Google Business Profile Manager: How to Boost Your Online Visibility

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What is Your Google Business Profile Manager? |  Your Online Presences is More Than a Website  |  Benefits of Google Business Profile Manager  |  Setting up Your Google Business Profile | Best Practices for Optimizing Your Google Business Profile | Managing Your Business Profile | Common Issues and Fixes for Your Google Business Profile Manager | Conclusion 

With so many people relying on the internet to find the services and businesses they need, your business needs to be visible online in order to stay competitive. One of the best tools of the trade is Google Business Profile Manager.

What is Your Google Business Profile Manager?

Source: Google and Honest Lee Handyman Services

Simply put, Google Business Profile Manager is your business’s digital storefront on the internet - even if your business isn’t a brick-and-mortar one. A Google Business Profile serves to display information about your business and invites customers to take a look around. It's an absolutely critical piece to a local SEO strategy for service area businesses.

Think of it this way - you’re walking down a street looking for a particular store. You see two stores side by side, but one has a clear sign with their name and business hours, while the other has no sign and looks closed. Which one are you more likely to enter?

In the same way, when people search for your business online, having a well-maintained Google Business Profile with accurate and up-to-date information makes it easier for them to find and choose your business over competitors. After all, 4 in 5 consumers use search engines to find local information.

For example, if someone searches for "handyman near me" on Google, they will see a list of handyman services in their area along with their Google Business Profiles. A well-optimized profile with positive customer reviews, photos, and up-to-date hours and service information will likely be more appealing than a profile with little information or negative reviews. 

And the perks don’t end there. Google Business Profile Manager can also help you boost your online visibility by making your business stand out in local search results. With features like Google Posts, Q&A, and customer reviews, you can engage with customers and showcase what sets your business apart from direct competition.

Does Every Business Have a Google Business Profile Whether or Not They Set It Up Themselves?

Yes, most businesses have a Google Business Profile. That’s because Google automatically creates basic business listings for many businesses based on information it finds on the web and users who contribute factual information. These listings can include a business's name, address, phone number, and hours of operation.

To actually manage the profile and have more control over how your business appears in Google search results, you have to claim and verify the Google Business Profile. Owning the profile is the only way to ensure the information is accurate and current and get access to additional features such as:

• The ability to respond to customer reviews
• Add photos and posts
• Analytics on how your profile is performing
• Adding attributes that show what your business offers (e.g. oil change, car wash)
• Marketing kit to create offline and online marketing materials
  

Why a Google Business Profile is Critical for Home and Automotive Services Businesses

Every business should have a Google Business Profile. But as home and automotive services businesses rely heavily on local customers, having a profile set up is even more crucial to reach customers more effectively.

Buyers today - more than 9 out of 10 - will always go online before deciding who to buy from. They have questions, want peer feedback (reviews), and more - things that Google provides buyers with at a level that nothing else does.

Some business owners are getting frustrated with Google video verification process. And as difficult it may be sometimes, it's worth it in the end to get verified.

A Google Business Profile allows home and automotive services businesses to provide potential customers with important information such as their phone number, hours of operation, physical location, and links to their website. All this is essential for customers who are looking for immediate assistance or want to visit or call the business in person.

By optimizing their profile, these businesses can improve their chances of appearing at the top of the search results when people in their area search for the services they offer. This can lead to more website traffic, phone calls, and appointments - the livelihood of a service business.

And when it comes to trust and credibility, customer reviews and ratings associated with your profile can help demonstrate expertise and quality of service. It’s especially important for businesses that offer services that require a high level of trust, such as home repairs or car maintenance.

Your Online Presences is More Than a Website

Why is a Google Business Profile Important?

A Google Business Profile is important because it serves as a gateway to your website and can lead potential customers to do business with you. When customers search for your business on Google, the information displayed on your Business Profile can influence their decision to click through to your website and make a purchase or request a service.

Source: GoSite R&D Team

It can also single-handedly enhance your search engine optimization (SEO) and at the same time, establish social credibility by displaying reviews and ratings from satisfied customers. And on the Google Business Profile interface, the Google Maps integration makes it easy to find your business on the map and direct contact functionalities allow customers to contact you in a flash.

