Best Practices for a Stellar Google Business Profile

by ljknechtel | Nov 18, 2024 | Local Search, SEO

These days, most business owners don’t have to be urged to set up a Google Business Profile (GBP). It’s free and it provides a strong signal to Google that your business exists. It positions you locally among your competitors and makes it easy for customers and prospects to find you, both online and off.

However, many neglect filling out their GBP comprehensively, only providing the bare essential information. What’s more, they regard it as a set-it-and-forget-it proposition. Not only is this not helping your business, it may harm it. Here’s why:

Get Found on Google Search Engine Results Pages

Google is the big daddy of search. According to Semrush, Google accounts for 91.54% of the global search engine market. If you’re not discoverable on Google Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), it’s going to be very difficult for customers to find you.

Sure, you may have a Facebook page or Instagram account, but a solid Google Business Profile and business website are what really give your business validity in your prospects’ eyes.

Stand Out with Accurate and Updated Information

When people search for businesses like yours, they often skim profiles to quickly find key information like your location, hours, and contact details. If your Google Business Profile is incomplete or outdated, potential customers might move on to competitors with more robust profiles. Make sure your profile reflects your current offerings, updated hours, and any changes in services.

Additionally, businesses that actively manage their profiles, adding photos, responding to reviews, and updating details, are perceived as more professional and trustworthy. Google also favors well-maintained profiles, making it more likely that you’ll show up in local search results.

Leverage Reviews to Build Trust

Your Google Business Profile isn’t just for providing information—it’s also where your customers can leave reviews. Reviews significantly influence purchasing decisions, with a vast majority of consumers relying on them to gauge a business’s credibility. By responding promptly and professionally to reviews—both positive and negative—you show potential customers that you care about feedback and are committed to customer satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Encourage happy customers to leave reviews. It’s not just about stars; it’s about volume and recency. A profile with dozens of glowing, recent reviews looks far more appealing than one with just a handful.

Boost Local SEO Performance

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is critical for businesses with a physical location or those targeting local customers. A well-optimized Google Business Profile can be the difference between ranking in the coveted local pack (the top three business listings) and being buried beneath competitors.

Key actions for optimizing your GBP for local SEO include:
• Adding a detailed description of your business and services, using keywords your customers might search for.
• Selecting the most relevant business categories.
• Regularly posting updates, offers, or events to your profile.

Enhance User Experience

Your Google Business Profile also integrates with Google Maps, helping customers navigate to your location seamlessly. Imagine a customer searching for a “coffee shop near me,” selecting your business, and receiving step-by-step directions within seconds. That’s the convenience customers love and expect today.

Beyond directions, your profile can display photos of your business, products, or services, giving potential customers a feel for your offerings before they visit. Think of it as your business’s online first impression—make it count.

In short, managing your Google Business Profile isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing opportunity to attract and engage customers. Don’t just set it and forget it—optimize it, update it, and make it work for you!

Consistency In Marketing

by ljknechtel | Sep 3, 2024 | Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Local Search, Marketing Trends, SEO, Social Media

Find something that works. Keep doing it.

In a sea of fly-by-nighters, consistency helps you rise above.

Consistency in marketing might not sound all that flashy, but is absolutely crucial if you want your marketing efforts to actually pay off. Whether you’re sending out emails, posting on social media, running ads, or even just chatting with customers, staying consistent is what separates the pros from the “just getting by.”

Why Consistency in Marketing is Your Best Friend

Think of consistency in marketing like the glue that holds everything together. You wouldn’t build a house with mismatched bricks, right? The same goes for your marketing. When you’re consistent, your message becomes clear, and your brand starts to stick in people’s minds. It’s like when you hear a catchy jingle on a commercial—after a while, you can’t help but remember it. That’s the magic of consistency!

Trust and Credibility—The Dynamic Duo

Here’s the thing: people are more likely to trust a brand that’s reliable. If your messaging, look, and feel are all over the place, it’s going to be tough for anyone to take you seriously. But when you’re consistent, you build trust. And trust is everything in the world of marketing. It’s what keeps your customers coming back for more.

Think About It This Way…

Imagine you’re following a brand on Instagram because you love their fresh, modern vibe. But then, suddenly, they start posting content that feels like it’s from a totally different company—confusing, right? That’s what happens when there’s a lack of consistency in your marketing. It’s like being in a relationship with someone who’s constantly changing—eventually, you’re going to lose interest.

Across All Your Channels—Yes, ALL of Them!

Whether you’re emailing your subscribers, posting on Facebook, running Google ads, or employing SEO strategies, your brand’s voice, tone, and visuals should feel like they’re coming from the same place. This doesn’t mean everything has to look identical, but there should be a common thread that ties it all together. It’s like a band playing in harmony; each instrument is different, but they all work together to create something amazing.

But What About Experimenting?

Now, I know what you’re thinking—doesn’t consistency kill creativity? Not at all! Consistency doesn’t mean you can’t experiment or try new things. It just means that no matter what you’re doing, it should still feel like “you.” Think of it like cooking. You can try new recipes, but your unique flavor should always come through.

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, consistency in marketing is what makes your efforts click. It’s what turns a one-time buyer into a loyal customer. It’s what makes your brand recognizable in a sea of competitors. So, no matter which channels you’re using, remember to keep things consistent. Your brand will thank you for it!

And there you have it—a simple yet powerful reminder that consistency is key. So, go ahead and spread your message far and wide, but don’t forget to keep it consistent.

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