A well maintained and updated business profile on Google is essential. You may see it listed as a Google Business Profile, My Google Business or Google My Business, these are all the same things. It does not matter how it is written, what matters is that it is set up and regularly updated.
If your business doesn’t have a Google Profile yet, now is a great time to create one, just in time for the New Year. If your business does have one, use this blog as a reminder to check it is current and up to date.
Either way, read on and our latest blog will have some pointers for you.
What is a Google Business Profile?
We have all searched for a business that we want to learn more about on Google. Well, the profile of the business you see (and the one that appears fully within the Google search bar), with images, opening times, updates and more, is the Google Business Profile.
It generally contains all the information that you require such as a link to the website, directions via Google Maps, phone number, opening hours, the business’s Google Reviews and often – particularly when a restaurant – an estimated spend. Social media links and busiest operating hours can also be seen.
This is literally all the information anyone needs to find or to contact your business. It is laid out in a user-friendly way and, frankly, if your business does not have this nowadays, some people may genuinely doubt if your business still exists.
How a Google Business Profile Can Help Your Business
There are numerous ways that a well-managed Google Business Profile (GBP) can help boost your business –
- Visibility – A GBP account massively increases your business’s online visibility, making it far easier for potential and existing clients to find you. The profiles also get priority on the first page of local search results. There is a clear and direct link between a GBP and increased website traffic
- Google Maps – Businesses without a GBP do not appear on Google maps. So, if somebody is using maps to find local business, as many do, your business would not appear
- Reviews – Without a GBP, businesses cannot receive Google reviews. Google reviews are by far the most sought after and important reviews platform nowadays. Not only are they the most visible when a business is searched, but good reviews can substantially improve SEO. It is important to respond to reviews and interact
- Insights and Impressions – Once an account is set up, GBP allows for some basic but very useful information. Business Profile interactions, calls made from the profile, website link clicks, direction requests and bookings can all be accessed via the platform
- Customer Trust – With so many businesses making use of GBP, not having a profile can look untrustworthy or unprofessional. As mentioned, it could also lead users into thinking that your business is no longer functioning
- Updates – Updates can be added to GBP, much like social media posts. This gives a chance to communicate with clients or potential customers – giving them an impression of your business
- Improved SEO – All of the above massively helps to improve your business’s search engine optimisation. Just having a profile that is updated regularly will see your business appear higher up Google search rankings
So, as you can see, a Google Business Profile is well worth the effort. Additionally, they are completely free to set up – so why wouldn’t you?
Once your profile has been set up, it needs to be kept up to date.
Why Your GBP Should be Kept Up to Date
This may sound like stating the obvious, but unfortunately, we see far too many GBPs that contain incorrect information.
Things like opening hours and services provided need to be updated as soon as they change, otherwise you risk looking very unprofessional to potential and existing clients.
Likewise, Google likes Business Profiles to be updated regularly and awards this with better SEO rankings.
Remember, your GBP is often the first thing that people see about your business, so it’s important to make a good first impression!
Talk to our experts about how we can help set up and manage your Google Business Profile.
