Outsouce2Us shares tips on how to enhance your Google Business Profile.
In a recent blog, we discussed how Google reviews can drive traffic and sales to your business. Before you can start doing this though, you need a fully optimised Google Business Profile. Getting a properly optimised Google Business Profile is more than just filling in the key info, it’s about adding as much as you can! Here are 6 quick and easy steps to ensure that your Business Profile is getting the best possible results for your business.
1. Create a Google Business Profile
The first step might sound painfully obvious, however it’s not exactly intuitive for many business owners. A Google Business Profile is used to access and personalise your Google Business Account. Indeed, they are viewed as two separate entities that require an action to link.
Also check that you don’t have more than one Google Business Profile. This can work against you.
2. Be as specific as possible
Google operates on a ranking system. Because of this, it is incredibly important to include as much relevant information as you can. This helps customers connect with your business offer and allows Google to match you with the right search terms.
Using the correct and most efficient contact information is vital to ensuring that visitors to your site are converted into clients. Below are several areas that need to be optimised for a successful Google Business Profile:
A. Write your ‘from the business’ description
A ‘from the business’ description is an incredibly important element of a successful Google Business Profile. Not only does it provide customers with your description and business values, but it also gives you an opportunity to put some SEO principles into place.
In this section you should include:
- Information from your “About Us” section on your website (if applicable)
- Relevant key/search words
- Unique information (e.g. avoid location or contact information)
B. Choose your category
Choosing the right category for your business is incredibly important. From a drop-down menu, be as specific as you can. Being in the right category will give generic Google searches a much better chance to get clicks and eyes on your business. Google is always adding new categories, so if your exact category doesn’t exist, it is worth checking every 6 to 12 months, to see if they have added it.
C. Select your applicable attributes
Selecting the right attributes for your business is a great way to further narrow down your options for SEO. For example, specific attributes such as “Brunch” or “Live Performance” are great additions to flesh out what would otherwise just be “Restaurant”.
D. Make sure you add your products and services
Adding products and/or services to your Google Business Profile will give potential customers a quick snapshot of what you do without having to go through your website to find what they’re looking for. It always works as a way for customers to click straight through to the specific offering there are interested in. Make sure you have a photos, and a URL link to each service you’d like to add.
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3. Add photos and videos
Don’t be afraid to use photos and videos! A Google trends analysis shows an incredible uptick in consumer interaction when Google Business Profiles include imagery. Include a range of brand specific photos (customers, staff, products, location, etc) and avoid franchise or stock photos. Don’t forget to also include a square version of your logo! Regularly adding photos is also another great way to improve your SEO.
4. Encourage Google reviews
Google Reviews are the heart and soul of Google’s algorithm. A company can use all the search terms and buy all the ads they want, but if their profile has a poor rating, they will struggle to retain that coveted first page spot. Here are some tips on how to generate more Google reviews!
5. Stay active on your profile
Google’s algorithm rewards activity. Keeping your profile up to date with regular updates is a great way to signal to the algorithm and customers that your business is active, lively and worth a click. Below are several great ways to do that:
A. Ask and answer ‘Questions’
The ‘Questions’ feature is an excellent way to interact directly with consumers. You can answer FAQs in a friendly way that is easily accessible for many people.
B. Use the ‘Updates’ system
To keep your profile active, consider using the ‘Updates’ ability. This is a great way to associate your brand with key terms and give potential customers a view into what your business can achieve.
C. Set up messaging
Direct Messaging can be a powerful tool for your business. It’s a great, easy way for you to start a conversation with your customers and, again, Google’s algorithm will favourably react to your interactions with clients.
6. Develop an SEO strategy
On their own, all of these tips are strong steps in the right direction. However, to truly see the benefits of an optimised Google Business Profile you will need to back them up with an SEO strategy. SEO strategies can be incredibly customisable, and to find the right one for your business you should speak to an industry professional. Outsource2Us can help you develop an SEO strategy for your business, so please get in touch with our Brisbane-based team today.
If optimising your Google Business Profile seems like a daunting task, contact the team at Outsource2Us. We can work with you to ensure that you are getting the most out of this great tool. Get in touch with us today at info@outsourcetous.com.au | 07 3257 2027
