If you are a business owner in Australia, you know how challenging it is to capture the attention of your target customers and stay ahead of the competition. One way to improve your visibility online is by creating a Google Business Profile. Also known as a Google My Business (GMB), this is a free online listing that showcases your business information in search results and on Google Maps. In this article, we will discuss how to create a Google Business Profile and why it is essential to Local SEO success.
What Is A Google My Business (GMB) Listing?
GMB listings are online profiles that you can create for your business. Now officially called Google Business Profile, these free listings have a premium position towards the top of Google search results as part of the local pack. Local results typically feature a map with pinpointed locations and a list of three prominent business listings directly below it. These profiles include important information, such as your business address, opening hours, reviews, products, and more to make it easy for more customers to find you. Your Google business listing will show up in relevant searches for customers who are near your location, but it is essential to include complete and accurate information to outrank your competitors.
Why Do You Need A Google My Business Profile?
With more than 90% of online experiences beginning in search engines, creating a Google business page is one of the most efficient and straightforward ways to promote your business. Let’s explore why you need a Google My Business profile.
Increases Visibility In Search Results
Your GMB profile is a powerful SEO tool that can make your business look more professional, positive, and trustworthy to potential customers. Whenever someone types in a search query related to the products or services you offer in your geographical location, your Google Business Profile listing can appear in the local results. Some searches, like “coffee near me”, will even show the GMB listings in the prime position above the organic results which means they are most likely to get clicks. Google’s algorithm favours businesses with complete and verified listings on Google My Business, so you need a profile to improve your local SEO rankings.
Provides Social Proof
A Google Business Profile can enhance your online reputation by helping you generate reviews and ratings. This is important because reviews can be persuasive for potential customers who are looking for a new product or service. According to Google, businesses that verify and optimise their Google My Business listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers. Responding to customer reviews positively can also increase your credibility and trustworthiness.
Makes You Easier To Find
A Google Business Profile makes it simple to find your business online through search results so potential customers can contact or visit you more often. When you create a Google Business Profile, you will automatically be included in Google Maps. This means that customers searching for businesses in your area will be able to see your location on a map, along with your reviews, phone number, and website. Search users can click on your GBP for directions to your business’s address in the Google Maps app or call you directly from the search engine results page.
Helps You Stay Ahead of the Competition
Google business listings can help you stay ahead of the competition while enhancing your online reputation. When potential customers search for the products or services you offer in your local area, your profile and those of other local businesses will appear. If you don’t have a Google Business Profile account, then your competitors will get all the local search traffic instead. Having a complete and updated Google My Business helps to send more customers in your direction.
How To Optimise Your Google Business Profile For Local SEO
You can’t expect to rank in local search results without a Google Business Profile. When people search for your business on Google, your GBP can provide all of the essential information they need in one convenient place. But, you need to make sure that your profile is fully optimised if you want it to outrank your competitors. Here are 5 steps to optimise your Google listing for SEO, so that you can improve your local SEO rankings and attract more customers to your business.
1. Fill out all of the important details
The first step to optimise your Google My Business profile is to make sure that your business name, address, phone number are filled out completely and accurately. These are known as NAP details. It’s crucial to keep this information consistent anywhere your business appears online to avoid confusion. You don’t want to send potential customers to the wrong business location. NAP consistency will also help Google understand that your business is legitimate, which can boost your local SEO rankings. Your Google Business Profile should also include your website URL, business hours, products, business description, and any other contact information. Make sure that this information is up-to-date and matches the information on your website.
2. Select your primary business category
When you are filling out your GMB profile, you will be prompted to choose categories that describe your business. Be sure to choose the most relevant categories to your business. This will help Google understand what your business does and will improve your chances of being shown in search results for the relevant keywords. For example, if your primary category is “Pizza restaurant,” Google may show your business to nearby search users when they look for “restaurants”, “Italian restaurants”, or “pizza”. Choose the primary category that best describes your business and add any additional categories that apply.
3. Upload business photos
Adding high-quality images to your GMB profile can do wonders for your SEO. Not only do images make your listing more appealing to potential customers, but they provide visual context for Google to understand what your business is all about. Be sure to upload a profile picture, cover photo, and other relevant images of your business, products, or services. You also need to ensure that your images accurately represent your brand and services. If you’ve designed a new logo or renovated your storefront then you’ll want to upload new photos to your Google Business Profile dashboard.
4. Encourage reviews and respond to them
Google favours businesses that receive positive reviews and respond to them in a timely fashion. You should encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google My Business profile. Positive reviews on your profile can increase your online reputation and increase your visibility in search results. Furthermore, when you respond to reviews, you show your customers that you care about their feedback and experience. It’s important to respond to both positive and negative reviews to show your business as being more authentic and trustworthy. You can share a review link that takes customers directly to your GBP to share their thoughts on your business.
5. Post business updates regularly
Make use of the “Posts” feature to share updates, offers, and other important information to your Google business account. Not only does this keep your potential customers informed about your business, but it also shows that you are an active business owner, which can reflect positively on your local SEO rankings. You can post updates, offers, events, products, and more that could benefit your audience. It can be helpful to write posts for keywords that you want your GBP to rank for in the local pack. For example, if you are offering a new service then you should look for relevant keywords and include them in a new post on your Google business page.
Looking For Help With Your Google Business Listing?
If you want to get the most out of Google’s local SEO services then you can’t neglect your Google Business Profile listing. At BAMBRICK, our digital marketing experts will audit and optimise your Google Business Profile as part of our Brisbane SEO services. Book your free strategy session today to ensure that your GBP is fully optimised to rank highly in search results, and that your online reputation is at its best.