Google Business Profile (GBP), previously known as Google My Business (GMB), is a free and easy-to-use directory for businesses and organisations to manage their online business information. A business profile appears on the right-hand side of the search engine result pages (SERPs) when someone searches for a business or organisation’s name or a product or a service related to that business. It not only helps businesses and organisations rank higher in SERPs but also makes it easy for customers to find them online.
In order to create Google Business Profile, the company will need to sign in to Google Business Profile and click “Add business or place”. Once the GBP is created, add business details, such as an address, phone number, opening hours, etc., and upload pictures of the business. To complete the Google Business Profile, claim and verify your account. With GBP users can manage any business’ information across Google Search and Maps, such as the business location, category, contact information and more.
Google Business Profile is widely used for local businesses, so optimising GBP with local keywords will also help improve ranking in SERPs. For a better improvement in Google Business Profile ranking, follow the steps below:
1. Add Accurate Google Business Profile Information
Google Business Profile is the first interaction of customers with the business they are searching for on Google. Ensure that all the business information is frequently updated, so the visitors or customers looking for your business are not misled. Moreover, accurate information on GBP shows the authenticity of a business, increasing its value in the customers’ eyes. It is critical for any business to have a complete and accurate profile on Google Business, providing an authoritative source of engagement for customers.
The business profile should include all the necessary information, including:
- Business name
- Phone number
- Address (with the Google map)
- Website (linking to your homepage)
- Hours of operation
- Business categories
- Images
2. Verify and Claim Your Business Listing
Verifying a business on Google is essential for any company’s online presence. By verifying Google Business Profile listing, businesses can manage how customers see their companies’ information across Google Search, Maps and other properties like Shopping and Local Guides, etc.
Verifying and claiming a business automatically authenticates a business on Google, boosting its appearance on SERPs. To start the verification process, simply sign in to your Google Business Profile account and fill in all relevant information about the business (add all the information discussed in the previous step). Once you have submitted the information, Google will review it to ensure that everything is correct and accurate, and will request verification.
There are five verification methods: Phone or text, email, video recording, live video call and postcard. For the postcard, Google will send you a postcard with verification codes to your business location. Simply enter the code on the website to complete the process and start managing your Google Business Profile listing.
In addition, improve your business profile by becoming Google Guaranteed. While there is a cost to this, the green badge will help build customers’ trust and give you more credibility, resulting in better rankings.
3. Upload High-Quality Images
When customers search for businesses online, one of the first things they notice is the images. High-quality, professional photos are important for a business’ impression. This shows customers that the business is active, professional and invested in putting its best foot forward. Post images of your employees, store or restaurant design, products and services to give customers a good impression.
The average GBP listing can take up to 25 photos for one location. This will help businesses that serve a specific location to appear more reliable and trustworthy to people searching nearby. Companies can also add a 30-sec video on their Google Business Profile.
Google’s image guidelines
Your images will look best if they meet the following standards:
- Format: PNG or JPG
- Image size: 10KB – 5MB
- Resolution: 720px tall, 720px wide
- Minimum resolution: 250px tall, 250px wide
Google’s video guidelines
Ensure the videos meet the following requirements:
- Duration: Up to 30 seconds
- File size: Up to 75MB
- Resolution: 720p or higher
4. Regularly Post on Your Business Profile
Posting content on the business profile helps businesses stay top of mind with potential customers and help attract new customers. Announcements about new products or services, special offers and events can all be posted in GBP. Posting frequently will keep the customers updated about the business and its offerings. This is important for both potential and existing customers. In addition, regularly posting content on Google Business Profile can help improve the chances of appearing in search results, as there will be more, up-to-date content.
For optimum results, ensure to:
- Post on a regular basis (update old content and upload new as well, as ongoing engagement is key)
- Coordinate marketing efforts with posts for amplified reach
- Incorporate links and call-to-action (CTA) in the content to funnel more leads towards your business
5. Encourage Customers to Leave Positive Reviews
Customer reviews are a valuable asset to any business, and taking the time to collect them and respond to them can pay off in the long run. Having satisfied customers is the best PR a business can get, and positive reviews from existing customers attract more potential audiences.
According to a study, 93% of consumers read online reviews before considering buying a product or service. Rack up as many five-star ratings as possible.
Moreover, customer reviews on a company’s Google Business Profile can make the business appear more reliable. It also improves the business’ chances of ranking higher in search results. Google is the most popular search engine in the world, and businesses that show up in the top results are more likely to get noticed by potential customers. So encourage the targeted audience to leave positive reviews on the Google Business Profile.
When customers search for an item or service related to your business, your profile will show up with an overall rating based on the reviews that have been left by previous buyers. The more positive reviews you have, the higher your overall rating will be, and the more likely you are to attract new customers.
Maximise Your Business’ Reach
Following the above steps will help any business improve its website ranking on Google Maps and in the local search results. The most important factor is having accurate and up-to-date information listed on the business profile. Make sure the company’s name, address, and phone number are correct and consistent across all directories. Upload high-quality photos of your business’ products and services and write a detailed description of the offerings. Add customer reviews and ratings, respond to customer reviews and questions promptly and claim your business listing on other directories, such as Yelp and Bing Places for Business.
If listing your online business on Google sounds complicated, reach out to us. We understand the importance of website rankings on search engines and in local search results. Optimisation of a business profile on Google Maps and other directories greatly affects the rankings. Let us handle all aspects of the optimisation strategy from updating the profile information to writing engaging content that will convince customers to visit your company’s website.
