Google Business Profile Basics: 5 Essentials for Getting Started
Oct 21, 2024
When it comes to boosting your business visibility online, one of the most powerful tools you can leverage is your Google Business Profile. As small business owners and service-based entrepreneurs, gaining local visibility is crucial, and Google Business Profiles are designed to help you do just that.
At The Business Growing Place, we’ve used Google Business Profiles to help our clients move from virtually invisible online to ranking highly in their local markets. But setting up your profile for success takes more than just entering your business name and hoping for the best. In this blog, we’re going to walk you through the top 5 essentials to focus on when creating your Google Business Profile.
1. Complete Your Profile 100%
It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many business owners skip sections when setting up their Google Business Profile. Google loves a fully completed profile. This means making sure all the information is accurate and filled out—your business name, address, phone number, website, services, business hours, and anything else Google asks for. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of showing up in local searches.
2. Verify Your Business
This step is non-negotiable. Until your business is verified, your profile won’t appear to potential customers. The most common way to verify is through a postcard Google sends to your business address, and it’s important to get this done as soon as possible. It may take a little patience, but once verified, your business will be ready to show up in searches.
3. Use Keywords in Your Profile
Keywords are critical for helping Google understand what your business offers. When filling out your business description and services, be sure to include relevant keywords that align with your industry. For example, if you’re a plumbing company, use keywords like "emergency plumbing," "water heater repair," or "leak detection." Having a list of keywords you consistently use across your marketing platforms, including your website and social media, will also boost your online visibility.
4. Add High-Quality Photos
Photos are one of the best ways to make your Google Business Profile stand out. Profiles with images get significantly more engagement than those without. Upload pictures of your team, workspace, or completed projects to build trust and help customers visualize your services. Even better, encourage satisfied customers to upload photos themselves—it’s a powerful way to build credibility.
5. Encourage Customer Reviews
Reviews are a huge ranking factor for Google. Ask your happy clients to leave a review on your profile and make sure you respond to each one. Reviews not only boost your credibility with potential customers but also play a big role in improving your search ranking. Businesses with more reviews and higher ratings tend to perform better in local searches, so don’t be shy—ask for those 5-star reviews!
Final Thoughts
Getting your Google Business Profile set up correctly is the first step toward increasing your visibility in local searches. By completing your profile, verifying your business, using the right keywords, adding photos, and gathering reviews, you’ll lay a strong foundation for online success.
Consistency is key—keep your profile updated regularly with new posts, fresh photos, and business information. At The Business Growing Place, we’ve seen firsthand how these small steps can lead to significant growth. If you need help setting up or optimizing your profile, we’re here to guide you. Reach out for a free consultation, or check out the resources available on our website to help you DIY your way to success!