Google Business Profile is a very powerful local marketing tool. However, simply having one will not have much of an impact on your business. You need to apply Google Business Profile optimization tips so that your business traffic and profits increase.
If the previous post guided you to create a business profile on Google, then this post will provide information:
How do I optimize my business on Google?
Let's start with the first tip.
1. Use a Unique Business Name
A unique business name makes it easier for customers to find your business. This can also be a way for you to brand your business. To find out whether someone is already using your business name, just type it in the business profile registration column.
If someone already uses the name, you can see what brands have been recorded by Google. Try to choose a unique name that isn't already out there.
You also need to check whether the business name has been registered on the Intellectual Property Database to avoid lawsuits later.
2. Make sure your business profile data is complete and accurate
There are 2 things that Google search users hate the most:
- Didn't find what I was looking for
- The information found is inaccurate.
In the context of a business profile on Google, this can increase customer dissatisfaction with your brand.
Imagine when a customer finds your business, but there is no contact number to contact? Or, when a customer tries to contact but it turns out the number listed doesn't match?
Therefore, make sure you enter your business profile data completely and accurately. Follow the data entry guide when registering for a Google Business Profile.
To review, click on the [Edit Profile] section and make sure all the information is filled in completely.
3. Create a Compelling Business Description
During the process of creating a business profile, Google gives you the opportunity to describe your business.
You need to make the most of this by writing an interesting description for your business profile. For this, you need to include the following 3 elements in the description:
- what products or services you offer,
- what advantages differentiate your business from others,
- use customer-oriented language.
Apart from that, you can also use the following tips:
- use all the 750 characters you have. Place the main information (3 elements above) in the first 250 characters,
- enter keywords that your customers commonly use to find your business,
- do not repeat information that already exists in other sections, such as telephone numbers, website names, addresses, and the like,
- do not enter links or other HTML code,
- You can use the “About Us” section on your website.
Don't be lazy about writing descriptions and choosing the right sentences. You only have to do it once, but the effects last as long as your business is listed on Google.
4. Choose the Category Appropriately
Did you know that 84% of business profiles that users find on Google come from discovery-based searches (product type, service or category)? Only 16% comes from direct searches (brand or direct address).
The categories you select will appear below your business name on your business profile. Google does have artificial intelligence to categorize your business. However, listing categories also helps customers recognize your business properly.
This is very important, especially if your business name is neutral, i.e. does not describe your type of business. Make sure you choose categories and subcategories that suit your business.
5. Complete the attributes according to category
Depending on the type and category of business you choose, Google provides different attribute columns and features. For example, a restaurant-based business will have different attributes and features from a service-based business.
If your business is restaurant-based, you will get features to add cooking menus, delivery services, online ordering, and others.
On the other hand, if your business is service-based, you will get features adding types of services, call services, online bookings, or others.
Complete these attributes to provide a satisfying user experience. However, make sure that you actually provide these attributes in your business.
6. Add Interesting Photos
Don't miss this feature in your business profile. Not only do they provide differentiation, photos also provide legitimacy and inspire a sense of trust in your potential customers.
To get optimal results from your business photos, follow the guidelines that Google provides. These include the following:
- Exterior: upload at least 3 photos taken from different angles and at different times.
- Interior: upload at least 3 photos from the customer's perspective and describe the atmosphere of your business space.
- Products: upload at least 3 photos of your most popular products with even lighting levels.
- Services: upload at least 3 photos of your team providing services and use good lighting.
7. Take advantage of Q&A to answer FAQs
Google provides you with a “Q&A” feature on your Business profile. This feature makes it easier for you to interact and provide explanations to customers who ask questions.
However, you might get bored if you have to answer similar questions over and over again. You can also use this feature to answer customers' most frequently asked questions (FAQ).
You need to monitor this column and ensure all customer questions are answered satisfactorily.
8. Get and Respond to Google Reviews
Besides photos, reviews are the most attractive factor for customers to visit your business. As proof, which one would you like to visit? A business with a high rating (4/5) with a number of reviews above 100, rather than a business with a low rating (2/5) with a number of reviews under 10?
Of course the first.
The good news is, you don't have to wait for customers to leave reviews. You can ask for it. Google provides the feature.
Copy the link that Google provides and send via WA or other instant messaging.
However, bad reviews can actually damage your business image. Therefore, make sure you have chatted with the customer beforehand and asked about their impressions.
If they are less than satisfied, use that as an evaluation. If they are satisfied, direct them to leave a review via the link.
9. Add the Latest Info about Your Business
Do you have a new product or service? Are you holding a promotional program? Or will you hold a certain event? Tell your customers this news via the [Add new info] menu.
Choose what info you want to add. Don't forget to include photos, infographics or posters according to the additional information.
In order for your business to grow, make sure you do it regularly. For example, holding monthly promos, events every 2 weeks, and launching new products or service updates every 3 months. Choose a marketing strategy that suits your business.
10. Monitor the Performance of Your Google Business Profile Regularly
Business is long term. So after you optimize, of course you also need to do maintenance.
Go to the performance menu and monitor the performance of your business profile on Google. You can monitor:
- the amount of traffic and its origin,
- number of menus ordered via Google,
- messaging and reservations,
- phone calls, as well
- traffic to your website from Google Business Profile.
Also pay attention to the "Questions and Answers" and "Ratings and Reviews" sections, because these are the two things that most influence potential customers' perceptions.
Don't want to lose to competitors. Use the Google Business Profile optimization tips above to appear more prominent and satisfying to customers. Don't forget to complete your local SEO strategy so that your business gets more traffic and profits.