How to make the most of your Google Business Profile

If you do one thing for your marketing this week, spend 30 minutes on your Google Business Profile.

It’s often the very first thing people see when they search for “[service] near me”. For many customers, it’s the only thing they see before deciding whether to call you or the competitor down the road.

Here is how to make yours stand out.

1. Fill in everything

Don’t leave sections blank. Add your hours, your website link, your phone number, and a description of what you do. The more information you give Google, the more likely it is to show your profile to searchers.

2. Add photos regularly

Profiles with photos get 42% more requests for directions and 35% more clicks to their websites. Upload photos of your shop front, your team, and your recent work. It shows you’re active and trustworthy.

3. Get reviews (and reply to them)

Reviews are the currency of local search. Ask your happy customers to leave a review. And when they do, reply to them. It shows you appreciate their business and looks great to potential customers reading them.

4. Use the “Q&A” feature

Did you know anyone can ask a question on your profile? And anyone can answer? Make sure you are the one answering. Better yet, post your own common FAQs and answer them yourself to help future customers.

5. Keep your hours updated

There is nothing more frustrating than driving to a shop that says “Open” on Google only to find it closed. Update your hours for bank holidays and special occasions to avoid disappointed customers.