10 Google Business Profile optimisation tips

Google Business Profile is a great free tool to help get your business seen locally. Learn how to optimise your profile and get into the local map pack, get more calls and website visits.

How to optimise your Google Business Profile

Having a well-optimised Google Business Profile is crucial for any SEO strategy. With proper optimisation, your local Google Business listing can immediately generate calls and website clicks by showing your business details at the top of the page for relevant search queries. But how do you optimise a profile so it starts to show in the local map pack? Were giving you 10 tips on how to optimise your profile!

1. Fill out every section

Filling out all sections of your Google Business Profile, including your phone number, website link, and map location, be sure to fill out every section that's relevant, is essential for getting the most out of your profile. Each detail you provide enhances your profile's completeness and credibility, making it easier for potential customers to find and contact you. A thoroughly filled-out profile not only improves your local search rankings but also ensures that customers have all the information they need to make informed decisions. 

2. Be specific

Being specific when filling out your Google Business Profile is crucial for attracting the right customers. For example, selecting "women's hair salon" instead of just "salon" provides potential clients with a clear understanding of the services you specialise in. This level of detail helps your business appear in more relevant searches, ensuring that the people who find your profile are looking for exactly what you offer. These Google Business Profile optimisations not only improve your search rankings but also builds trust and engagement, as customers are more likely to choose a business that clearly matches their needs. 

3. Use keywords

Optimising your Google Business Profile with targeted keywords that match your services and location is a powerful strategy to enhance your online visibility. By incorporating relevant keywords, such as "organic bakery in Falmouth" or "emergency plumber in Penzance" you make it easier for search engines to understand what your business offers and where it's located. This targeted approach ensures that your profile appears in search results when potential customers are looking for specific services in your area. 

4. Write a detailed description

Keywords are great but crafting a compelling description for your Google Business Profile is essential, as it serves as an advertisement for your business. This description is your opportunity to showcase what makes your business unique, highlight your key services, and convey your brand's personality. Use engaging language that captures attention and communicates the value you provide to your customers. Focus on what sets you apart from competitors, such as your expertise, exceptional customer service, or unique selling points (USP's). 

5. Pick the right categories 

When setting up your Google Business Profile, it's important not to overload it with too many business categories. Instead, focus on selecting the main 2-3 services that best represent your business. This strategic approach ensures clarity and relevance in search results, helping potential customers quickly understand what your business specialises in. By choosing the most relevant categories, you improve the likelihood of appearing in targeted searches related to your core offerings. This streamlined approach enhances your profile's effectiveness!

6. Get reviews

Encouraging every satisfied customer to leave a review on your Google Business Profile is crucial for building credibility and attracting new business. Don't hesitate to ask for reviews, and if needed, offer incentives to motivate customers to share their positive experiences. Reviews play a significant role in influencing potential customers' decisions, as they provide valuable social proof of your business's reliability and quality of service. The more reviews you build up, the better your chances are of standing out in local search results.

7. Respond to good reviews

Replying to good reviews is important for many reasons. Firstly, it shows appreciation and gratitude towards customers who took the time to leave a review for your business. This can strengthen the relationship with existing customers and encourage them to continue supporting your business. Secondly, responding to positive reviews publicly demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and highlights your responsiveness as a business. 

8. Respond to bad reviews

Replying to bad reviews is crucial for a fewreasons. Mainly it demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction and shows that you value your customers feedback, even when it's negative. This professional approach can turn a potentially damaging situation into an opportunity to publicly address concerns and resolve issues. Eesponding to negative reviews allows you to provide your side of the story and share any relevant information or context that might not be apparent to the reviewer. 

9. Set up messaging

As Google Business Profile listings are typically the initial touchpoint for local product or service searches on Google Search or Google Maps, implementing GBP chat messaging can provide businesses with a competitive edge. Once Business Messages are activated, customers will discover a chat button on your Business Profile when using mobile devices, enabling direct messaging to you.

10. Update!

Regularly updating your Google Business Profile has many benefits for local SEO. It boosts local search rankings by ensuring accurate information and attracting more clicks with fresh content like photos or updates, which Google likes. Consistent updates maintain credibility and customer satisfaction by providing current details and reinforcing trust across platforms. Overall, keeping your profile updated regularly enhances visibility, engagement, and SEO.

Bonus tip!

TIP: Be cautious when changing a lot of information on your GBP at one time, changing things like location, address or main category can often lead to revivification notice which mean you will need to do a live video call with Google at your premises or send a video to Google with certain criteria.

Author: Dean

Founder of Smart SEO Cornwall. I will be sharing some useful posts on SEO and how to grow your business in Cornwall. Connect with me here on LinkedIn.