Most businesses that we talk with about improving their online presence and marketing already know about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Google ads.  However, many don’t know about, or have overlooked, a third element that is equally important – their Google Business Page!  Your “My Business Profile” or Google Business Page is often the first thing a user sees when searching for your type of business in your area.

The real power of a Google Business page is that it is LOCAL. Your profile will compete with your competition in your area, not nationally as is the case with most Google Searches. This narrows the playing field and allows your efforts to yield greater results and a bigger impact. It is much easier to provide users that are actively searching for what you offer in your market, city, or even neighborhood, with a good first impression.

This first impression can quickly promote confidence and trust in your business, or can send users away looking for someone else!

Google Business Page, competitive analysis:

How does your Business Profile look? How does it stack up against your competition?

To find your My Business Profile, go to Google and type in – Your Business Category, Your City, Your State.

Then click Search.  The results will show you what Google found in your area.
NOTE: Google will place advertisements at the top of the page, so scroll down a bit to find the Business Profiles for your area.

You will be shown a few results for your search next to a map, there will also be a “More Businesses” link, click that and you will be taken to a Google Maps page listing all the results for your search in your area.  The information in this list is pulled from Google Business Profiles.

Is your business appearing there?  Who is your competition? How does your listing stack up against your competitors?

First Impression – You only get ONE, make sure it’s a good one!

As you can see from the competitive analysis example above, when users are searching for information about YOUR business or services, one of the first things they will see is your Google Business Profile.

What does it say about you? Does it inspire confidence? Does it tell a good story? Does what others say about you in the comments represent you well? When it comes to your online presence, as far as Google Search is concerned, your My Business Profile should be front and center in any of your promotional plans.

Need some help or advice?

The Marketing Posse can help you be found quicker and easier and more importantly, The Marketing Posse can help you make a GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION.

The steps to an effective Google Business Profile:

• Claim your Business Profile if you have not already done so.
• Thoroughly complete your Google Business Profile account
• Enter complete and accurate contact information
• Select primary and secondary categories
• Designate applicable attributes
• Write and enter a compelling “from the business” description
• Add your products and/or services

Monitor, maintain, update:

• Publish My Business posts on a REGULAR basis
• Upload new photos on a REGULAR basis
• Answer questions – a good way to start is to “ask” and “answer” your own FAQ’s (yes this is allowed)
• Collect and respond to reviews – Responding to reviews is especially important
• Maintain your My Business Profile to be sure it is active and up to date

If you have any questions or need some assistance The Marketing Posse is ready to help with your Google Business Profile so it will effectively promote your business at a most crucial time, when a potential customer is actively looking for YOU!

Want to find out more? Send us a note, we’re here to help!