Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a powerful tool for businesses to enhance their online visibility. If you’ve ever wondered how businesses show up on Google Search and Maps with their hours, reviews, and photos, it’s all thanks to an optimized profile.
A well-optimized profile can help you attract more customers, improve your search rankings, and grow your business.
Follow this guide to help you optimize your Google Business Profile.
What is Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile is the first impression customers have when they search for your business online. When someone searches for your business or related services, it’s the first impression they get—complete with your contact information, business hours, photos, reviews, and more.
But simply creating a Google Business Profile isn’t enough—you need to optimize it to ensure your business gets noticed.
Step 1: Claim and Verify Your Business
Before you can optimize your profile, you need to claim it. This is important even if your business is already listed, as only the owner can make changes and keep the information up-to-date.
- Why it’s crucial: If you don’t claim your business, you won’t be able to edit or manage the information. Plus, others could update it for you, which could lead to incorrect or misleading details.
How to claim your Google Business Profile:
- Visit the Google Business Profile page.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Search for your business name and click “Claim this business.”
- Follow the verification steps (usually via a postcard or phone number).
How To Check If Your Business Has Been Claimed On Google Business Profile:
- Search for your business on Google – If you see your business in the search results, check for a "Own this business?" link. If it's there, the business is not claimed.
- Sign in to Google Business Profile – Go to Google Business Profile and sign in. Search for your business. If it shows up with an option to manage, it’s claimed. If not, you’ll see an option to claim it.
- Request Ownership – If the business is claimed by someone else, click "Request Ownership" to transfer management.
This will help you confirm if your business is claimed or needs action.
Step 2: Complete Every Section of Your Profile
Google favors complete profiles, so it’s essential to fill out every section carefully.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Business Name: Use your official business name and avoid adding extra keywords or location.
- Business Category: Be specific. This helps Google categorize your business correctly. For example, if you run a café, select "Coffee Shop" or "Cafe" as your main category.
- Business Description: Write a clear, engaging description in 750 characters or less, focusing on what sets you apart and unique.
- Contact Information: Ensure your phone number, website, and address are correct to make it easier for customers to find you on Google Maps.
- Hours of Operation: Always update your business hours, especially during holidays. If your hours change seasonally or you’re closed for a specific period, make sure to reflect that in your profile.
Step 3: Add High-Quality Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words, especially when it comes to your Google Business Profile. Listings with photos get significantly more engagement, and adding images can help potential customers get a feel for your business before they even step through the door.
- What to include:
- Logo: Your logo helps with brand recognition.
- Cover Photo: Choose an image that represents the vibe of your business.
- Interior/Exterior Shots: Help people recognize your location.
- Product or Service Photos: Show what you offer. E.g. delicious food, stylish merchandise, or professional service.
Google’s research shows that businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites. Make sure your photos are clear, well-lit, and appealing.
Step 4: Use Keywords to Improve Your Visibility
Google uses keywords to understand what your business is about and to determine its relevance in search results. By including the right keywords, you can increase your chances of appearing in search queries that are relevant to your business.
- How to do it:
- Research keywords your customers might use to find your business (e.g., “vegan bakery near me”).
- Incorporate these naturally into your business description and posts.
- Avoid keyword stuffing to avoid it looking spammy and hurting your ranking.
Step 5: Collect and Respond to Reviews
Customer reviews not only build trust but also impact your Google ranking. Positive reviews act as testimonials, while negative ones give you a chance to improve.
- How to get reviews: Ask satisfied customers to leave reviews—either in person, via email, or after a successful transaction.
- How to respond: Respond to every review. Thank customers for positive feedback and address any concerns from negative reviews. A good response shows that you care about customer experience and can help mitigate the impact of negative reviews.
Step 6: Keep Your Profile Active with Regular Updates
Google Business Profile isn’t a “set it and forget it” tool. To keep your profile fresh and engaging, update it regularly with new photos, posts, or offers. Google encourages businesses to post updates to their profile at least once a week.
- What to post:
- Announce sales, special events, or promotions.
- Share blog posts, news articles, or tips relevant to your industry.
- Include eye-catching images and a call-to-action (e.g., “Call us now”, “Book an appointment”, “Order now” or “Learn more”).
Step 7: Take Advantage of Additional Features
Google offers several features that can enhance your profile further. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Q&A Section: Answer common questions about your business.
- Services/Products: List detailed descriptions and prices (if applicable).
- Insights: Use this built-in analytics tool to track how customers interact with your profile.
Pro Tips
- Local Links: Add links to your social media profiles or blog posts to get more traffic.
- Consistency: Ensure your business information matches across all online platforms (social media, website, directories).
- Monitor Competitors: Check out similar businesses to see what they’re doing well—and do it better!
Bottom Line
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your online visibility and attract local customers. By taking the time to complete each section and regularly updating your profile, you can ensure that potential customers can find you easily and engage with your business online.
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