Having a Google Business Profile (GBP) is a rather important component of a robust local SEO strategy. GBP is an accessible, comprehensive collection of the most important information about your business. This profile will include your contact information, business hours, address, booking links, and links to your social media profiles. A well-constructed GBP not only makes it easy for interested clients and customers to reach out to you, but it also gives you another source of digital reputation. If you’re in the process of creating a GBP for your business, read on to learn a few important dos and don’ts for constructing the perfect profile.
DO: Double Check Your NAP Information
There is nothing worse for your business than having incorrect contact information on your Google Business Profile. This profile is one of the most prominent resources for interested clients to contact your business and is likely the first resource they will turn to when doing so. Whenever you change your NAP (name, address, and phone number) information, submitting these edits on GBP should be one of your very first moves. These edits are usually approved within 10 minutes of submission, but if Google suspects an issue, they may temporarily suspend your profile and request additional verification and information. Be prepared to send documents such as a utility bill or business license to verify a new address and other key business information.
DO: Add Links To Partners & Providers
If you are a business that takes reservations or works with a different provider to book things like classes, you can add links to these partner websites on your Business Profile. Adding these links ensures your potential customers don’t have to peruse your website to get a dinner reservation and can increase opportunities for quick conversions and sales. The Google Business Profile Manager allows you to access all of the profiles you own and manage. Simply click the business you’d like to update, then click the option for “Booking” and add the appropriate links to the providers you work with.
DO: Encourage Reviews
Reviews help current and prospective customers develop trust in your business and services. High-quality reviews indicate your business is useful and dependable. This is especially relevant for businesses that are newer to their industry and are looking to increase their clientele and sales. Whenever possible, request reviews from your customers. You can even offer an incentive, like a 15% discount for future services, for leaving a review on your profile!
DON’T: Keyword Stuff Your Business Name
Though you may feel this will help your search rankings, keyword stuffing your business listing is a sure way to get penalized by Google. Google makes every effort to ensure the user experience is protected and enhanced. When keyword stuffing your GBP listing, you’re essentially making it more difficult for users to find truly relevant businesses associated with their search. Your business name must always match the name associated with your website and other digital resources.
DON’T: Create Fake Locations
This is another way to get suspended and penalized by Google! If you are a local business that works with multiple service areas, you’re likely thinking it can be useful to create multiple business profiles for one business using a variety of dummy addresses. Google does not allow this and may remove every business profile associated with the NAP information you used to set the profiles up. Instead, create one profile for each legitimate business location and include the service area in the “Business Information” section of your profile.
Reach Out To Boston Web Marketing for Local SEO Services
Boston Web Marketing makes it easy for local businesses to get found online. We’ll help you set up your Google Business Profile, manage your social media accounts, create useful organic content for your website, and even manage your paid ads! Connect with us today by calling 857-349-5062 for a free website audit.