There are many unknowns when it comes to Google. What is certain is that Google will never become static. Google experiments, it learns and it changes. Google Business Profile is a prime example. Google Business Profile has continued to evolve since its release in 2014 and is now essential to getting your business to show up in the local search results.
Local SEO and Google Business Profile
In 2018, a Google Business Profile Listing is a key component of any SEO strategy. Research shows people prefer to go local and they use Google to find local businesses, tradespeople, cafes and restaurants. Google research also shows that “businesses with detailed and complete online business listings are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.”
Therefore, claiming your Google Business Profile listing, providing detailed company information and, most importantly, keeping the information current is imperative to connecting directly with your customers and improving your organic rankings.
Optimizing A Google Business Profile Listing
The first step is to claim your free listing. To be eligible for this free listing you must follow these guidelines. Many businesses stop at this point, unaware that it is possible to optimise your GMB listing and attract more customers. It is important to complete ALL the information Google asks for and check in regularly to ensure it is accurate. With the “suggest an edit” feature, other people (including your competitors) can fill in and change details of your business, so it pays to be vigilant.
Other important features to explore (depending on your type of business) include the booking button, messaging, questions & answers and reviews. Read more about making these features work for your business here.
Google Posts For Google Business Profile
Google Posts became available to all businesses in June, 2017. Prior to this, they were only available to US Presidential candidates and other public figures including sports teams. So, what are Google Posts and are they useful?
A Google Post is a mini-ad, a postcard of sorts that appears in the local panel on Google search and Google Maps. It can contain up to 300 words, an image and a call to action button.
Are they useful? Yes. Google Posts are an important tool that can help your business stand out on the results pages. As well as highlighting your products and services, a Google Post is a smart way to promote specials, highlight upcoming events, increase the visibility of your latest product or even take bookings.
Webics has our very own Google Business Profile aficionado who has overcome pretty much every hurdle GMB has thrown at her! If you need help with your SEO strategy, get in touch with us today.
