Google Business Profile is a free service that helps businesses take control of their Google My Business listings. A Google Business Profile allows a company to control the visibility of its contact details (name, address, phone number(s), website(s), and hours of operation) across all of Google’s services.
This encompasses the entire Google suite, from Search to Maps to Assistant. In addition to replying to reviews, providing updates, and answering inquiries, Google Business Profile lets businesses actively engage with their customers.
What Are the Newest Features in Google Business Profile?
Google constantly updates and improves Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) to provide businesses with new features and functionalities. Here are some of the newest features of Google Business Profile:
Messaging
A GMB profile now allows businesses to communicate with customers directly through messaging. Customers can send messages to businesses through their Google Business Profile, and businesses can respond to those messages through the Google My Business app or website.
URLs and Short Names
GMB now allows businesses to create a short name and URL for their profile. This makes it easier for customers to find and remember a business’s profile on Google.
Visual Assets
GMB now allows businesses to add cover photos and logos to their profile. This helps businesses to showcase their brand and make their profile more visually appealing to customers.
Your Product Catalog
Google My Business now allows businesses to create a product catalog, which allows customers to view a business’s products directly on their Google Business Profile.
Service Menu: Google Business Profile now allows businesses to create a service menu, which allows customers to view a business’s services directly on their Google Business Profile.
Benefits of Google Business Profile for Digital Marketing and SEO
A GMB Profile offers several benefits for businesses looking to enhance their digital marketing and SEO efforts. Here are some of the key benefits of Google Business Profile:
Businesses can increase their position on Google Maps and Google Search by creating a Google Business Profile. This makes it easier for customers to find and learn about their business, which can lead to increased website traffic and sales.
Google My Business (now GBP) can help businesses improve their local SEO by providing customers with accurate and up-to-date information about their business. GMB can help businesses rank higher in local search results, leading to increased sales and online visibility.
Businesses can increase their credibility with customers by having a Google Business Profile with positive reviews and up-to-date information. Google Business Profile can lead to increased trust and a higher likelihood of customers choosing to do business with them.
GBP allows businesses to engage with online users by responding to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates. GBP can help you build better relationships with customers and increase engagement on their profiles.
By providing customers with fresh and accurate information about their business, businesses can increase the likelihood of customers acting, such as purchasing or visiting their website.
How To Create a Google Business Profile?
Go to Google Business Profile
Start by going to the GBP website. You’ll need to create a Google account if you don’t already have one.
Sign in
Once you’re on the Google My Business website, sign in with your Google account.
Add your business
Click the “Add a location” button and enter your business name. If your business doesn’t appear in the search results, click the “Add your business to Google” button.
Enter your business information.
Once you’ve added your business to Google, you must enter your business information, such as your address, phone number, website, and business hours.
Verify your business
Google will need to verify that you own the business before you can create a Google Business Profile. You can verify your business by mail, phone, or email.
Customize your profile
Once your business is verified, you can customize your Google Business Profile by adding photos, videos, and other information about your business. You can also enable messaging, add a service menu and product catalog, and create a short name and URL for your profile.
Publish your profile
Once you’ve customized your Google Business Profile, click the “Publish” button to make it live. Your profile will now be visible on Google Search and Google Maps.
Manage your profile
Once your Google Business Profile is live, you can manage it by logging into your Google My Business account. Use Google My Business to update your NAP information, respond to reviews, and post updates to your profile.
How Does A Google Business Profile Support Local SEO?
A Google Business Profile can support local SEO in several ways. GBP can increase a business’s visibility in local search results. When an online user searches for a business or service near their location, Google will show a map with local businesses that match the search criteria. Businesses can appear in these local search results, increasing visibility and web traffic.
A Google Business Profile allows businesses to provide accurate and up-to-date information, such as their address, phone number, website, and business hours. Google uses this information to display a business’s contact information in search results and Google Maps. Accurate information can help businesses rank higher in local search results and improve their SEO.
A GBP with positive reviews and up-to-date information can increase a business’s customer credibility. This can lead to increased trust and a higher likelihood of customers choosing to do business with them. Positive reviews can also improve a businesses’ outlook by allowing such businesses to rank higher in local search results, improving local SEO.
GBP allows businesses to engage with clienteles by reacting to reviews, answering questions, and posting updates. This can help organizations to build relationships with customers and increase engagement on their profiles. Intensified engagement can lead to higher rankings in local search results and improved local SEO.
A Google Business Profile also gives businesses insights into how other businesses and customers find and interact with their profile. This includes data such as how many people viewed their profile, how many people clicked through to their website, and how many people requested directions to their business. This information can help businesses optimize their profile and improve their local SEO.
Boost Your Local Presence and Improve Leads and Sales with Google Business Profile Management Services
Our expert team at Bruce Jones SEO has spent many years upgrading their techniques and improving workflows for optimizing Google Business Profiles for local, national, and global SEO campaigns. Be at the forefront of your market and industry today with a Google Business Profile that responds to today’s customer needs.
