The life of a small business owner is always busy. There are customers to meet, orders to fill, and services to provide. Oftentimes, this means that tasks such as marketing and monitoring your digital presence can get pushed to the side in hopes that “someday” you will have time to work on it.
The good news is that by completing these 5 changes to your Google Business Profile, you can make a huge impact on the visibility of your business online!
1. Claim Your Google Business Profile
Why It Matters
It’s worth taking a minute or two to search your business name and see if there is already a profile for your location. This helps avoid having your profile flagged as a duplicate listing. It also makes sure there are no old listings with bad information floating around on the web.
Profiles might already exist if it was setup by a previous owner, former employee, or Google itself.
Do This Today
- Check for an existing profile.
- Follow Google's verification process if the profile hasn't been claimed.
- If no existing profile is found, you can create a new one.
2. Check Your NAP Information
Why It Matters
NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. If you NAP information is inconsistant it can cause confusion among customers and search engines.
Do This Today
- Verify your business name is consistent across the web, including your Google Business Profile, website, and social media accounts.
- Verify your address is consistent across the web. Be sure to include any relevant information such as suite numbers or PO Boxes.
- Verify your phone number is consistent across the web. Pick one number (office, cell, etc.) to use across all platforms.
3. Update Your Business Hours
Why It Matters
Customers use the hours listed on your Google Business Profile to make travel plans. If your profile says you’re closed, customers will find somewhere else to shop. If your profiles says you’re open, but your not, that can leave potential customers with a negative view of your business.
Do This Today
- Verify your profile is showing accurate hours.
- Don't forget to indicate if you are closed during the lunch hour!
- Let customers know if you will be closed or have special hours on holidays.
4. Add Business Photos
Why It Matters
The human brain can process images faster and retain the information longer than they can by reading text. Photos are an easy way to help potential customers get to know your business.
Do This Today
- Add photos of both the outside and inside of your location.
- Add pictures of staff that customers need to know or may interact with.
- Add pictures of your team in action. This may be helping a customer, working on a project, or attending a conference.
- Before and after photos are popular for industries that do remodeling or repair work.
5. Write a Detailed Business Description
Why It Matters
This is your chance to tell potential customers who you are and what you’re about. Let them know what makes you different than your competitors.
Do This Today
- Write a detailed description of your business. You might include your mission statement, years in business, special certifications, or anything else that would make you a good fit for customers.
Claim Your Google Business Profile
A strong Google Business Profile helps local customers discover your business quickly and trust what they find. Whether you need to create a new profile, update an existing one, or fully optimize your presence, we’re here to help you connect with more customers and improve your online visibility.
