Google Business Profile
Optimise Google for your business
Google offers a listings service vital for local businesses, optimised with location (map and address), opening hours, website link etc.
Each business should have control over its listing and ensure that it is updated. You can set up a listing for a new business at the link, or if you find one already online, you can claim it. Verification is in the form of a postcard mailed to you by Google, with a PIN to unlock the listing.
Once you have access you will be able to use the Control Panel to make any changes to your listing and invite colleagues to also have access. Google Business profiles are accessed via your Google Account which may also include Google Analytics etc.
Ensure Control of your Listing
As with all digital accounts, the business owner should have control over them, so be careful about who has access as it can be challenging to unravel access problems.
We can connect Google Business Profiles for most of the websites we create, allowing user information to update on the listing and the website simultaneously.
Update your listing
All the information must be correct on the Google listing, as this could be a fundamental way for customers to find you. In addition, there is a category option for your business that is essential. For example, say you're a photographer and have listed your business type as such, then you will come up in Google searches for 'photographer near me' or by photographer and a location.
Google Reviews
There is the opportunity for customers to leave reviews, and these are gold. Using the same example for 'Photographer near me', who will you instinctively choose, the one with 40 x 5 Star reviews, or the one with none? You will need to have a strategy for collecting customer reviews if only to protect yourself from a 'rogue' or 'unfair' one-star review, which on its own will make your business look terrible.
Next Steps
So here is the summary of actions for getting the most out of your Google Business Profile.
Make sure you have admin rights and full control of your listing
Ensure hours, location, website link etc. are all up to date
Ensure category of business up to date
Post some news share a photo from the control panel as this shows that it is fresh and up to date
Add your business hours and change them whenever they change
Encourage customers to write a review
About
Based in Loch Lomond, Paul Saunders Marketing works with clients throughout Scotland, providing marketing consultancy and creative digital media for businesses, charities and organisations of all sizes.
Services include marketing, commercial photography, brand design, website design, video production and social media, events & PR. Call Paul on 01360 661029 or get in touch via the contact page to find out more.
I hope you have found this blog helpful! If you would like any advice about Google Business Profile listings please get in touch.