Google Business Profile Management: Boosting Your Online Presence

Getting your local business to stand out is critical. Optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) listing is the best way to boost your visibility.

Think of your GBP listing as your new home page. It’s likely the first place your customers will engage with your business.

A strong GBP is a key component of local SEO strategy – showing up for “near me” searches.

Here’s an ultimate guide on how to upgrade the performance of your profile:

1. Claim and Verify Your Profile

The first step is to claim your profile and verify that this business belongs to you.

After you’ve verified the profile, you can update your business information and respond to customer reviews.

2. Optimize Business Information

Fill in your business information and make sure it’s up to date. Don’t leave anything blank or unfinished if you can help it.

• Address

• Services

• Business category

• Business description

• Hours

• Contact information

3. Leverage Customer Reviews

For GBP, reviews are everything. They impact how high you rank in local search results.

Having plenty of customer reviews builds credibility and trust.

Respond to most customer inquiries, comments, and messages. Engaging in this way demonstrates that you care about your consumer base.

Use various tactics to get more reviews from customers. Send a reminder message after they checkout. Try sending a mass email to your customers.

4. Avoid Using Spammy Tactics

Google knows when someone is trying to “cheat the system,” whether it’s on a website or on a GBP listing.

Here are some tips to avoid getting flagged by Google:

• Don’t claim ownership over profiles that aren’t yours. This can result in a violation of Google’s policies!

• Don’t keyword-stuff your title. You might think it’s clever, but it’s a red flag for Google.

• Don’t post “bribes” or rewards in exchange for positive reviews. This cheapens your profile — and Google will catch on.

5. Add Captivating Visuals

Eye-catching visuals can make a significant impact. Add high-quality images. Showcase your products, services, and the ambiance of your business.

Photos can include:

• Workplace location.

• Team members or staff.

• Work-related events or activities.

Strong, consistent visuals can capture the attention of your customers, impressing them.

Even the best companies get hurt by low-quality images and branding.

6. Post Engaging Content

Google Posts are your friend. Use this feature to engage your customers.

It’s similar to using Social Media posts.

And just like on social media, GBP lets users follow your listing.

Followers can get access to:

• New social posts.
• Offers.
• Latest blogs.
• Upcoming events.
• Product updates.

When you post, don’t be wordy. Make your content snippets brief and use high-quality imagery with it.

You should aim to post at least once a week. This lets Google know that your profile is active.

7. Create a Compelling Business Description

Make your business description concise, compelling, and band-worthy. Be honest, yet descriptive.

Highlight your unique selling points, values, and offerings. Think of this as an elevator pitch to sell your customers.

GBP: How to Optimize for Local Searches

Optimizing your GBP is a key component of local search engine optimization (SEO).

Local SEO is the process of adjusting your website and brand to help it show up for local customer searches.

Here’s how you can harness the power of local SEO through your profile:

Geotagging and Location Data

Make sure you add all relevant location information to your profile.

Your location matters. It might not be fair, but it’s true.

If your business isn’t physically located in an area, it will be harder to compete against the companies that are.

This remains true even when it’s a core service location for your business.

Add Relevant Keywords

Incorporate location-specific keywords in your profile description and posts. These keywords help search engines match your business with users in your area.

An essential part of keyword strategy is relevance.

The keywords you choose must relate to your core services and industry.

If you pick up traffic for unrelated keywords, your website visitors are likely to bounce. When users visit and leave the site in a hurry it hurts your local SEO.

Here’s how to ensure that your keywords relate to your industry and services:

• Google your core services and check the drop-down results for related search terms.

• Look at the queries in your Google Search Console (GSC).

• Perform keyword research using free tools like Ubersuggest.

Citations and Online Directories

Consistent citations on online directories boost reputation and credibility. Ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) details are consistent everywhere.

Directories include:

• Yelp
• YellowPages
• WhitePages
• Mapquest
• Yext

Get your website listed on these directories. Make sure the business information matches across all sites.

Links from other websites are like votes that help boost your website’s visibility.

Conclusion: Your GBP Optimization Matters

Google wants you to stay active and engaged on your GBP. Optimizing your profile will boost your business’s visibility and likely generate more leads.

We can help.

Red Crow Marketing has the tools and techniques outlined in this guide to embark on a journey of online success.

At Red Crow, we have managed dozens of these profiles for clients for years at a time.

We know the ins and outs and have processes in place to help you manage your Local SEO visibility. Contact us today to start an audit and see how we can help you increase your leads.

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