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If you don’t have a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business Account), there’s no time like the present. This free service is an underrated gem that your business could be capitalizing on right now. As the digital age continues to grow, fewer and fewer digital marketing strategies are relying on their local presence.

As you search for business all around the world, don’t forget about all of the potential customers that are right next door.

So let’s get right into some of the best ways to create an account and tips on how to get the most out of your Google Business Profile.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE USING A BUSINESS ADDRESS

We have seen this many times and we want to caution you before you do it.  If you are a small business owner then you might not have a physical address.  We get it! However, you DO NOT want to use your personal/home address for your Google Business Profile. Why not you may be asking, I used it to file for my business account? Both of these items are not safe.  Do you know that your business account information and your Google Business Profile is PUBLIC?  Yes anyone can go to your business account information or go to your Google Business Profile and look at it.  If you are using your home/personal address in your Google Business Profile then anyone and everyone can see where you live.  That is why we suggest to our clients to get a virtual business address. ****Update you no longer need to show your address on your Google Business Profile.  There is a button:

MAKE SURE THAT YOU VERIFY YOUR PROFILE

After you apply for a Google Business Profile, google will be mailing you a postcard to verify your profile.  You want to make sure that you verify your business as soon as possible so the information that you post about your business can become public. 

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR LISTING IS COMPLETE

This might sound obvious, but plenty of businesses that have a Google My Business account, do not utilize it to its potential. You need to make sure that you’re fully optimizing your Google Business Profile by filling out every required section, and even the optional ones. This will make your business more visible, and it will show legitimacy when people see it.

Google gives you 750 characters as a description, use them all. Make sure all of your contact information is up to date, and consistent with all other business listings that you might have. Choose ten different categories that best describe your business, and choose wisely.

The biggest takeaway is that you shouldn’t leave anything blank. The more, the merrier, take advantage of it.

ASK FOR REVIEWS

One of the benefits of a Google Business Profile is that you are able to get reviews from your clients. Getting positive reviews can help your business to grow tremendously. Usually, the first thing a potential client does when searching for a business like yours is to go to a search engine, like Google and look for a service.  When they find that service the next thing they are looking for is the company’s reviews. On your Google Business Profile, you will find a link to send to your current clients or customers asking for their reviews.

A great way to ask for a review is to do it right before your closing meeting with the client or right after you fulfilled their order. You can also download the review link and create a QR code and post it on display at your business or share it on your cellphone. 

RESPOND TO ALL REVIEWS (EVEN NEGATIVE ONES)

Responding to reviews on your Google My Business account is crucial. When customers are looking for a place to conduct business, they aren’t simply looking for five-star ratings across the board. Though it is nice to have great ratings, you also need to understand that it doesn’t take much to upset a client, and receiving bad reviews from time to time is imminent.

If you receive good reviews, thank them. If you receive a poor review, try to handle it diligently and take the opportunity to turn a negative into a positive. Ask them what you could have done better, and see if there’s a solution to the issue at hand.

People read these reviews and responses. And if they see that you deal with the poor reviews in a positive and optimistic manner, they will notice that and appreciate it.

If you are experiencing a hard time getting reviews or if you want your reviews to work for you check out this article about our Review Badges

BE VISUAL

You can upload images to a Google My Business account, and it’s suggested that you do this. People are visual, and they want to see a picture of you and your team, as well as a view of the interior of your business.

Not only do visuals attract potential clients, but it’s also another way to show the legitimacy of your business. If people see a full profile with pictures, they are more likely to believe that you are for real, and this will lead to a better opportunity of attracting them.