Google Business Profile Optimization Strategies
When running a business, its online presence on Google plays a great role in its success. Factors like website optimization and Google Ads are popular ways to boost visibility. However, another important factor that is often overlooked by owners is a business’ Google Business Profile. With proper Google Business Profile optimization, you can unlock the full growth potential of your business.
That’s why, in this article, we’ll tell you what Google Business Profile optimization tips are the most effective.
What is a Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a handy free tool that helps you present your brand online to users. This profile is the first thing people will see when they search for your business on Google Search and Maps. It includes basic information about your company, e.g., name, address, business hours, etc.
It also allows your customers to leave reviews to help spread good word of mouth. This is very important because almost 71% of people are more likely to use a business with positive Google Business Profile reviews.
Google Business Profile Optimization Strategies
Here are some of the top Google Business Profile strategies people have found effective for their brand:
Complete Your Profile
The first step on your Google Business Profile optimization checklist should be to complete your profile. This is because complete profiles have a higher chance of ranking on Google. So, make sure to fill every section with accurate and complete information that a customer would seek.
Especially focus on the description section. Fill it with detailed information about your products, services, and what makes you stand out among the competition. Also, high-ranking SEO keywords should be incorporated into the overall profile and posts for better ranking.
High-Quality Pictures
Pictures of your business on your profile play a big role in leaving an impression on users. There are two types of pictures Google allows on your profile. The first type is what you upload yourself, and the other is posted by existing customers through reviews.
However, customer-generated photos are not always good quality. So, always upload high-quality pictures of your business yourself. These can include the interior and exterior of your company, team members, equipment, products, etc.
Select Appropriate Categories
Most Google Business Profile views come from discovery searches rather than direct ones. These searches are keywords about a business instead of its exact name, e.g., oil change service near me. That’s why the categories selection part of your profile is so important.
Choose categories that best describe your business, product, and services. This will help Google show your business when users search phrases relevant to your selected categories.
Request for Customer Reviews
Another major Google Business Profile optimization strategy is getting customer reviews. These are some of the first things users go through to see if your business is reliable. So, encourage your existing customers to rate your business and leave reviews online.
In addition, make sure to reply to these reviews, both positive and negative. Thank the customers for positive reviews and professionally address the problems stated in the negative ones. This will show that your business is proactive in addressing complaints and cares about its customers.
Use Google Q&A
For a more effective Google Profile optimization, utilize the Google Q&A section. In this section, users are allowed to post questions for your business, and anyone is allowed to answer them. To avoid people answering incorrect questions, set up an alert whenever a question is posted.
Promptly answer the question with the correct information and take down any wrong answers. To generate more leads, you can even post questions you commonly get for your business yourself with their answers.
Conclusion
Google Business Profile optimization is a must if you want to use the effective tool to its best potential. So, sit down and work on your profile, filling it with accurate and detailed information about your business.
Also, make sure to include high-quality photos of your business, request reviews, and carefully select relevant categories. Once the optimization is complete, you’ll start noticing a steady increase in profile views in no time.