How to get more eyes on your Google Business Profile

In today's digital landscape, your Google Business Profile (GBP) isn't just another online listing – it's often the first impression potential customers have of your business. With 46% of all Google searches having local intent, optimizing your GBP is crucial for attracting local customers and standing out in your market.

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile

Before diving into optimization strategies, let's walk through the process of creating and claiming your Google Business Profile:

Creating a New Profile

1. Visit Google Business Profile Manager (business.google.com)
2. Click "Manage now" or "Add your business to Google"
3. Enter your business name

• If your business doesn't appear, click "Add your business to Google"
• If it appears, select it to claim an existing listing

1. Choose your business category
2. Add your location details

• For businesses with a physical location: Add your address
• For service-area businesses: Specify service areas without showing an address

1. Add contact information

• Phone number
• Website URL
• Business email (for Google communications)

1. Complete verification process

• Postcard verification (most common, takes 5-12 days)
• Phone verification (if available)
• Email verification (for select businesses)
• Instant verification (if you've already verified your website with Google Search Console)

Claiming an Existing Profile

If you find your business already listed:

1. Search for your business on Google
2. Click "Own this business?"
3. Select a verification option
4. Follow the verification steps provided

After Verification

Once verified, immediately:

1. Log into Google Business Profile Manager
2. Review all existing information for accuracy
3. Add or update your:

• Business hours
• Services/products
• Photos
• Business description

1. Set up messaging (optional)
2. Enable booking features (if applicable)

Profile Management Access

For larger organizations or agencies:

1. Add additional users through the "Users" section
2. Assign appropriate roles:

• Owner
• Manager
• Communications manager
• Site manager

Why Your Google Business Profile Matters

Your GBP serves as a digital storefront, providing potential customers with essential information about your business directly in Google's search results and Maps. A well-optimized profile can:

• Increase your visibility in local search results
• Drive more foot traffic to your physical location
• Generate more phone calls and website visits
• Build trust through reviews and responses
• Provide valuable insights about how customers find and interact with your business

Essential Optimization Strategies for Your Google Business Profile

1. Complete Every Relevant Section

Start with the basics, but don't stop there. Every completed field increases your profile's completeness score and helps Google understand your business better:

• Business name (exactly as it appears on your storefront)
• Primary and additional categories (be as specific as possible)
• Complete address and service area
• Hours of operation (including special holiday hours)
• Primary phone number and website URL
• Detailed business description (up to 750 characters)
• Opening date
• Attributes (e.g., "wheelchair accessible," "women-owned," etc.)

2. Optimize Your Business Description

Your business description is prime real estate for highlighting what makes your business unique:

• Lead with your most important information
• Include relevant keywords naturally
• Highlight unique selling propositions
• Mention primary services or products
• Keep it clear, concise, and engaging
• Update seasonally or when services change

3. Master Your Photo Strategy

Images significantly impact customer decision-making. Implement these photo best practices:

• Upload new photos weekly
• Include various photo types:
• Exterior shots (storefront, building, signage)
• Interior shots (ambiance, seating, displays)
• Team photos (staff in action)
• Product photos
• Behind-the-scenes content
• Use high-quality images (at least 720x720 pixels)
• Add relevant photo descriptions
• Include location-specific images for multi-location businesses

4. Leverage Google Posts

Keep your profile active and engaging with regular Google Posts:

• Share weekly updates about:
• Special offers
• Events
• New products or services
• Company news
• Include clear calls-to-action
• Use high-quality images
• Keep content fresh and relevant
• Monitor post performance through insights

5. Actively Manage Reviews

Reviews are crucial for local SEO and customer trust:

• Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) within 24 hours
• Create a review response template while keeping responses personal
• Thank positive reviewers and address negative feedback professionally
• Implement a strategy to consistently generate new reviews
• Monitor review insights for customer feedback patterns

6. Utilize Q&A Features

The Q&A section is often overlooked but provides valuable opportunities:

• Seed your own FAQ questions and answers
• Monitor and answer customer questions promptly
• Update answers as your business evolves
• Include relevant keywords naturally in answers
• Address common customer concerns proactively

7. Keep Information Updated

Regular maintenance is crucial for profile performance:

• Set up alerts for suggested edits
• Review and update business hours monthly
• Add holiday hours in advance
• Update services and product listings regularly
• Monitor and verify your information across all locations

8. Use GBP Insights for Optimization

Let data guide your optimization strategy:

• Track how customers find your profile
• Monitor which actions customers take
• Analyze photo views and engagement
• Review popular times and visit duration
• Use insights to adjust your strategy

Advanced Tips for Multi-Location Businesses

If you manage multiple locations:

• Create location-specific GBP profiles
• Maintain consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone) information
• Use location-specific photos and content
• Implement location-specific review management
• Track performance metrics for each location

Common Optimization Mistakes to Avoid

• Using keyword stuffing in business names
• Neglecting to respond to reviews
• Allowing outdated information to remain
• Missing special hours and holiday updates
• Ignoring Google's guidelines and best practices

Measuring Success

Track these key metrics to gauge your optimization efforts:

• Search visibility (Views on Search and Maps)
• Customer actions (website visits, calls, direction requests)
• Photo views and engagement
• Review quantity and quality
• Post engagement
• Q&A interaction

Next Steps for Your Business

Optimizing your Google Business Profile is an ongoing process that requires consistent attention and updates. Start by implementing these strategies one at a time, and regularly review your profile's performance to identify areas for improvement.

Need expert help managing and optimizing your Google Business Profile? Our team at Janis Digital specializes in local SEO and GBP optimization for businesses of all sizes. Contact us to learn how we can help maximize your local visibility and attract more customers through your Google Business Profile.

Remember: Your Google Business Profile is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers. Taking the time to optimize and maintain your profile can significantly impact your local visibility and customer engagement. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your local presence grow.

Ready to maximize your local visibility?  Contact Janis Digital  today for a free consultation on optimizing your Google Business Profile