Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by admin
Business owners can market and influence how their business will appear on Google Search and Google Shopping.
Google Business Profile is a free marketing tool that helps business owners market their goods and services. You have probably noticed the accompanying list of businesses when you search for a business in Google. Those are the lists of businesses that have a Google Business Profile.
With a Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews of your goods and services that will help in gaining potential customers and building credibility with them.
Say you run a restaurant in the UK, when a customer searches for restaurants in the UK, your business will appear among the searches. potential customers will go over reviews of your business and if there are positive engagements from customers who have interacted with your business, you may turn a lead into your customer.
This article will highlight what Google Business Profile is and how it works not forgetting how to set up a google business profile.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a free marketing tool that allows business owners to manage their business’ appearance in online tools like Google Maps or Google Search.
Google provides marketing tools that increase visibility when prospects search for a business online. Once the Google Business Profile is formed, your business details such as location, products, photos, services, and other business details will be public online for customers to access when searching for products or services.
Google Business Profile is not only for businesses with physical locations, even e-commerce businesses are eligible to create a profile.
Why should businesses set up a Google Business Profile?
Brand visibility:
With a Google Business Profile, your business will appear in relevant searches increasing the visibility of your brand.
For example, if you have a Sushi restaurant business, when prospects search for Sushi restaurants, your business will appear among the search results.
Attract and engage with potential customers:
By appearing prominently in Google Search and Maps results, you attract potential customers who are actively looking for businesses like yours.
Once customers access your business information, they may get in touch and enquire about your business. You can easily engage with them and answer all the questions they have. Also, other customers who have engaged with your business can contribute their ideas to inquiries.
Boost SEO:
A Google Business Profile improves your business search ranking to ensure your business appears in relevant searches.
Your business will also appear on Google Maps increasing your chances of appearing on Google’s top 3 local results Snack Pack.
Access valuable insights:
Google Business Profile provides analytics and insights, helping you understand customer behaviour and optimise your business strategy. You are also capable of monitoring your customers’ reviews which will help in making decisions to improve your business and customer service.
Build credibility:
Having an official profile lends credibility to your business. Reviews and ratings from satisfied customers enhance your reputation. This will help your clients to trust your business whether it is physically located or an e-commerce and refer family and friends.
Digital marketing tool:
Google Business Profile is a free and effective marketing tool that increases your online visibility and drives traffic to your website or store. All your business details such as phone number, business hours, website address, service or product offerings, service area covered, and business address will be accessible to customers for a seamless connection.
Open to everyone:
Almost everybody uses Google. This is an efficient way to get your business connected with customers who are not on any social media platforms. Google Business Profile also acts as a social media platform where your business is freely marketed. You can advertise new products and engage with customers.
How to set up a Google Business Profile?
To set up a Google Business Profile, you will have to:
1. Sign in if you have a Google account. If you don’t, you will have to create an account. If you’re creating a new account, use your business email.
2. Visit the Google Business Profile page and create your profile. Enter your business name. You might also find your business in the suggested list as you type. If someone else has already verified the business, request ownership of the profile.
3. Choose your business category then click next.
4. Specify your location. If you have a physical storefront, select “Yes.” Enter your business address or position a marker on the map. If you don’t have a physical location, select “No” and define your service area.
5. Enter your phone number and website URL. You can also create a website based on your information; however, it is an optional step.
6. Review your information. You can choose a verification option either verify now or later.
7. Agree to the terms and conditions by selecting ‘Continue’.
8. Your information will be verified. Once complete, select the different services that apply to your business either pre-written services, or add your custom services.
9. Optimise your profile by adding all the extra details. Use the toggle function to select the hours and times that your business is operating and when not.
In conclusion, every business owner should leverage Google Business Profile for their business to succeed. As a free marketing tool, Google Business Profile turns leads into sales through customer engagements and reviews.
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FAQs
Q: Why is my Google Business Profile not visible?
Ans: There may be several reasons why your Google Business Profile is not visible such as:
- Your profile may not be verified
- You may have provided incorrect information
- Your profile may have missing information
- If your profile violates Google guidelines it may be suspended
- Profiles with many reviews and engagements tend to rank higher
Q: How to add a manager to Google Business Profile?
Ans: To add a manager to your Google Business Profile, simply:
- Sign in to Google Business Profile
- Select your business
- Access settings
- In the settings menu, click on people and access
- At the top left, click add
- Under access, select manager
- Send an invitation to the person whom you want to manage your account
Q: Can I delete my Google Business Profile and start over?
Ans: Yes, you can delete your Google Business Profile and start over. However, keep in mind that if you delete your profile, all reviews, photos, and other content associated with your business will also be removed.
Q: Can I hide my Google Business Profile?
Ans: Yes, you can hide your Google Business Profile. You can adjust settings to hide specific information.
Q: Can you merge Google Business Profiles?
Ans: Yes, you can merge Google Business Profiles, however, there are specific conditions to follow such as; the profiles must represent the same business at the same location and both profiles must have the same ownership.
Q: How do I access my Google Business Profile?
Ans: To access your Google Business Profile, simply go to the Google Business Profile webpage, and sign in to your business account. Alternatively, you can do a Google search of your business or use Google Maps to access your profile.
Q: How to cancel a Google Business Profile?
Ans: To cancel your Google Business Profile, simply sign in to your profile and access the profile settings. On the settings, click on Remove profile. Follow the instructions on the screen to confirm removal.
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