Using Google Business Profile effectively

Google offers a free service named Google Business Profile (formerly named Google My Business) which is the first place you want to make sure your business has a listing. It is the best way to get your business hours, phone number, and location on Google Search and Google Maps. Plus, it is easy to use and free! You have probably seen a Google Business Profile listing in Google Search results but perhaps didn’t know what it was called or how to create one. Here is what you need to know to create one for your business.

Important features

• When you make changes to your business listing(s) the new information is used to automatically update Google Search and Google Maps.
• You can upload pictures to promote your business
• Stakeholders can leave reviews of your business, and you can respond to them as the business owner. You can track your ratings over time to see how they are trending.
• You can write posts about new things happening in your business.
• Google also offers insights on how your customers interact with your Google Business Profile listing – information that you can use to improve your marketing efforts.

For a more extensive list of features visit the Google Business Profile website.

Additional information

The following questions and answers are directly from the Google Business Profile FAQs page.

• Should I create a Business Profile if I already have a website?
  Yes, your free Business Profile complements your website by adding more visibility to your current business website on Google Search and Google Maps.
• Can I only update my Business Profile using Google My Business?
  You can now update your Business Profile directly from Google Search and Maps. To start, sign in with the Google account used to verify your business. On Google Maps, tap your profile picture on the top right corner of the mobile app and select “Your Business Profile” to access these tools. On Google Search, look up your business by name or search “my business” to update your profile.
• What’s the difference between a Business Profile and Google Places for Business, Google Business Profile, Google Listings, Google+ Business Pages?
  Business Profiles have replaced Google Places for Business, Google Listings, and Google+ Business Pages.

Act now

If you have questions or need help, we encourage you to contact the Google Business Profile Help Center and have them help you get your listing set up in the way that will most benefit your business.

Image Credit

“Google Neon” by mjmonty is licensed under Creative Commons license CC-BY.