How to Use Google Business Profile to Get More Clients

Google Business Profile is a great tool that you can use to turn searchers into clients. Learn how to create, verify, and optimize your listing.

What’s Google Business Profile, and why do I need it?

Google Business Profile is a free tool that Google offers to help you build and manage your online presence.

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It’s essential for your business because it’ll help you show up and rank high in search results.

When a potential client searches your business name or for the service you offer, you have the opportunity to appear. If your account is well-optimized, it can lead to more clients.

Aside from being discoverable and gaining visibility, your business listing informs your potential clients and engages them.

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Your listing will have your contact information, hours of availability, the areas you serve, ratings, reviews, photos, and how a potential client can learn more.

The ability to rank in Google search and map results is the key to increased visibility and clients.

How to set it up

Before setting up your Google Business Profile account, make sure you’re logged into the Google account for your business, not your personal one.

Then, visit the Google Business Profile website, and you’re ready to get started.

To set up your Google Business Profile account, take the following steps:

1. Click Manage now.
2. Click the search box, and search for your business.
   1. If your business doesn’t appear, click Add your business to Google, and type your business name in the box.
   2. If your business appears, click on your business.
3. Click Next.
4. Click the search box, type your business category, and press Next.
5. Select Yes or No for adding a location customers can visit.
   1. If you have a location, add your address.
   2. If you don’t have a location, add the areas you serve.
6. Enter your contact information and click Next.
7. Select Yes if you’d like to receive updates and click Finish.

Once you’ve set up your account, you must verify your business. To verify your business, take the following steps:

1. Log into your Google My Business account.
2. Click verify now.
3. Submit your information to get a postcard in the mail.
4. Once you receive the postcard, click Verify location and enter the code on the postcard.

The whole process can take over a week. However, it’s worth spending the time to get everything set up properly because it has the potential to drive more clients to your business.

Claiming your business listing

After you’ve registered with Google My Business and verified your account, you must claim your business.

Take the following steps to claim your business:

1. Locate your business in Google search or maps.
2. Click Own this business?
3. Click Manage now.
4. Log into your Google My Business account.

Claiming your business will allow you to edit the information that appears in the listing, upload photos, and reply to reviews.

Ways to optimize

Setting up your Google My Business profile is a great start. Learning how to optimize it is what’ll increase your visibility and build your brand.

The best part about a business listing on Google is that it’s free and they appear as the top results when searching for a service.

The following are the best ways to optimize your listing:

• Select primary and secondary categories.
• Include all of your contact information.
• Get reviews and respond to them.
• Write a complete and compelling description.
• Upload photos and your logo.
• Answer questions.

By optimizing your listing and getting positive reviews, you can improve your rankings.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Appearing in search results is one of the best ways to get more clients. Take the time to set up your Google My Business profile and optimize it to increase your online presence. It’s an excellent local marketing tool.

Featured photo by David Em/Portraits Refined. Logo courtesy of Google Business Profile.