If we all had a dollar for every time we were told to “Google it,” we would all be rich. Google is undeniably a powerhouse; it has evolved from merely a search engine to an all-encompassing tool nearly everybody uses. Students, teachers, employers, and employees use Google for features like GSuite, Google Docs, Gmail, etc. Therefore, a google business profile is a simple way to get your brand in front of your ideal audience. When you add advanced local SEO practices to the mix, your Google Business Profile could become one of your most valuable assets.
Additionally, businesses using the right local SEO can see improvements in traffic to their website and are always looking for new ways to stay on top of the SEO game. Creating a Google Business Profile (formally called Google My Business) can help you achieve that. And it’s free.
Google Business Profiles Benefit Local Businesses
Local businesses depend on organic impressions to maintain foot traffic and engagement with their website. Fortunately, Google agrees and encourages all businesses and marketers to practice a “people-first content” philosophy. Whatever strategy the business owner invests in is tailored to involve engagement from their ideal consumer. Suppose the strategy is effective and promotes a positive experience for the user. In that case, it will improve the local SEO of the business on Google searches. It is universally agreed upon that good rankings on a Google search and doing whatever is needed to appear on that first page is paramount. This is where Google Business Profiles come into play.
What Is A Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile allows you to manage your online presence under one platform. This controls what your audience sees and amplifies the number of people you can reach in one day or even one hour if your local SEO is effectively strategized. Think of it this way: your clients will eventually Google your business to see what your storefront or office looks like. You would like them to get an excellent first impression, so they’re encouraged to stop by. You can control the angles, lighting, and everything in between for how your space looks on Google Maps. And that’s just one of its features. Google Business Profiles help you utilize this level of control as leverage. The possibilities are practically endless!
How to Engage Locals with a Google Business Profile
Creating the profile is as easy as providing information on a step-by-step website. All you need to do is go to Google Business Profile to claim your business. Creating a profile is as simple as entering information relevant to your business. Google allows the personalization of a business profile with pictures, offers, hours of operation, and more. From the category to the address to the website, one can be as detailed as needed. Once all the information is placed, you must ensure that all the information provided is correct before submitting it.
Additionally, another way of creating your profile is directly through Google Maps. Often if someone is searching for a good pizza place, for example, a potential consumer in the area will search by typing in “pizza.” As a local vendor, you would want to appear as one of your area’s closest and top-rated pizza places. If you place your website on your profile, it can drive traffic directly to your website.
When the Google Business Profile is complete, you will appear on Google Maps itself. Once all these steps are complete, it is important to note that you verify any entered information with the options provided. The last thing that any business would want is incorrect information, such as operating hours or a phone number, to show on their Google Business Profile.
This profile is a tool to see how many clicks and impressions you receive over time. You can verify your business, manage your reviews, and engage with your community through the Google Business Profile Help page. Remember that your website must also be structured with the appropriate data to appear on Google searches. Search engines are using the information on your site to determine relevancy to the user’s search. Improvements to SEO are a collaborative effort that requires businesses to stay on top of changes and trends.
What Is Local SEO?
Unlike traditional SEO, local SEO focuses on generating leads within your geographic location. For example, let’s say you want to keep your business local to Texas. In that case, you can implement relevant keywords to your Google Business Profile so people local to Texas will find you first. As a digital marketing agency in Texas, MRS Digital Media aims to sprinkle a dash of Texas spirit into what we do. Our locals trust that we understand them as a digital marketing agency in Texas.
Improving Local SEO for Your Google Business Profile
As with all of your content, the local SEO on your Google Business Profile is designed to help you reach a wider audience. But, of course, numbers aren’t everything. Remember, you don’t just want to generate or convert quick leads for instant gratification. Instead, curating your content for the right people is more beneficial–-even if it takes longer. Thankfully, local SEO does help you convert leads quickly, but since it’s geared to people who are already looking for you, you’re more likely to see long-term success instead of quick gains.
There are a few simple ways that you can improve local SEO on your Google Business Profile:
- Professional Photos – Customizing the images that appear when people search for your business is a must. If you use professional photos on your Google Business Profile, you’re more likely to appear higher on the Search Engine Results Page(SERP). This is like your brand’s headshot.
- Complete Your Profile – This may seem a bit obvious. However, some businesses assume they can leave specific details out of their Google Business Profile to ensure it’s “good enough.” Unfortunately, using that strategy eliminates some optimal chances to throw in critical keywords. To pack a punch, verify your business so your audience knows you’re legit.
- Word-Of-Mouth – Word-of-mouth might be your most effective marketing tool. That is ironic since it is also the oldest marketing tool. Good reviews drive more traffic toward your Google Business Profile. Moreover, good reviews allow new clients to see old clients enjoying your work. Sometimes, client reviews might even include a keyword or two without realizing it.
Overall, improving your local SEO on your Google Business Profile should take only a few moments. However, it is one of the best gifts you could give your business. Learning digital marketing tricks, like SEO practices, pushes you towards your most meaningful goals at rates you might not have even known possible. Mastering SEO does not need to take all of your time or money. Instead, implementing these simple tips should give you a significant boost. Seems easy enough, right? So, what are you waiting for? Set up your Google Business Profile today.
MRS Digital Marketing is a local digital marketing agency in Texas dedicated to creating WordPress sites, SEO improvements, and social media strategies. Interested? Contact us.
