Dazzle Your Google "My Business Profile" for Business Growth

When it comes to online visibility there are few marketing items that deliver the return of a free properly built Google My Business (GMB) profile. Why is this crucial? Because nearly 50% of all Google Searches are for local items and locations. And to that figure, nearly 90% of those searches are for local businesses.

A solid GMB profile can prove to be an invaluable (and again free) asset for small businesses aiming to enhance their local presence without blowing their marketing budget. A well-optimized GMB profile not only helps new potential customers find you but also boosts your credibility in local searches. We wanted to take 10 minutes of your valuable time to share some tips on how to optimize your Google My Business profile.

1. Complete ALL Your Profile Information

Ensure that all your business information is complete, accurate, and up to date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and business hours. Incomplete information can hinder potential customers from contacting or visiting your business. Pretty hard to contact you if your GMB phone number is accidentally one number off (or worse, not there at all)!

2. Add High-Quality Photos

A picture is worth a thousand words, and on GMB, it can be worth a thousand new customers, we hope. Uploading high-quality photos of your business, that include the interior, exterior, team members, and any products or services you offer will help your potential customers understand who you are and what you do. This is a great opportunity to showcase and highlight your brand as well. OS Media Group can assist in creating visually appealing photos that stand out from the rest and showcase your brand in these searches.

3. Encourage Customer Reviews

Positive reviews not only build trust but also contribute to your local search ranking. Encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews on your GMB profile. According to Forbes.com, 91% of 18 to 34-year-old consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. They also found that consumers expect businesses in the service industry to have a minimum of 3.84 stars across at least 20 reviews.

This was followed up by a second question in which Forbes asked the participants, “On a scale of 1-10 if you narrowed down two professionals you liked, but one had much better reviews online, how much would that impact your final decision?” A staggering 80% of the participants said that would be the deciding factor. With your current reviews…are you winning that bid?

4. Utilize Google My Business Posts

Take advantage of the GMB Posts feature to share updates, promotions, events, or news about your business. Regular posts keep your profile fresh and engaging, encouraging potential customers to choose your business over competitors. This post can be text up to 1,500 characters, photos, videos, offers, e-commerce listings, or anything you want to garner free positive feedback!

5. Implement Localized Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Strategies

Optimize your GMB profile to be chock-full of the most relevant keywords that potential customers might use in their searches. Proper, local SEO strategies ensure that your business ranks high in local search results, attracting more attention from nearby customers.

6. Monitor and Respond to Customer Inquiries Quickly

Stay active on your GMB profile by responding promptly to customer questions and inquiries. Immediately or within 10-minutes is amazing and no more than an hour to receive a response is ideal. This demonstrates excellent customer service, enhances your brand’s online reputation, and allows you to connect with your customers more effectively.

7. Regularly Update Contact Information

Keep your GMB profile up to date with any changes to your business information, such as new products, services, locations, phone numbers, or operating hours. Ongoing updates ensure that your business information remains accurate and relevant.

Ready to optimize your Google My Business profile and boost your local visibility? OS Media Group is your dedicated partner in achieving that online success and more. Our team specializes in crafting customized marketing and social media strategies to elevate your business on platforms like GMB. Don't miss out on potential customers and revenue—reach out to OS Media Group today for expert guidance and start growing your business through a fully optimized Google My Business profile.

By following these tips and collaborating with OS Media Group, your business can unlock the full potential of Google My Business, guaranteeing that you stand out in local searches and attract more customers to your doorstep. Remember, a well-optimized GMB profile is a key asset for driving local business growth and successfully managing your online reputation.

But if that’s a lot of work just give us a call, we got ya!

Kent Keller is a seasoned Brand Consultant, Social Media Manager, and Copywriter. He also acts as the Chief Executive Officer of OS Media Group. With over a decade of experience as a police officer and nearly five years as the Public Information Officer and Media Relations Manager for a prominent police agency, Kent brings a wealth of expertise to the proverbial table. His background, combined with his successes in developing numerous marketing campaigns and brand strategies, uniquely positions him to assist you in effectively engaging with your customers or community members.