Google Business Profile Check-List

Google Business Profile Check-List:

Google is building a strategy around local business search that you need to be aware of because it could impact the way businesses and local services show up . We can eat this elephant one bite at a time! Below you will find some simple steps to follow no matter what stage your Google Business Profile is at now.  (No BS - 2 minute read)

Did you know that a whopping 24.4% of all clicks go to the first result of local business searches?

Did you also know that Google processes approximately 63,000 search queries every second, which translates to 5.6 billion searches every day. And, nearly half (46%) of that traffic consists of users seeking local information.  These are people searching for businesses within their local area, who are seeking specific services like yours.

Ok i’ll say it - Google Business Profile (GBP) is the most important online listing for any local business. It drives the local business search results on Google search, maps, Google Assistant (voice search) and more. In some ways, your GBP listing may be more important than your website. 

Now that you know that over 2.5 billion users are searching for local services everyday it’s critical that we begin taking simple steps to optimize your Google Business Profile.  Google owns the highway and your business gets to park right next to it.

Below you will find our 10 point check-list to get you started.  Optimizing your profile is not difficult and you need no specialized tech skills.  You do however need to pay attention to the details while setting up your GBP.

10 things you can start doing now to start optimizing your Google Business Profile.  

1.    Claim or create a Google My Business listing. Go here - https://www.google.com/business/

2.    Verify your listing to prove it’s a legitimate business

3.    Setup proper user access to your account (Make sure you record any user names and passwords)

4.    Optimize your business information with (name, address, phone, hours, categories, etc.) Be sure this information is 100% accurate.

5.    Add photos, videos and virtual tours (STOP READ THIS!  Businesses with more photos get more clicks, calls and direction requests.  When you upload a photo ask yourself what sounds better to search engines “IMG_5288” or “Beautiful Freshly Painted Home in Belmont, CA ”?  So yes adding picture will improve your ranking, BUT renaming those photos before you upload them will make your meta-data more attractive to the Google Algorithm signaling  that your business is relevant and active, which should help you rank higher than your competitors  Just open your photos on your computer and click “save as” and rename before you upload them to your GBP.

6.             Add products, update services as appropriate.

7.             Setup a welcome offer and use Google Posts regularly.

8.             Create a GBP website as another citation for your business.

9.             Encourage, monitor and respond to reviews. (This is why we integrated you with Google and it’s on your LeadConnector App in CONVERSATIONS. When someone leaves a review you should respond with a personal thank) We’ve made it easy!

10.         Update your listing regularly.  (Google rewards activity) 

We understand all of this can sound a bit daunting and even overwhelming if you’re not familiar with Google Business Profiles. We assure you it’s not difficult but it will take a little time and your attention to get it all set up properly.  However, if for some reason you get stuck and need help we suggest copying and pasting - Google Business Profile Help into your browser.  This will lead you to the Google help page where you can get any question answered.