3 Simple Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Google Business Profile Listing
Creating and maintaining a Google Business Profile doesn’t have to be a heavy lift.
A Google Business Profile, (formerly Google My Business) is a way to provide a “storefront” online when someone searches for your business on Google. The reason these profiles are so popular, not to mention, essential, is because they’re free and allow your company to make a great first impression for potential customers. But if this is feeling like yet another task to add to your never-ending to-do list, don’t fret! With these low-maintenance tips, you can get the most out of your listing without adding much to your already heavy workload.
Consistency Over Everything
This might be the single most important detail. Check-in regularly just to ensure everything listed is still accurate. Has your office relocated since the pandemic? Or has your company rebranded? What else has changed recently?
Make sure all of that is updated. Also, make sure what you’ve entered into your Google Business Profile matches the information you’re putting on your social media and website to the exact detail. Meaning, don’t put “Suite 500” on one contact listing and then “#500” on your GBP. Even the particulars make a difference.
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Utilize Your Aesthetically-Pleasing Assets
Don’t let the hard work of your creative team go to waste. While we like to think we don’t judge a book by its cover, we’re human, and it happens. When updating your GBP listing, don’t throw random images of your office up there.
This is a space to showcase your brand. Utilize your company’s best assets and take a few extra moments to find at least three quality images. These can be professionally-taken photos, or poke around in the company server for brand assets that would make a good fit on your GBP as well.
If you’ve searched endlessly with no luck, Google has (free!) marketing kits available to make your profile look professional and more creative.
Respond to Reviews
Speaking of first impressions, this is where those interested in your business are going to get a glance at how you interact with your customers–and how they felt about your services. Responding to customer reviews instantly shows visitors of your “online store” that you take customer feedback seriously and care about giving them the best experience possible.
If you see a less-than-five-star rating, don’t panic! It’s not the end-all, be-all for your company. In fact, our own customers have great advice when it comes to negative reviews.
Why Does This Matter?
Like the rest of our marketing initiatives, everything is connected so your efforts will pay off. Keep in mind that Google incorporates social media and other signals into its rankings, so make sure you link all of your social media profiles and website to your GBP and vice versa. Keeping and maintaining a GBP will also help improve your local SEO, all while contributing to your brand’s credibility and visibility.
About the author
Rebecca helps keep all things content running at UpCity. Prior to joining, she was a magazine editor at an agency for several award-winning publications based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and a content specialist for several brands within the SMB/B2B landscape. She also has significant experience in digital content creation, most notably targeting hunters and anglers (despite being a vegetarian) during her time at Gander Outdoors. Rebecca has also worked in PR, covering a diverse terrain of products and events, including the promotion of local musicians and music festivals and the latest craft beer offerings from local breweries.
