Are you a local business? Are you looking for more customers in your local area? Then having a Free Google My Business Profile will help you reach more of your local target audience.
Free local directory
As it is a free local directory many businesses use Google My Business to promote their business in their local area and attract more customers. It’s free and simple to set up and a few easy steps you can optimise your profile making it more visible. So it stands out from your competitors. You just need to complete the following steps.
Competitor research
Undertake a Google search using a keyword from your industry and your location for example accountants Chelmsford. You will notice the result lists three companies below the map. This is called the local knowledge pad and these are your main online competitors. Review their profiles; what photos have they uploaded, how many reviews they have and what information have they included. Your profile needs to stand out from your main competitors so include some additional quality information.
What should you include on your profile?
- Ensure you have a 1st & 2nd category for your business
- Enter your address and ensure that it is consistent with any other address entries on the internet. Consistency is key.
- List at least 5 different services or products your business offers. Including a name, description and if relevant a price.
- Upload your opening hours. Update regularly for Bank Holidays and special opening hours.
- Add your business description approximately 750 characters. Include your key products or services and ensure the information is correct and not misleading
- Upload your logo and relevant pictures. Ensure images are high quality. Do not include head shots.
- Ideally include a promotional video of good quality that highlights what you do and demonstrates your passion for your business.
Reviews
Google reviews are so beneficial. Most people will research your customer reviews before they make a purchase from you. Encourage customers to leave a review with a follow up after their purchase. Make it easy for them to leave a review; provide the link and instructions on how to leave a Google review. Make sure you reply to all reviews positive and negative. Have a strategy for negative reviews and do not get into a discussion online. It is always best to take things off line and call the customer. Make sure you include this in your reply to any negative review so people can see you are taking action.
Posts
Aim to upload a post regularly at approximately once a week. There are several different posts you can add including event, offer, product and update. Always include a photo with your post and a call to action either a link to your website or your telephone number.
So, if you have not created a Google Business Profile for your business it is definitely worth doing. If you need any support to set it up or optimise, please get in touch call 07753941231, email or complete my online form.
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