Examples of Home Services Businesses Who Have a Strong Online Presence

John's Plumbing & Drain Services (Los Angeles, CA)

Source: Google and John’s Plumbing & Drain Services

John’s Plumbing & Drain Services boasts an attractive listing with 4.9 stars from 118 customer reviews. They’re said to have been in the business for 15+ years and have all their business information filled out, including what areas they serve, their phone number, website, and what services they offer. There are also original images that showcase the nature of the business.

Austin's Maid Service (Austin, TX)

Source: Google and Austin’s Maid Service

Austin’s Maid Service has also gathered many positive reviews, with a 4.6-star rating. They have a robust profile that includes all the information a potential customer would need to learn about them to eventually make a hire. With this service, customers can request a quote and expect a fast response. Like the example above, they have plenty of engagement tools such as the Website, Directions, Call, and Share buttons.

Benefits of Google Business Profile Manager

1. It Significantly Improves Your Business’s Online Visibility.

If your profile is well-done, like the examples above, customers will be more willing to trust your business and the accuracy of the information provided.

According to Google, businesses with complete and accurate information can get twice as much respect from people and 70% more clicks to their website than businesses with missing or wrong information.

This underscores the importance of ensuring that your profile is updated and optimized with relevant keywords, photos, and customer reviews. A good profile increases your chances of attracting more potential customers, ultimately leading to more bookings, sales, and other business opportunities.

2. It Allows Customers to Interact with Your Business in Ways They Prefer.

Customers expect to be able to communicate with businesses in a variety of ways. With a Google Business Profile, customers can leave reviews, ask questions, and even book appointments or make reservations directly from the profile. 

It’s a convenient and streamlined way for customers to engage with your business and can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. Not only that, but it also helps you keep up with customer demands for more immediate and responsive communication.

3. It Will Drive More Web Traffic.

Another huge benefit of using the Google Business Profile Manager is the potential to drive more traffic to your website. Thanks to the ability to add photos, videos, and customer reviews to your profile, you can create a rich and engaging experience that entices customers to learn more about what you have to offer. Increased website traffic means higher search engine rankings and reaping the benefits of more sales and revenue for your business.

A well-maintained Google Business Profile can also increase the visibility of your business on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you when they're on the go. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that rely on foot traffic or local customers.

4. Your Google Business Profile Serves as an Online Business Card.

A Google Business Profile acts like an elevated physical business card, providing potential customers with essential information and making it easy for them to find and connect with you. 
Source: E2M Solutions

As 97% of consumers use local searches to find businesses, a Google Business Profile can be a game-changer for your business. Not only will it help your business appear higher in local search results, it will ultimately lead to more foot traffic and revenue.

5. Google Profile Data Can Help You Understand Your Customer Better - what they like, how they act, and what type of people they are.

The Business Profile Performance feature works to analyze data from your profile so you can gain insights into what types of people are searching for your business. Information like this can be invaluable in shaping your marketing and sales strategies, as well as improving your customer experience.

For example, tracking the number of views and clicks on your Google Business Profile can give you a better sense of which aspects of your business are most appealing to potential customers.

Similarly, you can see what times of the day your Google profile is most busy, as well as which customer reviews are most helpful to future customers.

Setting up Your Google Business Profile

Step 1: Go to Google My Business.

The first step in creating your Google Business Profile is to go to the Google My Business website. You can find this by simply searching for "Google My Business" on Google or clicking the link above.

Step 2: Sign in or Create an Account.

On the Google My Business website, you'll need to sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don't already have one. You’ll need an account to access and manage your Google Business Profile.

Step 3: Add Your Business Information.

Next, you'll need to add your business information to your profile. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation. Be sure to provide as much accurate information as possible so customers can easily find and contact your business.

Step 4: Verify Your Business.

