categories that accurately reflect your products or services helps Google understand all aspects of your business and can improve your visibility in local searches. Be sure to keep these categories relevant to avoid confusing potential customers. Remember, the goal is to accurately showcase what your business offers, not to simply attract a wider audience.
Optimising Your Google Business Profile
How to Optimise Your Google My Business Listing
Optimising your Google Business Profile involves completing all sections of your profile, including adding business hours, services and a compelling business description. Using relevant keywords in your description can improve your visibility in search results. Google considers three main factors for local search ranking:
Relevance
Distance
Prominence
Ensuring that your profile is complete and up-to-date can make you 2.7 times more likely to be noticed by potential customers*. Regularly engaging with your profile by updating information and adding new content is also essential for maintaining high search rankings.
Using Google Posts, Reviews and Q&A's Effectively
To enhance visibility on Google Maps, ensure that your business location is accurately marked and that all relevant information is complete. This includes your business address, service areas and contact details. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as higher ratings can improve your visibility.
Additionally, you can add an update and respond to Q&A's directly which can increase interaction and engagement, making your listing more attractive to potential customers. Regularly checking and responding to reviews also helps build trust and encourages more interactions.
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When logged in to your Google account, you will see a prompt to 'Ask for a review' this creates a pop up box with a link which you can copy to a clipboard and send to your happy customers to ask them for a review . Or even use the quick links provided to send to email, WhatsApp and Facebook. Sharing this link makes it quick and easy for customers to leave feedback.
This article was written by Kat James, a website consultant and content creator for businesses in Kent.
If you're looking for a modern, effective, and professionally designed business website that can work wonders for your online presence, don't hesitate to contact Kat at it'seeze Gravesend. Our affordable web design services are tailored to help businesses like yours grow online.
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