How to Use Google Business Profile to Promote Your Company: 6 Crucial Questions Answered

1. Why You Absolutely Need a Google Business Profile
2. How to Set Up a Google Business Profile
3. How to Link Your Google Business Profile
4. How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile
5. Factors Impacting Your Google Business Profile Ranking
6. How to Contact Google Support

If your brand doesn’t have a Google Business Profile, you’re missing out on a significant opportunity to market your company online. Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a powerful, free tool that can help you improve your search engine ranking on Google, build trust with your audience, and market your products or services. This guide will teach you how to set up and maximize your Google Business Profile.

1. Why You Absolutely Need a Google Business Profile

A Google Business Profile contains essential information about your company, such as your physical address, phone number, operating hours, photos, and reviews. Your profile can be displayed on Google in various ways:

• Information card to the right of search results
• Pin in Google Maps
• Local Pack section at the top of organic search results

Here’s how you can make the most of your Google Business Profile:

• Increase visibility: Over 80% of users search for local businesses online. Your profile ensures potential customers have all the key details about your business, such as operating hours, services, and contact information.
• Build trust: Accurate and up-to-date information helps you build strong customer relationships. Research shows that customers are 70% more likely to visit businesses with a Google Business Profile.
• Boost search ranking: A Google Business Profile significantly improves your company’s visibility in Google search results, especially for location-based queries like “vet clinic New York” or “vegetarian café Madrid.”

2. How to Set Up a Google Business Profile

To get your business on Google Business Profile, follow these steps:

1. Log in: Sign in to your Google account. If you don’t have one, create it first. You may want to create a separate account for your business.
2. Create your profile: Go to Google Business Profile and click “Manage now.” Enter your company name.
3. Select a category: Choose the category that best describes your business.
4. Add your location: If you have a physical location, enter the address. If you deliver services, check the box for delivery and select your service area.
5. Add contact details: Include your phone number, website URL, and social media pages.
6. Verify your profile: Choose a verification method (mail, phone, or email) and follow the instructions to complete the process.
7. Add services: Google will provide you with a list of possible services for your business. Go through and select the ones that apply. You can also add a custom service.
8. Set your business hours: Follow the prompts to establish when your normal operating hours are.
9. Add messaging: You can decide whether to allow customers to message you directly. If you don’t think you’ll be able to respond in a timely manner, you may consider turning off this feature.
10. Add a description: Write a brief description of your business and its offerings.
11. Add photos of your business: According to Google, this can dramatically increase your visibility.

3. How to Link Your Google Business Profile

If you already have a Business Profile on Google, you can easily manage it by linking it to your Google account:

• Log in to your Google account, search for your business, and confirm ownership.
• Search for your business on Google Maps, click “Claim this business,” and follow the prompts.
• Verify your ownership by following the instructions provided.

4. How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

To maximize the effectiveness of your Google Business Profile, you need to optimize it with relevant content and regular updates:

• Complete your profile: Provide detailed information about your business, including any special features or services.
• Add photos and videos: Use high-quality images and short videos (up to 30 seconds) to engage your audience. Businesses with photos receive approximately 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps.
• Update regularly: Keep your profile current with new hours, products, or events. Regular updates build customer loyalty and improve your search ranking.
• Interact with customers: Respond to reviews and questions and encourage customers to leave testimonials. Engaging with your audience enhances your business’s reputation.

5. Factors Impacting Your Google Business Profile Ranking

Several factors influence how your Google Business Profile ranks in search results:

• Relevance: Ensure the information on your profile matches what users are searching for.
• Location: Proximity to the searcher boosts your ranking.
• SEO (search engine optimization): Use effective keywords in your profile and on your website to improve visibility.
• Popularity: More reviews, higher ratings, and consistent interaction with customers increase your profile’s ranking.
• Consistency: Maintain consistent business information across all online platforms.

6. How to Contact Google Support

For any issues, you can contact Google support through their help center:

• Describe your problem (up to 100 characters).
• Select the relevant category and click “Next.”
• If you can’t find the answer, fill out the feedback form and submit it.

Final words

Google Business Profile is an essential tool for promoting your company online, especially for local businesses. It’s a simple and effective way to harness the power of the world’s most popular search engine. Set up your profile, keep it updated, engage with your customers, and monitor your performance to maximize your business’s visibility and success.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.