Source: Vanessa Mbamarah

After adding your business information, you'll need to verify your business with Google. You can choose between receiving a verification code by mail or phone, which you'll then enter into your Google My Business account to confirm your business's authenticity.

Step 5: Add Additional Information.

Finally, you can add additional information to your Google Business Profile to make it more informative and engaging. You might want to use original photos, write a description of your business, and list the specific services you offer.

For a more in-depth guide to setting up and claiming your Google Business, you can check out our blog, “How to Set Up and Activate Your Google My Business Listing.”

Best Practices for Optimizing Your Google Business Profile

1. Make Sure All Your Profile Information is Accurate.

The information you provide on your Google Business Profile should be accurate and complete. If there are typos or incorrect information, people may not be able to find your business or contact you, leading to lost opportunities. Regularly double-check all information and adjust hours of operation as needed to reflect any seasonal or holiday changes.

2. Add Original, High-quality Images.

Having appropriate photos on your profile can help customers get a better sense of who you are and what makes your business special. You can include shots of the products or the service in action, headshots of employees, images from events, or anything else that is relevant to your business.

3. Be Responsive to Reviews, Questions, and Messages.

What customers say about your business plays an important role in how it’s perceived. That’s why you should make sure to respond to reviews, questions, and messages promptly and professionally. 

When customers feel as though their feedback is appreciated and taken seriously, this builds trust and fosters long-term relationships. It also helps keep the conversation going between you and potential customers.

Lastly, more activity on your profile tells Google that your business is worth moving closer to the top of rankings. As you rise higher on Google, you’ll naturally get more clicks, messages, and calls.

4. Publish Posts.

Google Business Profiles give you the ability to post content on your profile. You can use this feature to share information about new products, promotions, events, or other newsworthy items. And by adding call-to-action buttons that link out to relevant pages on your website, you can boost the engagement you deserve.

5. Check Your Profile’s Performance.

As mentioned, the Business Profile Performance feature will tell you all you need to know about how your profile is performing and what visitors are looking at. Regularly checking your profile’s performance will show you what’s working and what can be improved, allowing you to make tweaks and adjustments as needed.

Source: GoSite’s Google Business Manager Tool - Try GoSite for FREE!

Managing Your Business Profile

What You Should Do a Few Times a Year

Periodically review and update your business information, including your address, phone number, website URL, and hours of operation. Make sure your profile accurately reflects your business and that any changes are promptly updated.

What You Should Do Weekly

Respond to customer reviews and engage with your audience. Responding to customer feedback in a timely and professional manner will demonstrate that you value their opinions and care about their experience with your business.

How to Track Your Google Business Profile Performance

Use the Insights feature to track how customers are interacting with your profile. Insights provide data on customer actions such as calls, website visits, and direction requests, as well as the keywords that led customers to your profile. Use this information to make data-driven decisions and continue optimizing your profile.

Common Issues and Fixes for Your Google Business Profile Manager

Difficulty Verifying Your Business

If you're having trouble verifying your business on Google, double-check that the information you entered is accurate and matches the details on your website and other directories. If that doesn't work, try contacting Google's support team for assistance.

Multiple Profiles for Your Business

If you discover multiple profiles for your business on Google, consolidate them into a single, verified profile by following the instructions provided by the Help Center.

Business Information Displayed is Wrong

First, you’ll want to make sure you’ve actually claimed the profile. If your business information is still displayed incorrectly on your Google Business Profile, log in to your account and update the information. Make sure that the information is consistent across all of your online profiles to avoid confusion.

Suspended Profile

If your Google Business Profile has been suspended, review Google's guidelines and policies to identify the issue. Take the necessary steps to address the issue and then submit an appeal to Google to reinstate your profile.

Fake or Inappropriate Reviews

If you notice fake or inappropriate reviews on your Google Business Profile, flag them for removal and avoid responding to them. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews to balance out any negative ones.

Conclusion

If you're looking to boost your online visibility, Google Business Profile Manager is the tool for you. With its easy-to-use interface and powerful features, you'll be able to showcase your business in all its glory. So don't wait any longer - get started today and watch as your online presence skyrocket!