As a small business aiming to grow your brand awareness and increase sales, Google Business should be your trusty sidekick.
A strong online presence can transform your small business into a medium enterprise and later, a household brand. You only need to be diligent and consistent in your efforts to dominate search engine results for your chosen keywords.
Now, Google Business isn’t just a listing; think of it as your digital superhero cape, making your business shine in local searches.
When potential customers search for the products or services you offer, having a well-optimized Google Business profile ensures that your business appears prominently in search results. This also earns you trust points from your audience.
Here at Don Creative Group, we’re the wizards behind optimizing and keeping Google Business profiles top-notch for small businesses across the United States.
“Their commitment to customer service and knowledge of how to incorporate technology was the perfect skill set to help my small business start-up.”–Brian Sondey, Sondey Hoops
We’ve sprinkled our magic on countless businesses nationwide, and this is what we can tell you:
Adding your Google Business profile to your website is a breeze! Follow these five steps to make your local business visible on Google and boost your local SEO efforts.
Step 1: Claim Your Business Profile
The first step in crafting your digital identity is to navigate to the Google Business website and sign in with your Google account.
Next, input your business name and address to check if Google is already aware of your existence.
If you’re not on the list (bummer!), just follow the prompts to add and claim your profile…it’s like calling dibs on your own virtual space.
Step 2: Verify Your Business
Now, let’s talk about the superhero cape fitting – verifying your business on Google. This step is like giving your digital presence a stamp of authenticity. The earlier you do that, the better.
Once you’ve claimed your business profile, Google wants to make sure everything checks out. So, they include a verification checkpoint to double-check your business details.
Here’s where the adventure begins: Google may send you a postcard to your business address. It’s like receiving a secret agent letter, but cooler. This postcard contains a verification code that you’ll need to enter in your Google Business dashboard.
Now, if waiting for snail mail isn’t your thing, Google also offers alternative methods like phone verification. They might give your business a ring with a verification code. Answer the call, jot down the code, and voila – your business is verified!
Remember, this verification step is Google’s way of making sure your business is the real deal in the digital realm. So, keep an eye out for that postcard, or be ready to pick up the phone when Google comes calling!
Step 3: Optimize Your Profile
Alright, now that your business is claimed and verified, let’s jazz up that Google Business profile to make it pop in the digital crowd. Think of this step as your chance to dress your business in its finest digital attire.
Crafting Your Digital Persona
Start by diving into your Google Business dashboard—it’s like your business’s backstage pass to the online world.
Fill in all the blanks with accurate and up-to-date info. Think of it as introducing your business to the online party, the more details, the better. Important details to include are
- Hours of operation
- Contact info
- A brief bio
At this point, you may want to toss in some high-quality photos showcasing your business, products, and services. It’s like creating a digital art gallery for your audience. People love visuals, so give them a peek into your world through captivating images.
Remember, a well-optimized profile isn’t just a checklist; it’s your business’s digital personality. So, let your business shine online with accurate details and eye-catching visuals!
Step 4: Integrate Google Business with Your Website
The whole point of creating a captivating Google Business profile is to drive traffic to your website.
Integrating Google Business with your website boosts local SEO by
- Ensuring accurate business information
- Enhancing visibility on Google Maps
- Encouraging positive customer reviews.
A well-optimized profile can lead to rich snippets in search results, higher click-through rates, and improved mobile accessibility.
To get started, take a stroll into your Google Business dashboard – your virtual control center. Head over to the “Website” section and follow the step-by-step instructions to integrate your site and Google Business profile.
It’s a bit like following a recipe – add a pinch of creativity, a dash of information, and blend until your website is linked to your Google Business profile.
Step 5: Display GMB on Your Website
Now that you’ve successfully linked your website to your Google Business, it’s time to showcase your Google Business prowess on your website’s main stage—the same way you would put up flashy billboards to announce your business to the digital world.
A few ideas…
- Embed a Google Business widget or badge onto your website. It’s like pinning a badge of honor on your digital storefront.
- Include a ‘Review Us’ button. This nifty addition lets your satisfied customers sing your praises and boosts your business’s online street cred.
How Don Creative Group Can Help:
As a boutique creative agency, we understand the challenges small businesses face in managing their online presence.
Our expert team specializes in Google Business optimization and maintenance. In addition to guiding you through the initial setup, we ensure that your information stays accurate and up-to-date.
Also, we proactively respond to customer reviews on your behalf, enhancing your online reputation.
If you’re ready to boost your business with Google Business, contact us today to learn more about our Google Business optimization and maintenance services.
