A robust and dynamic online presence is paramount for the success of any business (big or small). One foundational element behind a great online footprint is your company’s Google Business Page. This enhances your visibility online while quickly providing essential information to potential customers. Today, we'll guide you through the process of creating a Google Business Page, helping you make a strong first impression!
1. The Significance of a Google Business Page
Before diving into the 'how,' let's explore the 'why.' A Google Business Page is a virtual storefront that provides a quick snapshot of who, what, and where you are. This page is particularly crucial for local businesses, as it significantly influences local search rankings.
Having a Google Business Page not only boosts your online visibility but also establishes trust with your consumers. When people search for a product or service near them, they often turn to Google Search or Maps. An accurate and up-to-date business page helps them make informed decisions, leading to increased foot traffic and conversions.
2. Setting Up Your Google Account
The first step in creating a Google Business Page is having a Google Account. If you don't have one, fear not; the process is simple. Just make sure that the email address you use is a company-owned one that’s used to manage other business accounts. This will help you maintain consistent logins and help your employees not need to use your personal email address.
With your Google Account in hand, go ahead and log into Google’s Business Profile Manager. Simply type 'Google My Business' into the search bar, or head directly to their website (just go ahead and bookmark it). Click on the 'Manage Now' button to begin the process of claiming or creating your business page.
3. Claiming or Creating Your Business Page
Depending on your business, you may find that Google has already generated a basic page for you. If there already is a basic page set up, just claim and make it your own! Otherwise, you can just create a new page from scratch. Make sure you use the correct name, address, phone number, website, and hours of business.
Accuracy is key here, as this information is often the first touchpoint you have with potential customers. Double-check your details, so they match your other digital channels. This consistency helps customers find you across the web and boosts your credibility with Google’s crawler.
If your company doesn’t have a physical storefront, don’t worry! You can actually select an approximate location (like "Lincoln, Nebraska metropolitan area”) instead of an address. This will help customers find you when they search for your service area’s keyword and won’t direct them to a physical location. If you run a mobile service business, for example, you should select this option.
4. Optimizing Your Business Information
Now that the basics are in place, it's time to optimize your Google Business Page for maximum impact. First, add a compelling business description that not only informs and engages your audience. Additionally, incorporate relevant keywords into your description to enhance your page's search engine optimization (SEO).
Make sure you choose the best categories to accurately represent your business. These categories must reflect the keywords your customers will search for, so choose wisely. Additionally, upload high-quality images that showcase your products, services, and storefront. This often legitimizes a business to searchers, showing them that you’re in it for the long haul.
Regularly update your business information, especially if there are any changes in your operating hours or location. Keeping your page current shows customers and search engines that your business is active and reliable (which is important for your SEO).
5. Managing Customer Reviews
Finally, your customers’ reviews will be the ongoing metric that helps searchers know if you’re the right choice. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews and promptly address any negative feedback.
While you may be tempted to delete negative reviews, Google restricts this to certain circumstances. This policy is intended to promote transparent and authentic feedback, which includes both reviews and responses. If you ever receive a negative review, it’s best to respond with a courteous request for them to email you so can “learn how to make the next visit a five-star one.” This is our copywriter, Derek’s, favorite line since it communicates an authentic desire to be better and learn for the future.
However, Google will delete reviews if they fit certain criteria by containing:
- Inappropriate or irrelevant information.
- Fake or spam content
- Conflicts of interest
- Personal information
- Promotional content
If you ever receive a response like this, reply to it using a kind message like Derek uses, but also request for Google to delete it. You should include comprehensive information about why an illegitimate review should be removed.
6. Posting Updates
Finally, you can consistently engage with your audience by regularly posting updates on your Google Business Page. These updates can take various forms, from announcements about new products or services to special promotions and events. This is extra important because Google often rewards businesses that consistently update their pages by improving their visibility in local searches.
When writing and posting your Updates, always be sure to:
- Establish a posting schedule that works for your business (we recommend weekly posts)
- Include a high-quality image or graphic to capture a user’s attention.
- Encourage engagement by adding a clear call-to-action
- Share positive customer reviews to reinforce trust and highlight positive experiences
- Tailor your updates to align with seasons, holidays, or current trends.
Maintain Your SEO & Google Business Profiles
A Google Business Page is an indispensable digital marketing tool for small business and their SEO strategy. Don’t wait any longer, get started today and make your mark on the web!
We’d be proud to help you hone your digital marketing and get the word out to your audience. We’re proud to have helped a diverse array of businesses and organizations get the word out and revolutionize their advertisements. Book a meeting with our team so we can learn about you, your company, and how you want to change the status quo.
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