Having an optimized Google My Business profile is crucial for businesses that want to thrive online. An optimized Google profile can give your business a boost in visibility, help you reach a larger audience, and create a better user experience for people who search for your business in the local area.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to maximize your online presence by optimizing your Google My Business profile. We’ll give step-by-step instructions on setting up a profile and offer optimization tips to ensure your profile is relevant, engaging, and optimized to rank higher in local search engine results.
What is Google My Business (GMB)?
Google My Business or GMB is a free listing that appears when people search for your business on Google. It gives potential customers immediate access to your business information, including your address, hours, website, and contact information. It also allows customers to read reviews, view your product or service offerings, and navigate to your business with interactive maps.
How to Create a Google My Business Profile
Creating a new profile on Google My Business is relatively simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the Google My Business Profile Manager and click “Manage Now.”
Step 2: Log in to or create a Google Account and enter your business name and city. If it doesn’t show up, create a new profile.
Step 3: Enter the basic information about your business and wait for a postcard or call to verify your identity.
Tips For Optimizing Your Google My Business profile
Once you’ve created a GMB profile, it’s important to optimize it to maximize your visibility and show up in local search engine results. We’ve compiled a list of nine essential tips you should follow when optimizing your GMB profile:
1. Use All 750 Characters with Key Information in the First 250 Characters
Having complete, up-to-date information on your GMB profile is essential for ranking and the user experience. You should use all 750 characters in your profile, with key information in the first 250 characters. Repurpose content from your About Us page or mission statement and use keywords your audience uses to find businesses like yours.
2. Include Photos, Post Updates, and Add A Website Address
Photos will help your profile stand out and adding post updates are a great way to keep customers informed about special offers, events, and more. You should also add the website address to your GMB profile to make it easier for users to visit your website.
3. Set Up Online Bookings Where Applicable
If you provide services that require booking online, set up online booking options through a provider like Acuity or Calendly. This makes it easier for customers to book services with you while also allowing you to manage your appointment calendar.
4. Don’t Overwhelm Yourself with Multiple Platforms
Limit the number of social media platforms you use and focus on the ones that your audience is already using. Quality is more important than quantity when it comes to social media presence.
5. Use Complete Data For Your Profile
Local search results favor the most relevant results. Use complete, engaging data to ensure your business shows up in local search engine results.
6. Consider Building a Website
If you don’t already have a website for your business, consider building one to further enhance your online presence. You have many options, including using a website builder, hiring a web design agency, or asking an in-house designer and developer to build a website.
7. Repurpose Content
Don’t forget to leverage existing content, such as customer reviews, blog content, and more, to maximize the impact of your GMB profile.
8. Add a 750-Character Description of your Business
Adding a 750-character description of your business within your profile is key for optimization. This text should accurately and succinctly capture the essence of your business without referencing sales or promotional information.
9. Monitor Your Profile for Your Customers
Monitor your GMB profile regularly to ensure accuracy and currency. This also involves responding to reviews and inquiries from customers in a timely manner.
Conclusion
Having an optimized Google My Business profile is an important part of any business’s online presence. It’s essential to follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure your GMB profile is up-to-date, complete, and engaging. By taking the time to optimize your GMB profile, you can maximize the reach of your business and maintain a good reputation with customers.