Stop Hiding Online: Why Every Small Business Needs a Google Business Profile (Local SEO Guide)

Google Business Profile setup best practices

Let’s be honest, if your business isn’t showing up on Google Maps or in the sidebar when someone searches your name, you might as well be invisible. Your website can look amazing, but if people can’t find it when they type your business name into Google, you’re losing traffic before they even see your homepage. Google Business Profile setup may sound daunting, but I’m here to help you understand why it is crucial for your business.

That’s where your Google Business Profile comes in. It’s your business’s digital storefront on Google and the first impression most customers see before they ever visit your site.

What is a Google Business Profile and what does it include?

• Business name, hours, and contact information
• Services, website link, and photos
• Customer reviews, rating
• Posts, special offers, updates
• Photos provided by the owner and submitted by visitors of your location

Consider it your first impression on Google. Prior to a customer ever clicking your website, they’ve already determined if they wish to learn more about you based upon the professionalism of your profile.

Why Every Small Business Needs a Google Business Profile (or Google My Business Listing)

1. You’ll Show Up Faster in Local Searches

When a user searches for “Web Designer Near Me”, “Boutique in Owensboro”, or “Horse Trainer in Greenville, Kentucky” Google pulls results from Google Business Profiles, not just websites. Having an optimized profile increases your chances of being displayed in local search and map results in the exact place potential customers are searching.

2. Builds Trust and Credibility with a Verified Google Business Profile

A verified and professional profile with photos, reviews, and consistent information informs customers (and Google) you are a legitimate business. Having an optimized Google Business Profile Setup gives your brand a look of being well-established, trustworthy, and ready to operate, even though you could be a small team.

How do you get verified on Google? Google offers two methods. Google offers several methods to get verified:

1. Provide a video recording of your business
2. Phone or Text code verification
3. Email
4. Live video call
5. Snail Mail

You choose what works for your business to get verified! You’ve got options.

3. You Can Post Like Social Media

Many small business owners aren’t aware of this fact: you can post items, promotions, and updates directly into your profile. That means you can post:

• New products or services
• Events and sales
• Blog Posts and News From Your Website

It’s essentially a mini-social feed connected to your Google Listing, which is great for SEO and engaging with customers.

4. How an Optimized Google Business Profile Improves Your Local SEO

Your Google Business Profile and your website should be partners.

When your website and business listing have consistent information (i.e. same name, phone number, and address) it increases your SEO authority and assists your website in ranking better in local searches. If you are already investing in your website design or digital marketing, this is an easy way to amplify your results.

5. Provides Insights and Analytics

Your Google Business Profile provides information on how people find you: keywords used by users, location of users, and actions taken by users (i.e. called or visited your site). This type of information is gold to assist you in refining your marketing strategies and identifying what is actually working.

How I Assist Businesses to Create and Optimize their Profiles

Creating a Google Business Profile can be complicated for those who have no experience doing so. The process involves several verification steps, settings and optimization options which can greatly affect your visibility.

The following are some of the ways I can assist businesses:

• Setup/Verification of Profile: Helping you claim, verify, or create your listing.
• Optimization: Assisting you ensure your information is keyword friendly, correct and search ready.
• Upload Photos/Content: I can upload photos of your business, branded graphics and posts.
• Integrate with Your Website: Connecting your profile to your site for SEO purposes.
• Manage Ongoing: I can provide ongoing management of your profile including posting content, new posts, data tracking.

Regardless of whether you currently have a listing or are creating one from scratch, I will make sure your profile represents your brand and draws in real customers, not just clicks.

FAQs About Google Business Profiles and Google My Business Setup