What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile used to be called Google My Business. It is a free tool from Google that helps people find your business and services in their Search and Maps.
These business listings show on the right side of a search results page or on Google Maps.
For example, Google "Italian Restaurants Near Me" and you can see a few businesses listed on the map on the search results page. Those businesses are using Google Business Profile to supply information for that listing.
Or, Google a business name like "Tiger Studios" and you will see the business listing in the right sidebar. That information comes from Google Business Profile.
The future of Google Business Profile.
Google is transitioning its Business Profile website to support larger businesses with multiple locations. They want single location businesses to add and update their business profiles using Search or their Maps.
If you own a small one-location business, simply go to google.com and search for your business name. Once you do that you will be able to see links to update your profile information.
These links will be in the right sidebar and at the very top of the page. Explore the links to learn more about how your profile is performing.
Should I set up my business in Google Business Profile?
Anyone who owns a business, is a freelancer, a contractor, or a service provider should consider setting up their free profile. If you have a business name, take advantage of the tools Google offers to boost your business profile.
This will give you more access to future customers who are searching for your services. Using this free service gives you more visibility and more chances to use keywords to draw customers in. Plus, it gives your business and services more credibility.
What do I do about a physical location? I am a contractor or work from home.
You do not need to give a physical address to list your business. This is important if you work from home and you don't want your customers to show up unannounced.
Google asks for locations or regions of your business or service. If you are a contractor or service company, you can put in the counties that you service. If you are a freelancer, you can mark your region as a city, state, country, or the world.
Should I use keywords?
Yes! Never forget that customers can only find you if their keywords match up with your keywords. If there is ever an opportunity to add keywords, take it.
Google Business Profile gives you the opportunity to add a business description. This description will show in the results so it is important to make the description engaging while adding keywords.
In Conclusion
Another great thing about this free service is that Google currently sends you a report each month to let you know how your profile listing is doing. How many times your listing came up on the maps and who clicked to call you or go to your website. Time will tell if they continue to send this information once they transition Business Profile in the future. I hope they do.
Information like that can tell you how effective your Business Profile listing is. Don't be afraid to make revisions to your listing if you are not getting the results you want. Making minor changes could bring great things to your business.
If you want to learn more about Google Business Profile and how it can help your business, contact me today.