In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. One powerful tool that can help you boost your online visibility and attract local customers is Google My Business. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a Google My Business profile from start to finish, and provide you with valuable tips and best practices along the way.
1. Understanding Google My Business
Google My Business is a free online platform offered by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across various Google products, including Google Search and Google Maps. It serves as a business listing directory, providing essential information about your business, such as your address, phone number, website, hours of operation, and customer reviews. By creating a GMB profile, you can ensure that potential customers find accurate and up-to-date information about your business when they search for relevant products or services.
2. Setting up Your Google My Business Profile
- To set up your Google My Business Listing, you first need to create a Google account (if you don’t already have one).
- From there, navigate to the Google My Business dashboard and click “create a profile”. The platform will then prompt you to enter basic business information (name, address, phone number), select the appropriate business category, and then verify your business (via mail, phone, or email).
- Once your listing is verified, it will become public on Google.
3. Optimizing Your Google My Business Profile
When filling out your business information, be sure to highlight the most important and unique parts of your business!
- Add a compelling business description that is clear.
- Upload high-quality photos and videos so viewers know what to expect at your business.
- Additionally, add any special hours to your listings so if you are closing early or closed for holidays, your business hours will be adjusted accordingly.
4. Boosting Local SEO with Google My Business
As you know, GMB Listings will show up on Google Search and Google Maps. By optimizing your profile for local search, you’ll reach new customers in your area! Include relevant keywords in your profile information where applicable.
Encourage your customers to leave reviews, so that other potential customers will have a great idea of what it is like to work with your business. Be sure to respond to customer reviews and feedback!
5. Monitoring and Managing Your Google My Business Profile
The GMB platform makes it very easy to keep your business information up to date through their online dashboard or through the Google Maps mobile app! Regularly updating business information will ensure your profile remains visible and your business is easy to contact. Be sure to address and resolve customer concerns promptly as customer questions and answers are visible to the public. Additionally, monitoring and responding to customer reviews will help build your business reputation and credibility.
A well-optimized Google My Business profile can significantly impact your online visibility, customer engagement, and ultimately, your business’s success. By following the steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create a compelling Google My Business profile that stands out from the competition and drives more customers to your doorstep. Still not sure where to get started? Points Group is here to help! Contact us today.
