Why every small business needs a Google Business Profile
Boost your searchability to get found online
A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses and organizations to manage their online presence across Google, including Google Search and Google Maps.
For small business owners, this powerful (and free!) tool is like having your own spotlight on Google Search and Maps, working with your website and online marketing to help your customers find you. Let’s dive into why it’s a game-changer for your small business website strategy.
What is A Google Business Profile?
It’s a hub for critical information about your business that shows up on search results whenever someone googles the name of your business. It provides easy online access to essential information about your business on Google and Maps, such as your phone number, logo/pictures, operating hours, business location, and direct access to your online website. Your Google Business Profile also allows you to create closer connections with your customers and build a more substantial online presence through posting updates events, and responding to reviews and FAQs. It’s your own little corner of Google, working 24/7 to connect you with local customers!
Why is it important?
Building a Google Business Profile is an essential step you can take towards attracting and engaging with new customers and making your business more accessible online. It allows easy access for people on Google and Maps to interact with your company and provides you with helpful information you can use to boost your SEO, such as what keywords people are using to search for your business.
So, how can I set up my Google Business Profile?
Step 1: Go to https://www.google.com/business/
This is where you can access the back end of your Google Business Profile and add information about your business to display on your public profile.
Step 2: Log in with your Google Account
Don’t have one? No worries! Create a new account for free with any email address.
Step 3: Enter your business name
Step 4: Chose your business type
This is where you let Google know how you’d like customers to interact with your business. Select from the options whether your business is
- online retail: customers can purchase products through your website
- a local store: customers can visit your business in person
- a service business: your business makes direct visits to customers
Don’t worry if your business falls into multiple categories; you can select more than one option!
Step 5: Select your business category
Note: If you marked your business as “online retail” in the last step, Google will ask you to enter the web address for your online store before proceeding to this step.
Enter the industry category under which your business falls. This helps Google know what type of business you run and under which search keywords to display your business. You will have the option to change or add more categories later.
Step #6: Enter your business address
Enter the location where customers can reach your business in person. Also fill out the Service area field, this is especially necessary for remote businesses.
Step #7: Enter more business details
Depending on what you selected earlier as your business type, Google will allow you to fill in more information for the public to see about your business, such as your online website address or phone number.
Step #8: Complete your profile
You’ve completed all the steps necessary to get your Google Business Profile up and running! Click “Continue” to accept the terms and conditions, and your basic profile will be complete.
Extra credit FTW
Feel free to spice up your new Google Business Profile by adding more information, such as events, update posts, photos, business hours, etc. For instance, you can post about upcoming sales or share behind-the-scenes photos to give customers a glimpse of your business. This is your opportunity to bring your business to life and make it stand out to people searching online.
Published on Oct 01 2024
Categories: Search Engine Optimization, Small Business Websites