Lesson 4 of 5
In Progress

Google Business Profile

The quickest, easiest way for local businesses to market themselves is through Google My Business.

Google wants you to stay on their platform, so when you search on Google-related answers to your query pop up. This helps to keep you on the Google platform.

They also keep you and your potential clientele on the platform through the Google My Business listing.

Your business listing will pop up when people search it, or keywords like it.

Your listing serves viewers with information such as hours of operation, your website URL, photos, services, menu links, promotions, reviews, or call you from the listing.

How can you show up at the top of a search?

  • Claim your listing: If you are already an established local business, there may be an address placeholder for you.
  • Verify your listing. Verify your address. Google will send you a 7-digit code through the mail. Return to your listing and enter your code. Now you are verified.
  • Download Google My Business App.- Look at reviews, messages, and edit some information.
  • Fill out all information. Do not leave anything blank. Google uses this to move you up in search.
  • Claim your short name. This is something short you can share with clients so they can leave reviews. Go to the info tab, scroll to the @ symbol, and choose your short name. Try to pick something as close to your business name as possible.
  • Write your business description. Make sure this matches what you have listed on other platforms. If it is not consistent, Google will not show the information in search results.
  • Turn on Google Assistant Calls. Go to the info section and look to the right sidebar for Google Assistant Calls. Make sure the box is checked.
  • Upload photos and videos to your listing. Go to the Photos tab and add photos/videos of your brand.
  • Get a Google Review. The keywords in your review will show Google the keywords people are using to search for you. The more reviews you get, the more keywords you will show up for.
  • Ask clients for reviews or send them an email!
  • Reply to your reviews within 24 hours. Leave up any bad reviews. People want to see how you respond. Tip- Have some prewritten replies to bad reviews so you can alter them and unemotionally respond to them.
  • Make a post. You can repurpose content from your social media platforms or website. Use keywords from your reviews so you are showing Google this is what you want to rank for.
  • Make sure to post about your current promotions.
  • Get your Google My Business followers. Ask people to follow you when you ask for reviews.
  • Turn on your messaging. Make sure you respond within 24 hours.
  • Review your insights. This shows you where your traffic is coming from and allows you to adjust your keywords according to what people are searching for.
  • If you don’t have a website of your own, create one from the one Google offers you. It’s free. If you have a website already, use that one only and do not create the Google Site.