How to Get Found and Win New Customers with Google Business Profile

In this digital world, where online visibility can make or break a local service business, Google has become the ultimate gateway to potential customers. Turning people who find you on Google Search and Maps into new customers with a free Business Profile for your professional service or service area has become the secret weapon.

Did you know that a complete Google business profile can increase your chances of not only getting found but also winning over new customers? According to Google's own insights, businesses with comprehensive profiles are a whopping 70% more likely to attract visits and 50% more likely to secure purchases. But it doesn't stop there – having a fully-fledged profile on Google Maps and search can also make your business appear almost three times more reputable.

Today, I'm here to guide you through a Google My Business optimization journey for getting found and winning customers.

Navigating the new Google Business Profile

Google turned the tables in 2021- 2022 by revamping its entire profile setup, offering businesses a direct avenue to edit their profiles right within the search results. Now, those clickable icons that appear on the screen can lead you to a gold mine of possibilities.

Connect with customers looking for your services

Strategically select categories

Google lets you pick 10 business categories. Nail the primary one to skyrocket your ranking for desired search terms. Survey your rivals' categories for inspiration and ideas.

Think of business categories as labels that describe what your company does. These labels help people find you when they're looking for products or services like yours.

For instance, let's say you're a local contractor who specializes in remodeling homes. If you're listed as a "Remodeler" business when folks search for things like "kitchen remodeling near me," "bath remodeling contractors near me," or "basement remodel richmond va," your business might pop up in their search results. Just remember, your chosen label is just one of the things that affect how high up your business appears in local Google searches. Learn more about local ranking.

Highlight your services

Take control of your narrative by leveraging Google's suggested services, and don't forget to add your unique offerings. Dazzle your potential clients by showcasing the range of solutions you provide.

Service businesses can choose from suggested services based on their business category. For example, as suggested services, a plumber may find 'Install faucet' or 'Repair toilet' as services to add. A landscaper may find 'Irrigation' or 'Outdoor lighting.” If the type of service that you perform isn't listed, you can add custom services.

Optimize GMB landing pages

Does the url you link to in Google Business Profile impact ranking in the local 3 pack? Yes. Link your Google business profile to the perfect landing page on your website. This is a major ranking factor. Identify the page with the highest organic ranking for your keywords.

The content you put on that particular URL you've linked to holds a lot of weight and can really sway your ranking in the local results game. In most cases, it's a no-brainer to link up with your homepage. That's where the real authority, backlinks, and relevance reside. But, here's the kicker - if your business fits the bill for having a bunch of listings, a tactic like this might just be your secret weapon for reaping even better results. It's all about playing the local game smart.

Stand out with credentials

An often overlooked yet essential detail – your opening date. Beyond just a piece of trivia, this date plays a pivotal role in showcasing your business's journey, adding an authentic touch to your brand.

On certain places in Google Search, the opening date may be used to let customers know how many years a business has been in operation. If the merchant believes there’s an error, they can set the correct opening date.

The 10th review magic

Unlock the power of the 10th review. Passing this milestone can trigger remarkable improvements for your profile. It's like an exclusive achievement in the realm of business profiles.

So there seems to be a real kick in rankings once your listing hits that sweet spot of ten reviews. So, you've got to aim for that magic number – a minimum of ten reviews. But here's the scoop, going beyond that doesn't seem to have quite the same impact on your ranking. Now, don't get me wrong, reviews still hold their ground when it comes to importance. They're not just about boosting your rank, they're like trust-building nuggets that make conversions a whole lot smoother.

Engage with reviews

A review response holds incredible sway. According to Moz, 90% of customers are influenced by your responses. Don't be the silent owner when someone offers praise.

You've got to grasp this – over 90% of your customers are leaning towards doing business with you when they see that you, as the owner, are taking the bull by the horns. I'm talking about those owner responses that don't just brush issues under the rug but own up to them, apologize, and dish out solutions that fit like a glove, all with a personal touch and lightning-fast timing. This is the real deal, your ticket to unlocking the goldmine of owner responses. But remember, this isn't a one-time gig. It's all about building a routine, a review response program that's rock-solid, regular, and, most importantly, consistent. Time to dive in and reap the rewards!

Visual Storytelling

Pictures carry immense weight. Businesses loaded with photos attract more directions and website visits. Share genuine pictures of your team, craft, projects, or vehicles to create an authentic connection.

A BrightLocal study found that Google My Business profiles with more than 100 images get 520% more calls, and 1,065% more website clicks than the average business.

Identity Attributes

Don't miss this bonus tip. Fill out relevant identity attributes for your business. It's not just about telling your story; these attributes amplify your ranking potential and offer customers a deeper insight into your business.

Let's talk Google Business Profile (GBP) attributes – they're like your business's own little superpowers, showing customers what you're all about and setting those expectations straight. But here's the thing, they're not just about customers; they're about owning your local search game. The nitty-gritty? The more detailed your attributes, the better your chances of coming out on top for a specific targeted search. Think about it – [accessible restaurants near me] or [Miami hotels with free wifi]. It's all about painting the perfect picture for your customers and giving your search ranking a real boost. Time to unlock the power of attributes!

Need Guidance?

If understanding how to use Google Business Profile for your company is of interest to you, send me a message ?? on LinkedIn or fill out this form, and we can continue the discussion.