What is a Google Business Profile (GMB)?
Google Business Profile is a free and hassle-free tool to maintain enhance the online presence. It helps the customers to find your business in local search results on Google SERP. The tool is highly considered for all sorts of service-based businesses operating in specific service hours. Both online and offline business can enhance their business exposure with a powerful GMB listing.
Importance of Google Business Profile
GMB is highly suitable for all online businesses that want to beat the local business competition. It will likely be helpful in improving the ranking of the business. It is an essential tool for better Search Engine Optimization and enhanced visibility. Smartphone searches are more likely to get your business in search results.
If we search terms on Google like “Restaurant near me”, “doctor near me”, etc. You’ll find the local GMB listing with a complete list of results. You can even find Google Maps as per the local search along with a location marker. The organic search results are shown below the GMB listings. This makes the Google Business Profile a top priority for online businesses. Now, let’s take a detailed analysis on how to optimize the GMB listing for result-oriented performance.
Step By Step Process To Optimize the Google Business Profile Listing
Now, since you’re aware of all the details related to Google Business Profile, let’ move ahead. Here is a guide walking you through the ways to optimize Google Business Profile. It also improves the chances of enhancing the ranking factor as well.
Step 1: Claim GBP (Google Business Profile) Listing
Conduct a Google search to discover if your business has already owned a GBP listing. There are high chances for old businesses to have an existing listing. In such a case, all is required to claim the listing. However, if not available, make sure to create a new one. If an old employee has already claimed the business, fill out a “Request Access” form. It would be helpful in this case.
Step 2: Update Google Business Profile
Now, when you’ve successfully claimed the listing, access the GMB dashboard. Complete profile and update the business information. Make sure the entire details are up to date and correct as per your knowledge. Try to fill all mentioned fields and the information must match with the website. Mentioning different information on the GMB listing as compared to the website can damage the local rankings.
Step 3: Verify Google Business Listing
Once all the information is entered in the Google Business Profile, it’s time to verify the listing. This step is highly crucial for visibility and impacts the performance as well. Google won’t be displaying the new listing to users until and unless verified. You won’t be able to access the analytic or insights without verification.
There are specific ways to verify the Google Business Profile listing. Out of the major choices, here are some effective methods:
- Enter your business address in the GMB profile and use the postcard method for verification. You will receive a postcard from Google containing a verification code. Once received, enter the same in the GBP account and verify the same.
- Email verification is one way but it is not available for every business out there. You will find the option if it is available for your business. In case, the option is not there, you need to move ahead with another alternative option.
- Google Search Console can help in getting instant GMB verification. Login to the GMB dashboard and use your Google account to complete verification. However, you need to check if your business is eligible for this option.
- If your business is functional for multiple locations, you are allowed to complete the bulk verification.
Hence, these above-mentioned options can be suitable to complete your Google Business Profile verification.
Step 4: Keep updating the right information
Once the business is verified, try to maintain the profile and keep updating the correct information. It has been visualized that the business having the more detailed and accurate data, will get better results. It is quite facile to update the business listing, just by logging in using Google accounts. Here are some of the core fields, you need to update frequently:
- The business name should match with what is on the website.
- The business address must replicate on GMB as of the website.
- The telephone number in GBP should be the same as on the website. The users are able to contact you with the saved phone number.
- The business hours should be mentioned with the correct days and times.
- Add your website URL to the GBP listing. Also, try to include the options like online orders, reservations, and appointments.
- Add a relevant description explaining who you are, what you offer, and what is setting you apart.
- Keep updating the right keywords to get favorable results.
- Choose the right category for your business applications for every location.
- Showcase a price list/menu on GMB to attract a wide range of customers.
- List down the facilities that can convince users in a surefire way.
Conclusion
Hence, we can conclude that optimizing the GBP listing is not as difficult as it seems. The defined changes or updates in Google Business Profile can have the most positive effect on the search results. Avoid getting the complications that come in the way of brand growth.
The above-listed step-by-step tutorial is a surefire way to optimize the listing in the quickest manner possible. Start optimizing your business listing today and keep enhancing the online presence and results.
