Optimizing your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the first step toward appearing in more local search results you must also encourage people to click on and interact with your profile to convert leads into customers!
Fortunately, GBP has several beneficial options that you can employ to improve Google Business Profile engagement, resulting in more clicks, calls, messages, direction requests, reservations, and visits to your business.
Improve Google Business Profile Engagement leads to more conversions and can also help improve your profile’s ranking in local search results. Evidence shows that views, clicks, calls, and other GBP interactions contribute to higher rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). When someone searches for a business or area near them, they will receive local results on Google, including Maps and Search. You’ll most likely get local results if you search for “Italian restaurant” on your mobile device. We strive to show you the types of neighboring restaurants you want to visit.
Respond to reviews.
Google evaluations are a significant local search ranking element; thus, obtaining as many positive evaluations on Google Business Profile as possible should be a substantial component of any local SEO plan.
You should also monitor and reply to Google Business Profile reviews, both positive and bad, to demonstrate your commitment to customer service and engage with them. This can inspire potential consumers to interact with your GBP by reading your previous review responses and submitting their reviews, which can help your local SEO efforts.
How Google Determines Local Ranking
Local results are determined chiefly by relevancy, distance, and prominence. Combining these variables allows us to identify the best match for your search. For example, our algorithms may determine that a business farther away from your location is more likely to have what you’re looking for than a business closer to you and, hence, rank it higher in local search results.
13 Google My Business Optimizations for Higher Rankings in Local Search
Any business today needs a targeted presence on Google. Most companies understand that this requires optimizing their website and Google Ads. Still, many are unaware that a third entity must also be optimized their Google business listing. Officially called your Business Profile, this powerful listing is a dynamic picture of your company that showcases your most outstanding qualities and allows potential consumers to find, learn about, and engage with you directly from the SERP. What is the best part? It is free.
Despite Google’s monthly search volume 167 billion, a Bright Local analysis found that the average Business Profile received only 1,260 views (0.00000075%). Even worse, only 59 actions are taken out of 1,260 views. That’s less than five percent.
The issue is not with the Google Business platform; instead, not enough firms take advantage of its excellent capabilities. That’s why we wrote this tutorial.
Here are 13 techniques to Improve Google Business Profile Engagement:
1. Claim your business profile.
2. Fill out every section of your Google My Business account.
3. Be meticulous with contact information.
4. Select the primary and secondary categories.
5. Mark of the applicable attributes.
6. Write a full “from the business” description.
7. Publish Google posts weekly.
8. Upload fresh photos weekly.
9. Answer questions.
10. Collect and reply to reviews.
11. Add your items or services.
12. Set up messaging.
13. Maintain your business profile.
With these tweaks, you can transform your Business Profile into the best free client acquisition tool you didn’t realize you possessed. Let’s get to it.
Note: Google officially refers to the more popular term “Google business listing” as your Business Profile. Thus, we’ll use “Business Profile” throughout this piece.
Find out using our Free Business Listings Grader!
What does an Improve Google Business Profile Engagement look like?
Before we dive into the tactics, let’s clarify what an optimized Business Profile looks like and why you need one. To help you visualize what you’re aiming for and why, consider a comparison of an unfinished Google Business Profile to a comprehensive and optimized one.
Improve your local ranking.
Google’s algorithm for ranking business profiles considers location, relevancy, activity, and content quality. Optimizing your Google Business Profile conveys these signals to Google, allowing you to appear higher in local search results. As you know, a higher ranking equates to increased visibility and engagement with your business.
How Can I Improve Google Business Profile Engagement?
Here are our actions to all our clients to enhance their presence on Google My Business (GMB).
Step 1: Complete Your Profile
Ensure that your profile has correct and up-to-date information about your company, such as office hours, contact information, and a website URL. Also, remember to include photographs and videos to highlight your products and services.
Step 2: Encourage reviews.
Encourage your consumers to post evaluations for your Google My Business listing. Positive reviews will help you rank higher on Google and gain credibility with potential consumers.
Pay special attention to the number of reviews your direct competitors have. For example, if a shop a few miles away has 50 positive ratings, you should set it as your goal and aim to exceed it.
The quality and quantity of reviews on your Google My Business listing can significantly impact your rating.
Ask customers to post reviews.
No amount of promotion from you will overcome any positive customer feedback. So, to improve your Google Business Profile, contact customers and ask for feedback.
62% of consumers will leave a review if asked, and my recommendation is to start with your most loyal customers. Those with a lengthy history with your company are more willing to help, but if a courteous email doesn’t yield results, it’s time to try rewarding the process. Offering a discount on their next service or entering a competition to win X is a simple approach to increase review numbers. We have written more about the best way to collect consumer feedback here.
Tip: Make it simple for customers to review your company by including a link in your post-appointment follow-up or the URL on your receipts for in-person sales.
FAQs
Is Google Business Profile free?
How Do I Get My Business on Google?
Can I modify my Google My Business name?
How can I add a second location to Google My Business?
Final Words
Google Business Profile is essential to your online presence since it allows customers to learn about and interact with your company. The importance of having an optimal and accurate profile cannot be emphasized.
As we navigate the digital realm, where first impressions are frequently created online, a well-curated Google Business Profile acts as a virtual showroom, enabling potential customers to discover your company’s offers.
Optimization is more than just visibility; it builds trust, credibility, and a great user experience. Your firm attracts and retains a loyal customer base by providing accurate information, attractive images, and proactive participation with customer feedback.
The effective tactics offered, from improving business descriptions to exploiting Google My Business features, will enable you to realize the full potential of this platform.