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Have you ever wondered, "How to make my business show up on top of Google search?" or "Why is my business not showing up on Google?"
Nowadays, where customers increasingly turn to online searches to find local businesses, having a strong online presence is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity. The landscape has shifted dramatically – from brick-and-mortar stores to service providers, every sector is embracing the virtual realm to connect with customers.
Here's where a well-optimized Google Business Profile steps in – it's your key to unlocking the power of local SEO and attracting customers actively searching for businesses like yours.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile, formerly Google My Business, is a free tool from Google that empowers businesses and organizations to manage visibility on Google Search and Maps. By verifying and updating your profile, you create an easy-to-find online listing complete with your business hours, website, and address. It's like putting up a welcome sign for potential customers as they search online.
Business Profile fosters customer engagement, allowing you to respond to reviews and showcase your offerings through eye-catching photos. In fact, businesses that actively utilize pictures on their profiles experience a significant boost in customer interactions, such as requests for directions and website clicks.
Google Business Profile lets you peek into how customers are finding you, from the search terms they use to their geographical locations. You can even track how many calls originate directly from your profile on Google. And if you're looking to expand your reach, the platform makes it easy to create and manage Smart campaigns that can bring even more customers your way.
Also Read: B2B Digital Marketing Strategies & Future Trends to Elevate Your Business
How to Set Up a Google Business Profile
Now, let's take a look at how to set up your Google Business Profile in less than 10 minutes.
1. Log in to Google Business Profile
To get started, you'll need to sign in using your existing Google account. If you use Gmail, YouTube, or another Google service, you likely already have one. Otherwise, creating a new account is quick and easy. Just be sure not to use your personal account for this.
Once logged in, go to create a profile. This is where you'll input all the essential information about your business, from its name and address to photos and customer reviews.
2. Add Business Information
The first step is to introduce your business to Google. Start by entering the exact name of your business as it appears in the real world. This ensures consistency across platforms and helps customers easily find you.
3. Select Business Type
Next, choose the category that best describes your primary business type. Are you an online retail, local store, or service business? Selecting the correct category helps Google understand what you offer. It ensures your business shows up in relevant searches when potential customers are looking for your type of products or services.
4. Add Business Category
Within the "Business category" section, you'll be prompted to choose your primary category. This should be the category that best reflects the core of what your business does. For example, if you own a bakery, your primary category would be "Bakery." This is crucial as it tells Google how to classify your business, impacting search results and visibility primarily.
5. Specify Business Location
If your business has a physical location where customers can visit, providing your complete address is crucial.
This allows Google to pinpoint your business on maps and include you in local search results. When someone nearby searches for businesses like yours, your profile is more likely to appear, increasing your chances of attracting local customers.
Alternatively, if you operate a service-based business that travels to clients, you can define your service area instead of a physical address. This lets Google know where you offer your services and makes your business visible to people searching in those areas. For example, if you're a mobile dog groomer, you might specify that you serve specific neighborhoods or zip codes.
If your business is only available online, you can also add a location. Instead of a physical address, Google will ask for your website address.
6. Add Contact Information
This step is all about making it easy for potential customers to reach out. Provide the phone number that customers can use to call your business. This is essential for inquiries, reservations, or any other interaction where a phone call is preferred.
Additionally, add your website URL if you have one. Your website serves as a digital storefront where customers can learn more about your offerings, browse products, or book appointments. Linking it to your Google Business Profile provides a direct path for interested individuals to explore your business further.
7. Verify Your Business
Verification is a crucial step in establishing your business's legitimacy on Google. It confirms that you are the rightful owner of the business and helps ensure the accuracy of the information displayed on your profile. Google offers multiple verification methods to accommodate different business types.
The most common method is postcard verification. Google sends a postcard with a unique verification code to your business address. Once received, you enter the code on your profile to complete the process. Other methods include phone calls, email, or instant verification, which might be available depending on your region and business type.
Also Read: Optimize Your Website for Mobile: 12 Tips and Best Practices
How to Get Your Business on Top of Google Search
Now that your Google Business Profile is established and optimized, the next step is to work on improving its ranking on Google Search. Here's how you can do it.
1. Focus on Local SEO
Think of your Google Business Profile as your online storefront window. Optimizing it means making it as inviting and informative as possible.
- Create compelling descriptions: Start with a concise and compelling description of your business, highlighting what sets you apart from competitors.
- Use visuals: Visuals play a significant role in attracting attention. Add high-quality photos that showcase your products, services, interior, or team. These visuals give potential customers a glimpse of what to expect and make your profile more engaging.
- Leverage the “Posts” feature: The "Posts" feature is available in the Google Business Profile. This feature was made to make it possible for you to share updates, promotions, events, or news about your business. This keeps your profile fresh and dynamic, encouraging people to revisit and stay informed about what you offer.
- Maintain customer satisfaction to gain positive customer reviews: To get positive Google reviews, prioritize customer satisfaction. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews, as positive social proof builds trust and influences potential customers. But if you are asking, “Can I turn off Google Reviews on my business?” The short answer is no. Google prioritizes transparency and authentic feedback to provide a comprehensive view of a business.
- Monitor the Q&A section: Like the typical Q&A section, this allows customers to ask questions directly on your profile. Be sure to monitor this section and respond promptly to inquiries. This demonstrates your engagement and willingness to help, which will further enhance your reputation.
- Keep your profile updated: Finally, remember that your business information can change. Update your business profile with your latest open hours, contact details, and offerings. This ensures that potential customers always have access to accurate information that will reduce frustration and improve their overall experience.
- Get local citations: Citations are mentions of your business name and address on other websites. These can be on local directories, industry-specific websites, or even blogs. Google sees these citations as votes of confidence for your business.
2. Create Relevant and High-Quality Content
Content is king, even when it comes to local SEO. Create blog posts, articles, or website pages that provide valuable information related to your products or services. Optimize this content with relevant local keywords that your potential customers are likely to search for.
For example, if you're a bakery in Singapore, you might create a blog post titled "The Best Croissants in Singapore."
Also Read: Is SEO Worth It for Small Businesses? Here are the Facts
3. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They act as votes of confidence for your website and can significantly impact your search ranking. Focus on getting backlinks from reputable local websites, industry-specific websites, or local blogs.
4. Utilize Google Ads
While organic search results are essential, consider using Google Ads to supplement your efforts. With Google Ads, you can bid on relevant keywords to have your business appear at the top of search results, even if your organic ranking still needs to be there.
5. Monitor and Track Your Progress
Regularly check your Google Business Profile Insights to see how customers are finding you, what search terms they're using, and how they're interacting with your profile. This data can provide valuable insights to help you refine your SEO strategy.
When you are implementing an SEO strategy, you should remember these important considerations:
- Patience is key: SEO takes time. Don't expect to see immediate results. Keep working on your strategy, and over time, your business will climb higher in the search rankings.
- Stay up-to-date with Google's algorithm changes: Google's algorithm is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest updates and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling to manage your SEO efforts or need expert guidance, consider hiring an experienced SEO professional.
By following these tips and consistently working on your online presence, you'll be well on your way to enhancing your Google Business Profile ranking and connecting with more potential customers. Remember, it's an ongoing process, but the increased visibility and engagement you'll gain are a worthwhile investment in your business's future.
If you're looking for specialized SEO support, Talentport can help you build a dedicated remote team. We specialize in matching businesses with skilled professionals who can help you achieve your SEO goals and turn your business into the top of mind.
