How To Promote Your Google Business Profile

Introduction

If you run a business, you probably know how important it is to be seen online. When someone searches for a service or product you offer, showing up on Google can make a big difference.

But just being listed isn’t enough—you need to stand out. That’s where your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) comes in.

Think of it like your storefront on the internet. It’s often the first thing people see when they search for your business. So, it needs to look good, provide useful information, and make people want to reach out. But how do you make sure your profile works for you and not just sits there unnoticed?

That’s what I’m going to talk about today—how to promote your Google Business Profile and get the most out of it.

Why Is Your Google Business Profile So Important?

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s quickly talk about the “why.” Your Google Business Profile can:

Increase your visibility: More than 80% of consumers use Google to find local businesses. If your profile is optimized, you’ll show up in those searches.
Build trust: A complete profile with photos, reviews, and updated details makes your business look reliable.
Drive traffic: Whether it’s to your website or physical store, a well-maintained profile can direct more people your way.

With that said, let’s get into how you can promote your profile and get it noticed by the right people.

How Do I Promote My Google Business Profile?

Step 1: Make Sure Your Profile Is Fully Filled Out

It might sound simple, but a lot of businesses don’t fully complete their Google Business Profile. Google loves complete profiles, and so do potential customers. Here’s what you should double-check:

Business Name: Make sure it’s accurate and matches your website and other listings.
Address and Phone Number: Keep this consistent across all online platforms. It helps with local SEO (search engine optimization).
Business Hours: Don’t forget to update these during holidays or special events.
Category: Choose the primary category that best describes your business. You can also add secondary categories.
Website: Include your website link to drive more traffic.
Business Description: Use this space to tell people what you do and why they should choose you. Be clear and friendly, not overly formal.
Photos and Videos: High-quality pictures of your products, services, and even behind-the-scenes moments can help customers connect with your business.

Step 2: Collect and Respond to Reviews

Reviews are one of the most powerful ways to promote your business. According to BrightLocal, 77% of consumers regularly read online reviews before making a decision.

Ask for reviews: After a successful sale or service, don’t be shy about asking customers to leave a review. A simple follow-up email or message works well.
Respond to reviews: Whether they’re positive or negative, responding to reviews shows you care about your customers. Thank people for good reviews and address any issues in negative ones.

Pro tip: Google favors profiles that actively engage with customers, so responding to reviews can also help you rank higher in search results.

Step 3: Post Regular Updates

Did you know you can post updates directly to your Google Business Profile? Think of it like a social media post but on Google.

Share offers, promotions, or events: If you’re running a sale, make sure people know about it by posting it on your profile.
Update regularly: Posting once a week keeps your profile fresh and engaging.
Use photos and videos: Posts with visuals tend to get more attention.

Step 4: Use Google Q&A

There’s a “Questions & Answers” section on your profile where potential customers can ask you things directly. If you don’t stay on top of it, you might miss out on important opportunities.

Monitor the Q&A section: Make it a habit to check for new questions and respond quickly.
Add common questions yourself: You can ask and answer frequently asked questions to help customers get the information they need right away.

Step 5: Leverage Google Insights

Google provides insights that show how people are interacting with your profile. You can see things like:

How customers found your profile (search or maps)
What actions they took (visited your website, called you, etc.)
Where they’re located

Use this information to adjust your strategy. For example, if most people are finding you through Google Maps, make sure your location details are accurate and up to date.

Step 6: Build Local Backlinks

Local SEO is key to promoting your Google Business Profile, and backlinks from other websites can help.

Reach out to local directories: Make sure your business is listed on relevant local websites and directories.
Collaborate with local bloggers or influencers: They can mention your business and link back to your profile.

These backlinks signal to Google that your business is trustworthy and relevant to the local community.

Step 7: Optimize for Keywords

Just like with a website, using the right keywords in your Google Business Profile can help you rank higher in search results.

Use keywords in your business description: Think about what people might search for when looking for your business.
Include keywords in posts: When you share updates, include relevant keywords naturally.

Example: If you own a bakery, phrases like “best cupcakes in [city]” or “custom birthday cakes near me” might be worth including.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to see results from promoting my Google Business Profile?

It varies. Some businesses see improvements in a few weeks, while others might take a couple of months. Consistency is key.

2. Is it free to have a Google Business Profile?

Yes, it’s completely free to set up and maintain a Google Business Profile.

3. Can I use my personal phone number for my business?

It’s better to use a dedicated business number to keep things professional and separate from personal calls.

4. How often should I update my profile?

Aim for at least once a week. Regular updates show Google and potential customers that your business is active.

Conclusion

Promoting your Google Business Profile doesn’t have to be complicated. By keeping your information up to date, collecting reviews, posting regularly, and paying attention to what customers are asking for, you can make your profile work for you.

Have you tried promoting your Google Business Profile? What’s worked best for you?