Google Business Profile, previously Google My Business, is a free tool that provides visitors with more information about your business.
Your Google Business Profile appears on the search engine results page (SERPs) when a user is looking for your products, business or services. This free service is essential to your digital marketing strategy as it offers an easy, low-cost solution to increasing the visibility of your business on Google.
It is important that your Google Business Profile is properly optimised to ensure that your business is the first to be presented to potential customers. To help you make the most of this service, we’ve put together a helpful list of optimisation recommendations for your Google Business Profile.
Write a brief and relevant description
The description on your Google Business Profile is one of the first things that appears to the searcher, so it’s important that it provides clear and relevant information about what your business does. An engaging description typically includes information about your target audience, your business goals and company values.
Google Business Profiles have a word limit of 750 words, so your description needs to be helpful to the user to allow them to understand your business and services.
Optimise your description for keywords
Targeting keywords relevant to your business and industry can help your Google Business Profile rank higher in search results. This means that your profile will be visible to more potential customers.
It is important to conduct keyword research to identify the most appropriate terms and phrases to target in your Google Business Profile. There are plenty of free keyword research tools available online that can help you find terms and phrases related to your business or industry.
By naturally incorporating these throughout your description, you can help improve your profile’s search engine ranking.
Set up automatic replies
According to a recent study, it was found that 12% of customers expected a response from a company within 15 minutes or less.
Automatic replies generate an instant response to a customer’s query, pacifying their need for instant customer service. An automatic response can include information on when the customer can expect a reply to their message, or act as an out of office to notify customers that you’re unavailable.
By setting up automatic replies from your Google Business Profile you can ensure that your potential customers are aware that their message has been received and will be dealt with in a timely manner. A little (automated) customer service can go a long way.
Include your business address
Adding your business address to your Google Business Profile helps customers locate your business. By adding your address to your profile, your business will appear on Google Maps.
Not only this, to verify your Google Business Profile, you must enter a business address that Google can find. Google suggests that businesses that are verified are twice as likely to be considered reputable.
Upload eye-catching photos
A picture speaks a thousand words, and in today’s digital world, adding compelling images to your profile is sure to increase engagement.
When you’re uploading images to your profile, be sure to abide by Google’s photo guidelines to avoid being penalised by incorrect file sizes or formatting. Make sure that the photos you’re sharing to your profile are high-quality and relevant to your business. Think about including photos of your products, services, show rooms, staff or promotions.
A Google Business Profile is an easy way to boost the visibility of your business. To find out how we can help optimise your Google Business Profile, get in touch with the friendly team at Engage Web today.
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