3 Tips to Optimize Your Google Business Profile

If you’re a small business owner who has ever searched for a product or service online, chances are you’ve come across Google My Business. In just a few short years, Google has transformed itself from being solely an internet search engine into one of the most powerful marketing tools available to small businesses. If you aren’t already using this suite of products (which includes everything from Google Search and Maps to YouTube), it’s time to get on board! There are plenty of reasons why optimizing your google my business listing is one of the best investments you can make in your company — but first things first: what exactly is google my business?

Claim your google my business listing

• Go to google.com/business
• Click the "add" button
• Fill out the form with your business information
• Click "save" and you're done!

It’s free (and easy) to get your business on Google.

It’s free (and easy) to get your business on Google.

Getting your business on Google is easy, and it’s free! It only takes a few minutes, and you can do it right now. Once you have an active listing in the search results, you will immediately start seeing more traffic and customers coming in through the front door of your website.

Fill out every field of your profile

When you fill out your Google My Business profile, make sure to fill in every field. Don't be afraid to add extra detail and include your full address and phone number. Add hours of operation, links to your website, social media profiles, and email address. Upload photos and videos that will help customers find you on mobile search results while they're on the go. Add as many high quality images as possible; this will help Google understand what you offer so they can deliver more relevant results for potential customers in their area!

Make sure you include all relevant information about your business, and don’t be afraid to add extra detail. Your full address and phone number should be included in standard format, without the use of any abbreviations or extra characters. You can also include hours of operation and links to your website, social media profiles, and email address.

Upload photos and videos

Your Google Business Profile is a great way to show off your business and connect with customers, but it's not a good first impression if you don't take the time to optimize it. Here are three tips for creating an eye-catching profile:

• Upload photos of your storefront, employees, and products. This is especially important if you operate in a niche market or sell artisanal goods that can't easily be shown on screen (for example, food). Include photos of smiling faces from around the office, samples of products in action (e.g., steaming coffee), and shots of your team out there on location (e.g., at an event).
• Upload a video of your business in action. Showcasing what makes you unique can help potential customers see how they might enjoy spending their time at your place—or give them some reason to visit!

Add as many high quality images as possible

• Add as many high quality images as possible — especially photos that are unique to your business and highlight it in a positive light. You can also upload a video that highlights what sets your company apart from others in your industry. This will help potential customers get a feel for who you are before they ever stop by for a visit!
• Update your location information regularly so that Google Maps is always accurate. If you have moved or changed locations recently, be sure to update this feature on both the web and mobile versions of Google Maps.

Google My Business is the best free way to market on Google, even if you’re not an online retailer!

Google My Business will help your business show up in search results, as well as give you access to customized reports that show how many customers found their way to your site. It’s also a great way to connect with customers and get feedback on how they like the products or services you offer, so it can be used as a way of improving them over time.

Remember, the most important thing is to keep your business profile up-to-date. You never know when someone might use Google to find a new place to eat or shop, or utilize a service!