How To Use Your Google Profile To Win More Business

Google processes approximately 99,000 search queries every second. This works out at around 8.5 billion searches per day and approximately 2 trillion global searches per year.

That is one serious stat.

As a business, we cannot underestimate what Google can do for us. The potential it has as a lead generator for our business is huge. Every business wants a piece of that searching stat. No matter what service you offer or product you sell people are going to Google and searching for it on a regular basis. The question is are they finding you or are they finding your competitors?

There are so many different factors to getting found on Google and at times it can be quite complex and overwhelming as to what you should and should not be doing. One thing you should be doing is maximising your Google Business Profile (once known as Google My Business).

According to Google themselves, this is what the role of Google Business Profile is:

“Google Business Profile Manager, allows businesses to control how their information appears on Google Search and Maps, essentially acting as a digital storefront where they can manage details like business name, location, hours, contact information, photos, and customer reviews, enabling them to interact with potential customers and maintain an accurate online presence.”

It makes sense that if you want to be found on Google you need to utilise the tools that they give you, especially when you can do it for free. To help you maximise your Google Business Profile here are a few good habits that you can utilise when it comes to Google Profile Manager.

1. Make Regular Updates

Just like other social media platforms, Google gives you the option to add updates (on Facebook these would be known as posts). You can go onto the platform and post updates about your business. These updates can be anything you wish to share about your business.

The most effective way to do this is to ensure that your updates are using keywords that you want to be found for. For example, if you are a plumber in Manchester and that is what you want to be found for then using these keywords as often as you can in your updates is important. You can share updates about projects you have undertaken, jobs you are working on and services you offer.

You must ensure these updates are helpful, informative, and as creative as possible but do utilise keywords as much as possible.

2. Optimise For Local SEO

When you are creating your Google updates use location-specific terms and language in your updates. Whatever towns or cities you want to attract business from make sure you mention these in your updates.

Google Profile Manager is central to you appearing on Google Maps locally so mentioning your local areas of work in your updates is vital.

3. Collect Reviews

One of the key benefits of Google is the ability to collect reviews from your customers. This helps you stand out over your competitors. If someone is looking for the service or product that you offer and sees that you have lots of positive reviews, it really is going to help them choose you over your competitors.

You must have a strategy in place to collect Google reviews for your business. Once you start collecting reviews regularly and they rise in number it really is a selling point and will help you win more business.

4. Regularly Check your Profile

Google puts importance on keeping your profile accurate and up to date. If you ever change any of your business details, then ensure you make these changes on Google. Checking your profile every few months to ensure it is correct is important.

5. Respond To Reviews

When you receive reviews from your customers ensure that you reply to them. This shows that you are active and care about your customers. Whether the review is positive or negative ensure you take the time to reply to them all.

6. Utilise specific options for your business

There are certain aspects to Google Business Profile that may or may not be relevant to you. For example, there are facilities for people to be able to make bookings with you. If you are a business that requests bookings, then make the most of this feature. If you sell products, then again there is an option for this on Profile Manager – utilise it if it helps you. These features are not relevant to every business but if they are to you then use them. It all helps give you greater visibility.

So many businesses are not maximising and making the most of their Google profile. It can really help you generate organic leads so it’s a mistake not to give it the attention it deserves.

Start getting active on your profile and watch the difference it makes to your business.

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