For small businesses, Google Business Profile (GBP, formally “Google My Business”) is a powerful tool that can help you attract local customers and grow your online presence. By optimizing your GBP, you increase your chances of showing up in local search results and Google Maps—ultimately leading to more visibility and business. Follow these four basic tips to elevate your small business using Google Business Profile!
1. Complete and Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Make Sure Your Information is Accurate and Consistent
A well-optimized GPB profile starts with accurate, complete information. Make sure that your business name, address, phone number (NAP), website URL, and operating hours are all correct and consistent across the internet. This builds trust with customers and helps improve your local SEO rankings. Don’t forget to update them if they change!
Use Keywords in Your Business Description
Craft a compelling business description that includes relevant keywords your potential customers might be searching for. Rather than stuffing keywords, focus on clearly communicating what makes your business unique and how you can serve your local community.
Add High-Quality Photos
Did you know that businesses with photos typically get more clicks to their websites and more requests for directions? High-quality photos of your storefront, interior, products, and team can give potential customers a glimpse of what to expect, making them more likely to choose you over your competitors.
2. Encourage and Manage Customer Reviews
Ask for Reviews from Happy Customers
Real customer reviews build the “Know, Like, and Trust” factor for your business. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile by making the process easy. This can be done through in-person requests, emails, QR codes, or sharing a direct link to your review page. (You can also have them leave reviews on your WhirLocal profile)!
Respond to Reviews Thoughtfully
Always engage with your customers by responding to reviews, whether they’re positive or negative. Personalized responses show that you care about their feedback and about providing great customer service. A thoughtful, polite response to a negative review can turn things around and demonstrate your commitment to customer satisfaction.
3. Share Updates and Promotions with Google Posts
Keep Your Audience Informed
Google Posts is a great way to keep your audience updated on special promotions, new products, events, or any other news. These updates show up on your Google Business Profile, giving you a direct line of communication with local customers. Post new content regularly to stay relevant and show that your business has a pulse.
Use Engaging Graphics and Clear Calls to Action (CTAs)
Each post should feature a high-quality photo (or graphic) and a clear call-to-action (CTA) to prompt customers to take action, whether that’s visiting your website, calling your business, or claiming a special offer.
4. Leverage Google Business Profile Insights
Monitor How Customers Are Finding You
GBP’s insights provide valuable data about how customers are finding your business, what search queries they’re using, and what actions they take after viewing your profile. Analyzing this data can help you figure out which optimizations are working and what could be improved.
Analyze Customer Behavior
Take note of how customers are interacting with your GBP—whether they’re visiting your website, requesting directions, or calling your business. This information allows you to refine your marketing efforts and better meet customer needs.
Key Takeaway
Optimizing your Google Business Profile is one of the most effective ways to increase your small business’s visibility and attract more local customers. By completing your profile, gathering and responding to reviews, sharing posts, and using insights, you can create a strong online presence that draws in more local traffic and builds lasting customer relationships.
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