More people search for businesses online than anywhere else, so it's important to ensure your local business listing can be found on Google and Google Maps. With a Google Business Profile, creating a great listing takes only a few minutes and it doesn't cost a thing. 

Google your business. Does it show up in a search? Yes? No? Either way, you should verify your listing and ensure its details are accurate and thorough. Your improvements will appear soon after you confirm them through your Google Business Profile. Also, you can add notifications.

We are such supporters of the Google Business Profile feature; we have included some examples below to get you started:

Create a Google Business Profile: This is a very straightforward process. Visit Google Business Profile and follow the required steps. Be sure to have your business web address, hours of operation, and at least one image to upload. Google will require verification of your identity, so have your mobile phone handy and expect to be sent a code for verification. 

Complete All the Sections: It's essential to add as much detail as possible. Be sure to include photos or videos of your product or service.  

Contact Information Consistency: Be sure the contact information on your business profile matches your website and any other online profiles. Visitors are wise, and their trust in you will erode if they detect an irregularity.

Post Regular Updates: Get in the habit of posting to this area weekly. Ideas for updates are new product announcements, employee spotlights, photos of customers, "did you know?" vignettes, promotions, etc. And this action will build loyalty. The only limit is your imagination. 

Respond to Reviews: During your weekly check-in, be sure to respond to reviews - good or bad. It's a common courtesy to say thank you when someone leaves a good review (and in real life). A bad review can be turned around by a thoughtful and considered response with a call to action to have a phone conversation. Never. Ever. Engage in a "tit for tat" on this platform. It only hurts your reputation. 

Answer Questions: Occasionally, visitors will make inquiries about your business. Google relies on a lot of user-sourced information, and during your weekly check-in review the queries and answers for accuracy. Anyone with a Google profile can post a question about your business on the profile page. Here's where things get interesting - you can answer the question, or another person with a Google profile can answer the question on your behalf. Again, make sure the dialog is accurate.  

Messaging: Communicate with your customers through the chat feature on your Business Profile. It can promote trust and encourage engagement with your business. To help build a better experience for your customers, reply to messages within 24 hours after you receive them. Google may deactivate chat for your business to support timely responses if you don't respond within the timeframe.

If you are short on time or patience and need some assistance putting your Google Business Page together, we are here for you. Complete the form below to get started!