A whopping 97% of online users turn to Google to look for local businesses online. When the pandemic hit in 2020, there was a 61% increase in calls from Google Business Profile from January to July. Those are pretty big and significant numbers, so it’s the perfect time to increase your local customer base. The first step in local search marketing efforts is optimizing your Google Business Profile or GBP.
We can help you optimize Google Business Profile as we are a top SEO company in the city. Below is a complete walkthrough on how businesses in Pasadena should optimize Google Business Profile:
- Complete your Google Business Profile.
- Choose the right primary business category.
- Create an engaging business description.
- Add your local business phone number.
- Upload images and videos in your Google Business Profile.
- Enable Google Business Profile’s messaging feature.
- Add attributes to your Google Business Profile.
1 – Complete your Google Business Profile.
The first thing you need to do is complete all the details in your Google Business Profile. Here’s the list of more information that you need to fill out:
- Business name
- Business category
- Address
- Service areas
- Business Hours
- Special Hours
- Phone Number
- Website URL
- Attributes
- Business Description
Completing these details helps Google know more about your business and show your business profile to potential customers interested in what you offer. Furthermore, Google prefers business listings with complete information. Make sure that the details in your business profile are the same as it is published on your website.
2 – Choose the right primary business category.
One of the first things that Google checks in a business profile listing is the business category. In an article published by Bright Local, the primary GBP category is one of the top individual local search ranking factors.
The primary business category you choose in your Google Business Profile will also appear in your business listing. So make sure that you are selecting the right business category. One way to do so is to check what your competitors are currently using.
3 – Create an engaging business description.
You can add a 750-character business description to your Google Business Profile listing. Use this to communicate your business ideas and goals to your target audience. Tell them what your business does and why you do it. Use the business description to stand out from your competitors and why customers should pick your business instead of the others.
Include keywords in your business description to help Google identify your business and what you have to offer. Another tip is to never include any promotions or offers in your business description because it is against the rules.
4 – Add your local business phone number.
Google Business Profile asks for your business phone number. But don’t use your toll-free number; instead, add your local business phone number. Your local phone number has a local area code, so Google can detect that your business is in the local area.
Your phone number will appear with your business profile in Google Search. So use your local phone number in all your business and local directory listings.
5 – Upload images and videos in your Google Business Profile.
According to HubSpot, 70% of businesses invest in content marketing, including visual marketing strategies. They also reported that 54% of consumers in 2018 stated that they wanted to see more video content from businesses they support. And as a top digital marketing agency in Pasadena, we at Cybertegic highly recommend our clients to invest time in adding photos and videos to their Google Business Profile.
Images and videos about your brand, products, and services can help your brand awareness. Plus, business listings in Google with high-quality photos get 42% more direction requests for their store location. These business listings also get 35% more clicks than those without images.
6 – Enable Google Business Profile’s messaging feature.
GBP has a messaging feature that adds a “Chat” button on your business profile when it appears on Google Search or Maps. Search users can send you a message directly to your Google Business Profile upon enabling this feature.
To turn on the messaging feature of Google Business Profile, follow these steps below:
- Sign in to your GBP account.
- Click “Messaging,” located in the side menu.
- Navigate on the “Gear” icon and click turn on messaging.
- Make sure to also download the Google Business Profile app on your phone.
Adding this Messaging feature to your Google Business Profile will help customers connect with you right away. It can increase your conversion by immediately replying to a user who sent you a message.
7 – Add attributes to your Google Business Profile.
Google Business Profile enables you to add attributes or unique features to your listing. These attributes help Google, and potential customers know specific details about your business.
Attributes are information about the services or features your business has. It includes accessibilities, amenities, and others. To add attributes to your listing, you can follow the steps below:
- Sign in to Google Business Profile.
- Click Info from the menu.
- Navigate to Attributes and click Edit.
- Apply the right attributes to your business.
- Click Apply.
8 – Update the Q&A section of your profile listing.
Google Business Profile has a section where you can add common questions and answers. It is also a place where you can answer questions from your customers. The best thing is to optimize the section and answer these questions. Plus, you don’t want any other person to answer or give inaccurate answers to customers’ questions.
Invest some time to add Q&As to your Google Business Profile. To publish any Q&As, follow these steps below:
- Sign in to your Google personal account.
- Search for your business profile and click Ask a Question.
- Enter your question and click Post.
- Switch to your Google Business Profile.
- Click “See All Questions” and click “Answer.”
- Respond to the question and click “Post.”
***
Using Google Business Profile is one way to boost your ranking on local search results. If you need help to start or further optimize your business listing on Google, we at Cybertegic can help you.
Cybertegic has a team of professional SEO specialists to help you increase leads and conversion from your local area. We have helped local businesses in Pasadena to grow and improve their ROI. Schedule a free consultation at our website for further inquiries about our services.
