Google My Business is a free tool from Google that allows you to create and manage a Google Business Profile. Your Google My Business profile will appear on the right-hand side of Google search results and is made up of important information about your business. It covers all the basics that potential customers may wish to know about your business. This can include business hours, contact details, photos, reviews and much more. Users can get in touch via your profile without even visiting your website, and therefore, without leaving Google. Therefore it’s pretty important to get it right.
Here’s an example of our Google My Business profile:
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Google Business Profiles can be adapted into different forms depending on the needs of your business. For example, sometimes it looks like this:
This is called the ‘Local Pack’. It dominates Google search results, particularly on mobile. The local pack shows three physical locations that Google deems most relevant to the search term. The aim is to appear here and show up for people that search directly for your service in their area.
A strong profile helps businesses attract new customers from Google searches and maps. When done right, you can expect to see improved rankings and visibility, along with more enquiries.
However, it’s not enough to simply set up a profile and leave it to run itself. You have to regularly post updates and ensure your profile is fully optimised. Things change every day, especially Google’s algorithm so staying ahead of the curve is crucial.
You know at Breakout Media we love a stat. So let’s talk numbers:
- Businesses with Google Business Profiles are 94% more likely to be viewed as reputable
- 64% of consumers use these profiles to find contact details for local businesses
- 60% of smartphone users have contacted a business directly using the Contact feature.
The proof is in the pudding with those numbers. So why are you neglecting your profile?
How To Set Up Your Google Business Profile
The setup process for a Google My Business profile is pretty straightforward but to get the best out of it it needs to be done properly. So let us show you how:
First head to Google and enter your business name. If no profile shows up it’s time to set one up ASAP.
Before we get started, we have a big no-no to remind you of. ALWAYS just use your business name as it is. Don’t get too fancy with this bit and include an ‘optimised’ version with keywords added. For example, we would never list ourselves as ‘Breakout Media - SEO Company in Teesside’. Instead, we would just put Breakout Media.
How To Optimise Your Google Business Profile
You can be as in-depth as you like when it comes to your profile but the most important thing is making sure the foundations are in place. We’ve created a list of the best ways to optimise your profile…
Set Up Your Business Category.
This describes what your business is, NOT what it does or sells. For example, we’re a marketing agency. You may be a Training Provider or a Pet Product Supplier. You’d write about that in this section rather than discussing the actual dog leads or harnesses you sell.
Add Additional Categories
This section is where you give your customers more information about what you do. Our additional categories would include all of our services including SEO, PPC, Videography and Content Marketing.
Add Your Business Hours
Make sure these are accurate. If this is wrong, it could make or break someone getting in touch with you. It’s important to check these regularly in case they’ve changed.
Set Holiday Hours
State whether you’re open or closed on bank holidays, Christmas, Easter etc.
Add Contact Details
ALL businesses need to add their phone number and website. There’s no point in creating a profile if no one can get in touch with you.
Add Photos
Research shows profiles with images receive 42% more requests for driving instructions and 35% more website clicks. The more photos, the better.
Add Your Products or Services
This doesn’t work for every business but it’ll be pretty obvious if it's right for you. If you sell a product or service, then get them added in there.
Get More Reviews
Many studies show Google reviews are really important, especially for local rankings. A great way to get reviews is to get your staff to push it. If they’re speaking to clients, get them to ask for a review.
Answer Questions
People often ask questions about your business via your profile so turn notifications on to stay updated and get back to your customers quickly.
Post Updates
These are similar to status updates. Share blog posts, talk about company news - whatever feels relevant.
Set up messages.
This adds a button to your listing for people to message direct.
And finally, FILL EVERYTHING ELSE IN. What’s left will depend on your business category. For example:
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Restaurants can list menu items
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Barbers can use third-party booking systems
We work with local and national businesses, and we’ve seen positive results from doing this for both types of businesses.
We recently made a few simple changes for a client, and within a week - they’d received two enquiries via their Google business profile.
Of course, as always with Google- business profiles can be unpredictable. You may find that you add an image, and then a week later, Google has taken it down.
Persistence is key. As with all aspects of SEO! If you’re having trouble with Google My Business, get in touch, and we’ll see how we can help.
