Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Google Business Profile in 2022
Did you know Google My Business (GMB) is now called Google Business Profile (GBP)?
Think about this for a minute … the last time you called a business, how did you look up their number to call them? If you are like me you searched the business, found their Google Business Profile, you checked to see if they were open, then you used the call button on the profile to phone them. Online searches have forever changed the way we interact with businesses. Today, all local businesses need to have a Google Business Profile
With the name change to Google Business Profile in 2022 they’ve added some new business drivers as well. Now you can easily keep your customers and prospective customers up-to-date by sharing “What’s New” or special “Offers” your business is running.
In your Google Profile you can add photos, list your products and services. Make your profile as robust as possible, remembering that Google can search images now too!
Google Images is the most comprehensive Image Search on the web.
Be sure to add your website link as well to drive prospective customers to your website for more information.
Aren’t sure if your business has a Google Business Profile? Google has made it easier to find your profile now too. Simply login to your Google account (the one the business would be attached to). Then in the Google Search Bar type “my business” …. and your Google Business Profile will pop up. It’s that easy!
Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Google Business Profile in 2022
Here they are, 5 ways to optimize your Google Business Profile in 2022. Watch the video below and be sure to follow us on You Tube for more ways to grow your business online.
- Business Name and Category: Be sure you register your exact business name as is registered on your business license. Choose the Category that best represents the business you operate. (TIP: if unsure which category to choose, search around for some of your competitors, especially those that show up in the top 3-6 spots in the Google Map area in your searches. What categories are they using?) After your business is verified and all set up, you can add a few extra categories and I recommend you do that.
- Service Area and Your Services: In order to get your business verified for a Google Business Profile you must provide a mailing address that is connected to your business. However, you do not need to make that address public in your profile. You can add a Service Area instead…. it will provide a triangle around the region your business serves. This is most appropriate for service related businesses that visit the customer rather than having the customer visit their business location. (for an example search: “519Web Kincardine Ontario” and you will see a service area showing in my map.)
- Current Hours of Operation: I don’t know about you but I search Google often to see if a business is open. I would say hours of operation is one of the most used tools in Google Business Profile, so be sure to add hours of operation and remember to show your business as closed for the holidays you observe. Think about this … the last time you called a business, how did you call them? If you are like me, you searched the business and used the CALL BUTTON on their GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE. Be sure to keep your hours of operation current and up to date on your profile.
- Add Photos and Create Your First Post: Adding photos will make your Google Business Profile more complete and user friendly. Prospective customers like to get more familiar with your business and your photos and images will help. Add posts about products and services, remember all of these will help with online searches.
- Customer Reviews: Lastly, reviews matter! Encourage your customers to leave reviews. We all read reviews before making a purchase so most customers understand the importance of leaving a review. Reviews will also help your search rankings.
Don’t hesitate, get your Google Business Profile started today (if you don’t already have one). And, if you already have a GBP how about adding a new post, some photos or services.
If your business could use some help with digital marketing, especially:
- social media posts (including your Google Business Profile);
- building a list and customer communications (by email or text);
- collecting and monitoring reviews; and
- SEO done for you, for your website
we’d love to help you grow your business online. We have affordable rates and packages for almost any level of involvement … from complete done for you packages, to 50/50 split (some things done for you and some things left for you to do in-house).
Contact Deborah@519web.com to discuss the best digital marketing strategy for your business.
Follow our YouTube Channel … for more small business tips and tricks to help you grow your business online.
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Deborah Clarke owns 519Web, PinPoint Local in Kincardine, Ontario. With a professional background in marketing, business development and accounting, her passion (since 2014) is helping small businesses grow online.
But, if the lake is calm, she’s likely to be out on the water. No worries though, her team will still be hard at work for you!
519Web is your local Ontario resource to allow you to do more of the things you enjoy, and less of the digital marketing tasks that overwhelm you. Let’s talk soon! deborah@519web.com
Clients Served in Huron, Perth, Grey and Bruce Counties … and throughout Ontario.
