Why You Need Google My Business

Everyone has heard of Google and you’re probably not surprised to learn that it’s the world’s most visited website! It currently holds more than 92% of the search engine share- it’s seemingly unstoppable!

So if you’re making sure your SEO is getting your business seen in searches it makes sense to go one step further and take advantage of Google Business Profile.
 
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile (previously known as Google My Business) is a free business listing provided by Google. The listing lets you include all your important business contact details and photos and is a brilliant way to boost your business discoverability. It’s only available to businesses that have customer contact, so you’ll have to stick to other tools and analytics if your business is online-only.
 
It’s really beneficial to your business to create a Google Business Profile as once you’re up and running your listing can appear in any of the Google Services from Google Search, Google Maps and Google Shopping.
 
How Can Google Reviews Impact Your Website?
Customer reviews are great for your business- they give you valuable insights into your customer and their journey, build trust and credibility and give you great content to use in your social media marketing to boot! Obviously the difference with Google reviews as opposed to say reviews on your business Facebook page is that they’re there for everyone to see- this might seem scary especially as you can’t pick and choose which reviews to share but the combination of star rating and written detail really help your potential customers make an informed choice.
 
Negative Review? Don’t panic!
Criticism or negative reviews can be hard to handle but don’t let that put you off creating your Google Business Profile. It’s important to respond to your reviews, positive or negative, as this has been found to affect how your business comes across to customers. A survey carried out by Google and Ipsos Connect found that businesses that respond to reviews are viewed as being more trustworthy than those that don’t so it’s well worth taking the time to reply.
 
Be sure to respond in a timely manner and remain true to your brand voice and image. If a review is negative you should respond honestly and always offer an apology where it is necessary. Criticism is a great learning tool so use it to help improve the weak points in your business.
 
If you get a review that is inappropriate then you can get it removed by reporting it to Google.
 
Top tips for optimising your Google Business Profile

• Keep your business details up to date i.e contact details, business hours etc
• Verify your business
• Complete all elements of your profile and add real photos of your business location etc
• If you sell products be sure to add them to your listing
  
• Make use of the free Google marketing tools
  
• Include relevant keywords in your profile
• Ask your customers to share their questions and reviews
  

 
 
Need help with your Google My Business listing? Want help improving your existing profile?  Book a Health Check for first aid assistance.