Google Business Profile: You Need One Today
What’s a Google Business Profile? We are so glad you asked. When searching on a search engine, three types of results appear based on the search engine algorithm. The top 2-3 results on the left-hand side are the sponsored or paid ads related to the keywords searched. Businesses in these spots pay for these ads to appear first in search results. Just below the top 2-3 results are the organic results populated from the keywords selected in the search. On the right side of the page, there will either be a business listing if you searched for a specific business by name. There may be no business listed. The right column is where you will find the Google Business Profiles related to your search. There’s usually only one per business.
Why is this important? Whether you have a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, you have three opportunities to appear in search results on a search engine if you use the Google Business Profile. If you choose not to use the Google Business Profile, you have two opportunities. Increased visibility on the search results page is always a good thing.
Why do I need a Google Business Profile? GBP profiles are important for several reasons. In a strategic marketing plan, the GBP is another tool in your tool belt. But, it’s also a free tool in your tool belt and free is beneficial so you can spread your marketing dollars further. Here are the three main reasons you need a GBP.
1. Increased visibility in Google search results.
2. Interaction with customers through Google reviews, updates, and photo sharing.
3. Ability to better optimize local SEO.
Increased visibility in Google search results
With the GBP, businesses now have three opportunities to appear on the search results page. The business profile will also show map groupings when a search uses the term “near me.” Business listings related to a specific search with the “near me” term populate in a map view. While a specific business may be one of several listed on the map, the business visibility increases dramatically here
Interaction with customers through Google Reviews, updates, and photo sharing
Like other social media platforms, businesses can now interact using the GBP by sharing business updates, which include a photo or video and information related to the content. These updates go through an approval process, and then they appear connected to your business profile for potential customers to see and get to know your business better.
The GBP also provides the opportunity to receive and respond to customer reviews. Businesses are notified when a review is received along with a link to reply quickly and easily to the review.
FLYWHEEL TIP: Always respond to reviews. Even if it’s just a star ranking without a comment, thank the reviewer. Interaction is good for the algorithm and it demonstrates responsiveness as a business.
This also provides an opportunity to address reviews with less than 5 stars or negative comments. Address the specific concern in the reply to the review and provide an email for the customer to contact you directly. Better yet, if you know the customer, let them know you’ll reach out to them by phone and make it right.
Customers today want a 5-star experience everywhere they go. They are checking reviews before making transactions or choosing one business over another. They are reading reviews. Use reviews to your advantage.
Ability to better optimize local SEO
A monthly mini-report is emailed to the business owner reflecting information including how many calls were received, how many direct messages, how many people asked for directions, profile views, searches, and even the top 3 specific search terms used to find your business. If you click to see the full report you have access to greater insights that can help grow your business. The Google Business Profile provides valuable information on your business and how potential customers find it, interact with it, and more.
At Flywheel, we are big on the Google Business Profile. It’s necessary and beneficial to every single business. We don’t recommend every platform for every business, but the Google Business Profile we recommend to every single client.
It takes about 15 minutes to set up your Google Business Profile. Managing it takes very little time each week. If you already have too much to do, we can help manage your Google Business Profile. Click the button today to find out how easy it is to work with our team of experts. We’d love to help you!
