Why Are Google Business Listings Soooooooooooo Important?
It's where you get your Google Reviews
It's where people can leave you reviews!
Of course it's also where other get to SEE your reviews
It shows up when people are ready to buy
Unlike social media, people searching for something on google are generally ready to buy
It will help your SEO so your website can rank higher
Local businesses with a Google Business Profile will generally rank higher in Google Searches
Just because you're open for business does not mean you're IN business
As a business owner, you need to choose which activities to invest in to bring in that steady stream of customers.
Simply having a website, or claiming your google business profile won't guarantee that you will get customers.
No matter how great what you offer is - it won't matter if no one knows about it.
So what exactly is a local business?
A local business is one that either has a physical presence where clients can come to, or which takes its services to specific local areas. For example a landscaping business delivers its service to particular service areas, whereas a shop may need people to come in. In reality businesses now are often hybrid businesses.
A restaurant can also deliver, and a physical shop can also sell products online.
Common Questions about Google Business Profiles
How easy is a Google Business Profile to set up?
Is setting up a Google Business Profile easy?
Setting up a Google Business Profile can be fast and easy or time consuming and difficult - especially when it comes to being verified by Google.
While you may believe you are following Google's guidelines, sometimes the algorithm will hide or suspend your profile and it can take quite a lot of work to get verified.
In addition to this, simply having a profile claimed, while better than nothing, does not necessarily mean you are making the most of the listing.
The good news is that there are a lot of resources on line - including from Google themselves about how to optimise a listing.
Is having a google profile listing really free?
Is a google business profile listing free?
Yes - it really is.
Your main investment is time - setting it up so it is optimised and really working for you.
When set up right, you can have it work really well for you. For example, we have many of our social media posts also post on our Google Business Profile - which keeps things fresh and gives people finding us on google all the updates on what is happening in our business.
Do you need a Google Business Profile to get Google Reviews?
Do I need a Google Business Profile to get Google Reviews?
Yes you do, and this is one of the most important reasons for claiming your profile.
Not only do you need a Google Business Profile to get reviews, but should you get a negative review for your business and you have not yet claimed it officially, you will have no way of quickly responding to it.
Claiming your Google Business Profile will allow you to get a link so your clients can review your business, and importantly allow you to log in and thank people for reviews, or reply to reviews which may be negative thus helping manage your online reputation.
What kind of problems or help may I need in setting up my profile?
Time and Tech
One of the most common issues our clients face is having the time to set up their profiles well.
They may be able to just claim the profile, but when issues come along they feel overwhelmed by what is required to troubleshoot problems such as a suspended profile or a hidden profile.
Understanding Optimisation
There is a big difference between Just having a profile, and having one that is really optimised for Google searches.
When you are competing with a whole lot of other businesses in the same category, it really does make a difference having your profile optimised.
Needing help to set up Automation
There are ways you can help your Google Business Profile work for you even more, such as a process for asking your clients for a review, however this may be a little overwhelming if your are not tech savvy.
The way you ask for reviews is very important. In some cases this can be fully automated, at other times this many not be appropriate. Either way - having a system set up to grow your reviews needs to be one that works well for you and your clients.
What else is involved in Local Business Marketing?
What other Local Business Marketing activities do I need to do?
An important thing which works hand in hand with claiming your Google Business Profile is to make sure you are listed in other online directories.
This is often referred to as Citations. It is important to know that not all directories are created equal. Making sure your business is correct across the various directories is important, as inconsistent information can work against you building a strong and cohesive business footprint online.
Citations should be updated as your business offerings change as well.
Custom Strategy
Apart from that - each business has its own unique opportunities for local business marketing.
Feel free to book a free 15 minute chat about some of the options or a book in for a Local Business Strategy consultation.
Web Team Adelaide's unique 'team on demand' model of website specialists ensures the team allocated to your project will be the best suited to your business needs and to your budget.
