A strong online presence is essential for local businesses looking to attract nearby customers. One of the most effective ways to boost local business visibility and increase footfall is by optimizing your Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business). When properly optimized, your profile can significantly enhance your local SEO, helping your business stand out in location-based searches and driving more customers through your doors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most out of your Google Business Profile and get your business seen by more local customers.
Claim and Verify Your Google Business Profile
- The first step in optimizing your Google Business Profile is to ensure you’ve claimed it via Google My Business account. If you haven’t already:
- Search for your business on Google.
- Click on “Own this business?” if the profile hasn’t been claimed.
- Follow the verification process using a Google My Business free setup, which typically involves receiving a postcard or phone call from Google with a verification code.
Accurate and Complete Business Information
- One of the most important things you can do for local SEO is to keep your Google business page information accurate and up-to-date. This includes:
- Business name (exactly as it appears on your signage and branding).
- Address and service areas (if applicable).
- Phone number with the correct area code.
- Business hours (including holidays or special hours).
- Website URL and appointment links. (if available)
Select the Right Categories for Your Business
Choosing the correct primary and secondary categories for your business is essential for improving visibility in Google My Business rankings. These categories help Google understand what your business offers, improving your chances of appearing in relevant searches. Be specific, but avoid overloading with irrelevant categories.
For example, “We are a family-run Indian restaurant offering authentic Indian Meals and snacks, conveniently located in Bengaluru, India.” This tells both Google and customers what you do and where you are, helping you appear in local search results.
Add Eye-Catching Photos
Photos are essential for engaging potential customers and showcasing your business. According to Google My Business insights, businesses with high-quality photos get more customer engagement. Add images of your storefront, products, services, and team to make your business feel more inviting. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
Get and Manage Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can be the deciding factor for many potential customers, and they’re also a big part of Google’s local ranking algorithm. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews and respond to them—whether they’re positive or negative. Engaging with reviews shows that you care about customer feedback and helps build trust.
Pro Tip: Use a Google My Business ranking checker to see how your reviews are impacting your local SEO.
Add Products and Services to Your Profile
Google allows businesses to list their products and services directly on their profile, which is a great way to give potential customers a snapshot of what you offer. Include descriptions and prices where applicable.Regularly update this section with new arrivals, seasonal promotions, or top-selling products to keep things interesting.
Use Google Posts to Share Updates
Google Posts allow you to share announcements, promotions, or events directly on your profile. Think of it as free advertising space on your Google business page. Posts remain live for seven days, so it’s a good idea to keep this section updated regularly. Use it to showcase limited-time offers or highlight new services.
Keep Track of Insights and Analytics
Google provides valuable insights into how customers are interacting with your profile. Metrics such as the number of profile views, how many people requested directions, or clicked through to your website can help you understand what’s working and where you need to improve. By monitoring your Google Business Profile insights, you’ll be better equipped to optimize your local SEO strategy.
Keep Your Profile Active and Updated
Your Google Business Profile requires regular updates to stay relevant and competitive. Whether you’re adding new promotions, business hours, or photos, keeping your profile fresh ensures that it performs well in local search results. The more active and updated your profile is, the better it will perform.
Pro Tip: Schedule regular updates and use a Google My Business ranking checker to monitor your progress.
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to improve your local SEO and attract more customers. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll enhance your business’s online presence, rank higher in Google’s local search results, and ultimately drive more footfall to your physical store.
Need help getting your Google Business Profile in top results? Contact DashLoc for expert guidance on boosting your hyperlocal visibility and driving more customers to your business!