How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile [6 tips]
Your Google Business Profile (previously called Google My Business) gives customers a quick, no-click glance into your products and services. Does your profile tell the right story to visitors while also making Google happy?
Make sure your business information matches your website
Does your business name, address, and phone number match exactly to what’s on your website? Double-check your footer, contact page(s), and appointment pages.
When this information is identical in both places, Google is happy. When it’s inconsistent, Google gets confused. And you don’t want to confuse Google.
Select the most relevant primary category
Which business category is right for you? The one that’s most relevant. If you’re having a hard time deciding, search for your highest-ranking competitors and check which category they use. You’ll probably want to use the same one.
Remember that you can (and should) include more specific secondary categories too.
Need to make a change? Here’s how to change your primary Google Business Profile category.
Keep your hours updated
Let’s say there was a global pandemic and your business hours vary wildly from month to month.
Be sure to let customers know when you’re open and if you have any special hours coming up for holidays or special events:
Log in and go to Info
Scroll to Hours
Click the pencil icon next to the section you’d like to edit
Request reviews the easy way
You probably know that reviews are a helpful way to build trust with current and potential clients, but did you know that Google scans reviews for keywords?
Search for a business and look through reviews—what terms do you see in bold? In most cases, those terms relate to that business’ products or services. Google’s trying to help you quickly find reviews most helpful to your search.
So how do you get reviews?
The easy way is to create a “Profile short name” and send customers to your unique link:
Log in and go to Info
Find “Profile short name” (next to the @ symbol, under your phone number)
Click the pencil icon
Type your desired short name (you can change it 3 times per year)
Click Apply
Once Google approves your name, send your customers a link with your short name included, like this: g.page/yournamehere/review.
For example, here’s my review link: https://g.page/bigpicturemarketing/review
Maximize your “From the business” section
View your page as a potential customer would on Google and scroll to the bottom. What do you see under “From [your business name]?” Most people type a sentence or two and call it good.
But this field provides a major opportunity to add keywords, describe products or services in detail, and give customers a sense of your brand. You’ve got 750 characters here—go for it!
Post more photos
I know, I know—another platform to post to?! Yes! Photos on your Google Business Profile encourage visitors to stay longer and quickly demonstrate who you are and what you’re about.
Make sure your photos are high quality and provide a variety of shots depicting your team, products, services, and the space you work in. And bonus: you can post photos already on your website or other social accounts.
Aim for at least one post per week to show customers you’re staying active.
Optimize your page today
Optimizing your Google Business Profile makes it easy for Google to rank your business and for customers to get the information they need.
