Guide to Creating a Google Business Profile That Stands Out

October 07, 2024•6 min read

In today’s digital landscape, having an online presence is essential for any business, especially for local businesses trying to attract customers nearby. One of the most effective tools to increase your visibility and connect with potential clients is a well-optimized Google Business Profile (GBP), formerly known as Google My Business. With billions of searches performed on Google daily, a standout Google Business Profile can help you rank higher in local searches, attract more customers, and build trust with your audience.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to create a Google Business Profile that truly stands out and sets your business apart.

Why Does a Google Business Profile Matter?

A Google Business Profile allows you to manage your business’s presence across Google Search and Google Maps. When potential customers search for businesses or services like yours, your Google Business Profile will show up in the results, making it a powerful tool to attract local customers. An optimized profile can:

Increase visibility: Appear at the top of local search results.
Drive traffic: Attract potential customers to your website or store.
Build credibility: Reviews and business information create trust.
Improve customer engagement: Customers can call, visit your website, or get directions with a click.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Google Business Profile

1. Claim or Create Your Google Business Profile

The first step in optimizing your presence on Google is to claim or create your business profile.

Claiming an Existing Profile: If your business has been around for a while, it may already have a Google listing that you can claim.
1. Go to Google Business Profile.
2. Search for your business in the search bar.
3. If it appears, select it and follow the verification steps.
Creating a New Profile: If your business doesn’t appear in the search, you can create a new profile.
1. Click “Manage Now.”
2. Enter your business name, address, and details.
3. Follow the prompts to verify your business (via phone, email, or mail).

2. Complete Your Business Information

Having complete and accurate information is critical to making your profile trustworthy and accessible. Ensure all business details are filled in and accurate.

Business Name: Use your official business name.
Address: Ensure your address is precise. If you don’t have a physical store, you can list your service area instead.
Phone Number and Website: Provide your business phone number and website URL.
Hours of Operation: Update your hours, including special holiday hours.
Categories: Choose the most relevant categories for your business to help Google match your profile with customer searches.

3. Write an Engaging Business Description

Your business description is an opportunity to tell potential customers what makes your business unique.

Tips for Writing Your Description:

Be concise and specific: Summarize what your business offers in a few sentences.
Use relevant keywords: Incorporate keywords that people might use to find your business. For example, a bakery might include "freshly baked pastries in Niagara Falls" or "custom birthday cakes in St. Catharines."
Highlight what makes you different: Mention unique aspects of your business, such as specialized products, years of experience, or community involvement.

4. Add High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visual content plays a crucial role in how potential customers perceive your business. Businesses with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to their websites.

What to Include:

Exterior Photos: Show your storefront so customers can easily recognize your location.
Interior Photos: Give a glimpse of the inside to create familiarity.
Product Photos: Showcase your top products, whether it’s a signature dish, a popular item, or a service in action.
Team Photos: Humanize your business by featuring your staff.
Videos: Use short videos to demonstrate your services, give a tour, or show behind-the-scenes action.

5. Collect and Respond to Reviews

Customer reviews are a powerful factor in local SEO and decision-making for potential customers. Encourage your happy customers to leave positive reviews on your Google Business Profile.

How to Manage Reviews:

Ask for Reviews: After a successful transaction or service, ask satisfied customers to leave a review. You can even include a link to your Google Business Profile in follow-up emails.
Respond to Reviews: Engage with both positive and negative reviews. Thank customers for their feedback and address any issues raised in negative reviews to show you value customer satisfaction.

6. Use Google Posts to Engage Your Audience

Google Posts allow you to share real-time updates, promotions, events, and offers directly on your profile. These appear alongside your business information in search results.

Types of Posts to Share:

Promotions and Offers: Highlight special deals, discounts, or limited-time offers.
Events: Promote upcoming events, workshops, or seasonal specials.
News and Announcements: Share business updates, new product launches, or expanded services.

Posts are a great way to keep your profile fresh and relevant, encouraging customers to engage with your business.

7. Add Attributes and Services

Attributes allow you to provide additional information about your business, such as accessibility, payment methods, and other key services.

Common Attributes Include:

Women-owned or LGBTQ-friendly
Wheelchair accessible
Curbside pickup or delivery
Online appointments

Adding these details makes it easier for customers to find out if your business meets their specific needs.

8. Optimize for Keywords

To ensure your business appears in relevant local searches, you need to optimize your Google Business Profile with the right keywords.

Keyword Placement:

Business Name: If applicable, your business name should reflect what you do, e.g., "Niagara Painting Services."
Business Description: Include targeted keywords that describe your services and location.
Posts and Updates: Whenever you create Google Posts, use keywords relevant to your business.

9. Monitor Your Google Business Profile Insights

Google provides useful analytics to track how your profile performs, helping you refine your approach and improve your visibility over time.

Key Metrics to Monitor:

Search Queries: See what keywords people are using to find your business.
Customer Actions: Track how many customers click through to your website, call your business, or request directions.
Photo Views: Monitor which photos are viewed the most and adjust your visual content accordingly.

Conclusion: Build a Google Business Profile That Shines

Creating a Google Business Profile that stands out takes time and attention to detail, but it’s one of the most effective ways to boost your local visibility, drive traffic, and engage with your customers.

By following the steps outlined above—completing your profile, adding engaging content, collecting reviews, and using Google’s tools like Posts and Insights—you’ll be well on your way to creating a profile that captures the attention of potential customers and helps your business thrive.

Investing in your Google Business Profile can lead to increased trust, higher rankings in local search results, and ultimately, more business. Start optimizing your profile today and watch your business grow in your local community!

Get in touch with us today and elevate your business to the next level.

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