Google Business Profile Optimization: Increase More Sales

This blog will provide you with a deep understanding of Google Business Profile Optimization, previously known as Google My Business.

Why is Google Business Profile SEO Important for Your Business?

Here are ten essential benefits that you will get through Google Business Profile local SEO:

1. Your customers can leave positive or negative feedback about your business.
2. Google users can save time and effort while searching for a nearby, relevant business.
3. Your customers can follow your business and make a list for future use.
4. Booking an appointment takes only a couple of minutes.
5. You can display images and offers to users.
6. Users can easily compare the detailed features of your business to others.
7. The name, address, and phone number (NAP) of your business can be found at a glance.
8. You can invite people to message you directly or chat with you.
9. People can ask questions, and anyone can answer them.
10. People can check the opening and closing hours of your working days.

How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

1. Creation of the GBP Account

• Explore New Features: Always explore the newest features of Google Business Profile related to your business’s niche.
• Use UTM Links: Utilize Urchin Tracking Module (UTM) links to learn about the performance of your listing.
• Accurate Information: Provide 100% accurate and verifiable details of the services and products you offer.
• Customer Support: Operate your GBP account as a customer support channel to answer questions by allowing people to message and call you.
• Claim Short Name: Claim the short name of your GBP account.
• Appointment Booking: Allow customers to book appointments through a zero-click process without relying on third-party websites.
• Update Google Posts: Keep your Google posts updated with information, including business events, special offers, and working hours.
• Engage with Reviews: Create, analyze, and reply promptly to all customer reviews.
• Post Relevant Images: Regularly upload relevant local images.
• Relevant Categories: Ensure the category and subcategory of your listing are accurate.
• Detailed Description: Write an engaging business description with targeted keywords.
• Correct NAP Information: Double-check and ensure that your name, address, and phone number are 100% correct and verifiable.

2. Verification of Your GBP Account

Google will verify your GBP account after you create it. They will send a card with a verification code to your business address within five working days. Your listing will not be displayed to the public until the verification process is complete. After successful verification, you can access customer reviews, analytics, and insights, which will help your business rank higher in local searches.

3. Optimization and Improvement of Your GBP Account

• Eliminate Duplicate Listings: Search for and replace any duplicate listings immediately. Having multiple listings for the same business can negatively affect your rankings.
  • Merging Listings: Before merging duplicate listings, ensure you understand Google’s guidelines, especially if both listings have customer reviews. You may need to unverify one listing to merge them.
  • Claim Ownership: If you are not the owner of a listing, you must first claim it. Once you control and own the listing, you can merge it.
• Upload Relevant Images: Use these six tips for uploading images:
  • Include images of dining areas and food if you run a hospitality or event management business.
  • Upload at least three images of your staff members.
  • Include at least one image of the central area of your business, such as a reception or entrance.
  • Regularly update images of your products or services.
  • Add at least three images of the interior area of your workplace.
  • Add three images of the exterior area taken from different angles.
• Detailed Service Descriptions: You can write up to 750 characters in the description box. Make the first 250 characters engaging and detailed, as they create the first impression. Ensure all profile sections are filled with accurate information.
  • Keywords: Add relevant keywords without overusing them to maintain good SEO practices.
  • Consistent Information: Ensure consistency in the address and business name across all platforms to avoid credibility issues with Google.
• Select the Correct Category: Choose a relevant category and subcategory for your business to avoid confusion. Google offers over 4,000 categories and subcategories, ensuring your business fits into at least one.

4. Maintenance of Your GBP Account

• Use Latest Features: Always use the latest features of GBP.
• Reply Promptly: Respond to customer messages within 24 hours.
• Provide Clear Answers: Give detailed and straightforward answers to customer questions.
• Encourage Feedback: Request customers to leave feedback and respond to them instantly.
• Regular Image Updates: Upload images weekly.
• Frequent Posts: Publish and update posts frequently, keeping these tips in mind:
  • Use active voice.
  • Attach high-resolution images.
  • Ensure background color and size are suitable for mobile users.
  • Add a CTA button.
  • Write up to 300 words, but note that only 60-70 characters will be displayed after adding the CTA button.

5. Claim Your GBP Listing

Follow these steps to claim your GBP listing:

• Log in and open Google Maps.
• Use the search bar to find your business name.
• If your business appears in the results, select it.
• Choose “Claim this business.”
• Select the verification method and follow the steps provided.

6. Track Progress Through GBP Insights

Regularly track these metrics using GBP Insights:

• Total number of customer phone calls and their duration.
• Location of your regular customers.
• Actions taken by website visitors (viewing images, following directions, reviewing products, asking questions, etc.).
• How customers discover your location (map or search results).
• Whether customers contact you through directories or direct Google search.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do GBP posts help SEO? Yes, millions of potential customers search for services, products, or experiences daily. Optimizing your Google Business Profile ensures your business is displayed to a relevant audience.

2. What is the importance of GBP? Google Business Profile Optimization is essential for gaining and retaining regular customers long-term.

3. How do you rank your local business on Google results? Listing your business in local directories and maps exposes it to a targeted audience, improving your local SEO.

4. Is GBP user-friendly? Google Business Profile is a free, user-friendly tool that enhances your brand exposure.

5. What is the maximum file size for GBP? The maximum file size for uploads is 75 MB.

Conclusion

To conclude, here are the six steps to optimizing your business through GBP:

1. Create Your Account: Provide 100% accurate information about your business.
2. Verify Your Account: This process takes five working days.
3. Optimize Your Account: Remove duplicate listings, write engaging descriptions, and select relevant categories.
4. Maintain Your Account: Respond to messages and reviews promptly.
5. Claim Your Listing: Follow the steps to claim your GBP listing.
6. Track Results: Use GBP Insights to measure the effectiveness of your efforts.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, leave a comment below—we would love to hear from you.