Let’s say you want to try out a new restaurant, but aren’t sure what. You go to Google and type in…
Restaurants near me
After pressing enter, you’re hit with a flurry of options, ranging from restaurants that offer Italian and Mexican food, to sushi and burgers. You click through each choice, checking out their address, hours of operation and even pictures. What you’re looking at is a Google Business Profile and we’re here to tell you why having one for your business is essential.
Google Business Profile Explained
According to Google, a Google business profile is “a free tool that allows you to take charge of the way your business appears on Google Search and Maps. With your Business Profile, you can connect with customers, post updates, list your products and services, accept online orders, and more.”
With Google having over 80% of search market share and capturing over 90% of mobile traffic, the numbers show why having a Google business profile is important: you’re likely to capture new customers/clients who are in search of products and services you provide, it helps improves local SEO and searchers will know where and how to find your business.
So now that you’ve decided to sign up for a Google Business Profile, let’s discuss how to best optimize it!
Complete Your Profile
With a completed profile, customers are not only 2.7 times more likely to consider your business reputable, but they are 70% more likely to visit your business and 50% more likely to consider making a purchase. Make sure information such as your address, phone number, website and business hours are up to date. If things change with your business, update your profile when necessary – such as a change in business hours during holidays.
Add Real Images of Your Business
It’s important to have brand recognition, which is why including a picture of your business logo to your profile is essential. Have consistency across all profiles (your Google business profile and social media profiles) by making the logo image the same across the board.
In addition to a business logo, include professional images of your physical business location, products and work environment. Make sure all of your images are high-resolution!
Respond to (And Encourage) Reviews
Before visiting your business or making a purchase, potential customers are likely to check reviews. According to Indeed, customer reviews can help boost your business reputation, increase brand awareness and improve your SEO.
Encourage customers to leave reviews under your profile, as it can positively impact public perception. And while glowing reviews are ideal, the occasional negative review can happen – but there is no need to panic. Use negative reviews as suggestions, ways to improve business practices. Be sure to reply to customer reviews, both good and bad, thanking them for their business or letting unsatisfied shoppers know that you will take their thoughts into consideration and apologize for their negative experience.
Work With Blufish
Here at Blufish, we understand the importance of having and maintaining a Google business profile and all of the wonderful things that it can do for your business. If your business is interested in creating one – we’re here to help! Contact us today for information on creating and managing a Google business profile.