What is Google Business and how to optimise it

Google Business is the perfect opportunity for greater visibility and being the first choice over your competitors. For the best results from your profile you will also need to optimise it, here are a few tips to get the most out of your Google Business profile.

What is Google Business?

When you google a business, often their information pops up on the side with contact details, where they are, and reviews. This is a Google Business profile. These profiles are a free tool to increase your visibility online. You can provide details and photos of your business, that show up in Google Searches and Google Maps.

Why do I need Google Business?

Google is the worlds most visited site. It is the perfect opportunity to attract new customers and also ensure your current customers can find your business. When it comes to people searching for local businesses and key words relating to your business, if you want to be the first choice, you need to be seen before your competition.

Provide your business's information

Your Google Business profile contains your contact information, business hours, and other essential details. The more information the better. But, make sure this information across your online presence because Google can detect all of your other information, and if it is inconsistent, Google won't trust you. Write a description about your offering and what makes you different from the rest.

Build rapport and trust

Google Business profiles also contain reviews. These are the perfect way to gain your potential customers trust and show you do a good job. Customers have the opportunity to leave five star ratings, in depth details, and images.

How to optimise my Google Business account?

Some business owners have created their Google Business Profile which is a great first step, but, this doesn't mean you can control it. You need to claim ownership by creating a Google My Business account to get the most out of your Google Business profile. Once you have got ownership you have full control over your businesses information so go for gold! Instead of spending thousands on ads, you can optimise your Google Business profile for free.  

Imagery

Images help to tell a story. When online, people will often scroll past words no matter how well they are written, because imagery is so much more eye-catching. Choose your images to help reflect your message and business's personality. One important thing to note, quality imagery is better than quantity, again, these help to build your customers trust.

SEO

Make sure to incorporate key words into your Google Business profile so Google will prioritise your business in searches. Include your key words in answers to questions, responses to reviews, and any posts you make.

Get Reviews

The information your previous customers leave helps future customers make their choice. Think about it, when you're deciding which fish and chip shop to go with do you pick the one with 2 reviews or the one with 138 reviews? The same goes for your business.

Engage

Responding to your Google reviews is also super important, especially if they aren't so good. Leaving a response shows you're acknowledging the time your customer has taken to leave this review and you appreciate this customer. The customer will feel like you want to know what they have to say and that you care about them having a positive experience.  

Other ways to engage with your audience is to enable questions and activate direct messaging. Providing answers to frequently asked questions may be the deciding matter between you and your competition – if a customer's query or concern is answered they will feel more confident choosing you.  

Google Business Posting

To increase your imagery, key word scores, and presence you can post to your Google Business profile. It's very similar to posting on social media, you have an image and a caption. You can share more about your business like your services or products, the office, your employees, the options are endless.

With a better understanding of Google Business and how to use it to your benefit, you can see how important it is. Get your account up and running so you can top your competition and attract more customers.

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