Setting Up and Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Google Business Profiles (GBP), previously known as Google My Business, is one of the simplest and most powerful tools to improve online visibility and local search engine optimization for small businesses. The overall strength of a business's GBP makes up 25% of Google's local search algorithm.
The days of physical directories and Yellow Pages are long over. There are over three billion local intent searches per day on Google. Google has become the go-to source when people need local information.
What is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile is a free listing on Google that businesses can claim. You can think of them like a free, highly-visible landing page. Once claimed, these profiles feature all of the business’s relevant information—hours, location, contact info, photos, reviews, and even posts.
We recommend reading Google’s How-To guide to getting started. (link to support article)
Any info featured on your Google Business Profile will be your online presence across the entire Google platform. Taking advantage of a Google Business Profile allows you to tailor your digital impression to your customers. Google holds 92% of the search engine market share for the world—that is about 4.3 billion users. Don’t miss out on visibility for your small business.
How to Claim a Google Business Profile
Google will often create a Google business profile (GBP) for your business automatically if you have a website. Search your business’s name in Google, if a GBP appears then you can move on to claiming it by clicking ‘Claim Business.’ You can also search your businesses name in business.google.com/add if nothing shows up during a normal search.
You’ll need to log into the Google account and enter the address you want associated with your business before claiming. Once claimed, Google will mail a secret code to the address provided to confirm that you are, in fact, really associated with the business.
How to Create a Google Business Profile
If your business has no web presence at all, you’ll likely have to create your Google business profile (GBP) from scratch. Create your Google business profile by logging into business.google.com with the Google account you want associated with your business.
Next, click ‘create profile’ and follow the prompts to create your profile! For more in depth instructions, visit Google’s how-to guide.
Creating/claiming your business’s Google Business Profile is a simple step that has a huge impact on your local search engine optimization and online visibility—directly impacting your bottom line.
Why Are Google Business Profiles Important?
Google Business Profiles offer business owners posts, photos, descriptions, FAQs, chat, and most importantly—reviews. 81% of consumers use Google to evaluate local businesses based on reviews.
When you claim your business on Google it adds an extra layer of trust and credibility to your reputation. Additionally, Google Business Profiles are directly linked to Google Maps, giving customers an instant way to find you.
Additionally, Completed Google Business Profiles are 7 times more likely to get clicks than unfinished profiles.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile (GBP)
Many businesses will claim and set up a Google Business Profile (GBP) and never touch it again—a big mistake. Google business Profiles make up roughly 25% of your businesses local SEO optimization score.
In fact, Google Business Profiles are often a customer’s first experience with a local business.
Key GBP optimization actions include:
- Posting
- Writing keyword rich service descriptions
- Soliciting and replying to reviews
Still, Google’s constant evolution makes it a challenging organization to keep up with. JTech’s team of local SEO experts have spent years tracking and adapting to Google. We’re excited to apply that expertise to optimizing your Google Business Profile—maximizing your online presence.
How Optimize for Google Map Pack With Your GBP
Businesses need a Google Business Profile to appear in search results for Google maps.
Google Business Profiles that are complete, accurate, and well-maintained are more likely to appear in searches on Google Maps and, by extension, in the Google Map Pack during normal Google searches.
How JTech Can Help
JTech’s team of Google experts spend their time staying up to date on the best practices so you don’t have to. We’ll help you claim, complete and maintain your Google Business Profile to maximize local results for your small business.
If you’re too busy to optimize your Google Business Profile for local impact, we would love to help! Reach out to our full-service team of GBP and search engine optimization (SEO) experts for a Google Business Profile consultation.