Your Business Needs Google Business
Every business needs a Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). You may have one and not know it or you may have one created years ago or you may not have one at all. In all cases, you need to make sure your listing is complete and accurate.
Where to Access Your Google Business Profile
Start with a Google search for your business name. (Don’t enter the URL of your site, just do a search on the name of your business.)You can also search on the Google Maps app.
If you have a profile, it will appear in the search results. You can complete verification or resolve other issues with your Business Profile directly from search.
Be sure your business name, address, and business hours are accurate. You can also make posts/updates, respond to reviews, and more.
How To Manage Your Google Business Profile
The Google Business Profile is one of the best local SEO strategies that any local business can use to rank higher on Google. As part of your profile, you can define your local service area. This helps you to rank better for local searches, which are among the most common searches. Think “plumber near me.”
Claiming your Google Business Profile is just the first step. Then you must frequently check and update your Business Profile with new information. Be sure to follow Google’s Business Profile guidelines.
Your Google Business Profile is actually a community profile. Virtually anyone online can contribute to your Google Business Profile, including reviews, Q&As, updates, photos, videos, and more. It’s important that you make sure this content that may be added to your profile is accurate. As the verified owner, you have the ability to make some corrections directly and to ask Google to remove inaccurate items.
Business Information
When you click on the Business information section, you can edit the basic info, like About, Contact, Locate, Hours, and More.
Hours
According to Google Consumer Barometer, 40% of local business searchers want to find hours of operation for local businesses. Keep your hours current – especially holiday hours.
Products/Services
Adding products to your Google Business Profile is a great way to show off what you have to offer. (NOTE: online-only businesses are NOT allowed to claim Google Business Profiles.)
Services works like Products – but it’s catered to companies that offer services to customers or clients.
Photos
According to Google, businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions. Upload real pictures of your company – like your building, signage, products, services, team members, and activities that your company does.
Promote
The Promote button offers ways you can market and promote your business.
Performance
Under Performance, you can get insights like how many calls you received, the number of messages, bookings, directions, and website clicks.
Customers
From the Customers section, you can see and reply to reviews you’ve received from customers and clients, view and respond to messages (if you have that feature turned on), and answer questions people have asked in the Q&A section.
