Google Business Profiles
Google Business Profile Management in 2023
A Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most important tools a local business can implement in 2023, and its free for business owners to implement. While many businesses opt for a Local SEO Service to help manage and improve the performance of their profile, it is not necessary in all circumstances.
A broad range of industries can take advantage of this feature from Lawyers, doctors, chiropractors, restaurants, plumbers just to name a few. If you’re a local business with a real-world presence, either at your location or service customers at their location, you can likely qualify for this feature.
Not only does this help you connect with potential and current customers, but they also provide a detailed view of your company’s information. Making it even more important in 2023, to have and manage your Google business profile correctly.
In this article, we'll discuss the most important things you need to know about Google Business Profiles to stay ahead of the competition.
Over the last several months we have seen a big update with Google and their business profile interface. Now a business must manage their profile directly on search, while signed in. While many Local SEO providers have expressed their dislike for the update, all the features remain available to the users and for a single location user this interface tends to make things easier.
The importance of having a Google Business Profile
Having a Google Business Profile is highly beneficial for SEO purposes and a business’s overall visibility. With about 30% of clicks going to the top 3 listings in the Local Pack (google business profile map listings). Organic rankings are still important and garner around 40-50% of the clicks on a search results page.
A well-managed business profile will help you rank higher in organic search engine results, which translates to more organic traffic and leads. In addition, your business can be found faster when someone is looking for a specific product or service.
Lastly, having a Google business profile gives you credibility and allows potential customers to contact you directly through the platform's integrated features.
How to Get Started with Creating your Google Business Profile?
To get started with setting up your business online, first create a profile on Google by searching Google Business Profile in their search bar and following through to their website link.
They provide a simple step by step process, make sure you fill in your information accurately and completely. Google will require a verification and offers several methods for a business owner to do so.
This will allow you to easily manage your business account and track important metrics like customer reviews, google search results, and social media engagement.
Next, add photos of your storefront, product pages, and other important website pages onto your profile. This will help potential customers visualize what they're buying and make a more informed decision when making a purchase.
Make sure all the information in your profile is accurate, complete, and up to date to give customers the best possible experience when looking for your business online.
Tips on Managing and Updating your Google Business Profile:
You can take a few key steps to manage and update your Google business profile effectively.
First and foremost, make sure your profile is verified and kept current with the latest information. This includes everything from your website, blog, contact info, product releases, customer appreciations, service spotlights and more.
When you update your profile, use correct grammar and spelling, as Google considers these things when ranking you higher in search results.
You can also add videos, under 30 seconds, to help promote your business and better connect with potential customers. Plus, adding video content will help create an engaging customer experience that can result in more sales.
Once in awhile your profile may come under scrutiny either justly or from questionable actors online trying to cause havoc on your listing, and Google might "suspend" your profile until you address the concerns. If everything with your profile is within their policies, it is a simple fix by filling out their provided form.
The GBP team will email you and notify you of the appropriate steps to take. You can also research more about what to do, Google Business Profile Help.
How can I Make Sure my Google Business Profile is Updated and Current?
When you are signed in to your google account, search for your business name. This will bring up a results page like the one shown. As you can see you have several options available right there for you to make quick edits, view KPI’s, make updates and manage reviews.
- Manage your company profile settings: You can control which users have access to your company details, what types of content they see on your page, and how often the page is updated.
- Update product pages: Add new images, descriptions, prices, and SKUs, as well as make any necessary changes to shipping times or policies.
- Update website content: Make sure all the relevant pages on your site are included like homepage / About Us / Team / Services, include any recent industry news articles that pertain to you or your business, and add social media links where applicable.
What are some Best Practices for Creating and Managing a Google Business Profile?
When it comes to creating and managing a Google Business Profile, one of the best practices is to use the correct account type if you own a business and register for a Google Business Profile using that account.
After your profile is created, make sure to update it regularly with the latest information about your business. This way, you can showcase the best representations of your business and services in a search engine results page (SERP) listing.
Additionally, be sure to include important terms (keywords) in the title and summary of your profile page so that search engines will find your profile and display results related to what you have listed.
Including high-quality images of your business environment, products, or services, and add descriptions that will help visitors understand what they are seeing.
Be engaging through content updates such as posts to show the public what’s new or about current sales or events.
Through all your efforts creating content and publishing it on your Google Business Profile, make sure and create CTA and offer visitors more information to explore.
How to Measure the Success of Your Google Business Profile?
Google is one of the most popular search engines in the world, and it's no surprise that many businesses use Google to find customers. However, measuring the success of your Google Business Profile can take time and effort. After all, what constitutes a successful profile?
One common measure of success is page views. This refers to how often people visit your website or blog from a search engine result page (SERP). Pageviews are useful because they indicate how well you're converting visitors into customers.
However, pageviews are just one metric you should focus on when measuring your Google Business Profile.
It would help if you also considered other metrics such as calls generated, messages, bookings, directions, and website clicks, all without any paid advertising.
These metrics are available for each profile under their performance tab and are an easy way to gauge your profiles success.
Another great way is to hire a Local SEO Agency to manage and report on your Google Business Profile, Website and more…
What should I put in my Business Profile on Google?
There's no doubt that a strong and well-crafted Business Profile is key in terms of online visibility. On Google, your profile represents your business - and you should ensure it reflects your brand's identity as seen in the real world. Remember not all businesses are eligible for a GBP, as its is focused on local businesses with a real-world presence. Make sure and review their policies and adhere to their policies.
Here are some tips for constructing an effective Business Profile on Google:
● Highlight essential info and show what makes your business unique on your Business Profile. Include information like phone number, operating hours, health & safety measures, etc., so customers know what to expect.
● Share photos (and other visual content), including a logo or photo of yourself or someone important in the company's history. This will help customers get to know you and feel confident about doing business with you.
● Write concise, informative descriptions that focus on specific aspects of your business, not just product categories or services offered. This will ensure that customers can quickly understand what they need from you and find relevant reviews helpful when making decisions about whether to go ahead with a purchase
How do I optimize my Google Business Profile 2023?
● Fully populate your profile.
● Fill in your business description.
● Keep your hours updated.
● Choose the right business categories.
● Select all applicable attributes.
● Verify your location or service area
● Connect profile with website (visa-versa).
● Stay active
● Highlight key services
● Local matters
The importance of having a solid Google Business Profile cannot be stressed enough. The profile plays a vital role in helping you get to the first page and acquire more customers.
At Breakthrough Local SEO, we offer all the necessary support to create and manage your profile from scratch. Call us at 503-382-8911, or visit our website our home page to find out more.
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