The Importance of Keeping Your Google Business Profile Up to Date

The Importance of Keeping Your Google Business Profile Up to Date

By Sam Johnstone, S.A.M. Ltd

Maintaining an up-to-date Google Business Profile (GBP) has never been more important, with everyone looking for instant answers. Having a well-maintained GBP is crucial for any business looking to enhance its online presence and attract local customers. An optimised and regularly updated GBP can significantly boost your visibility in local search results and on Google Maps, making it easier for potential customers to find you.

Why Does it Matter?

It increases your local visibility

If someone types into Google “[your business type] near me” you want to appear in the top 3 under the map pack:

A strong online presence is essential for small businesses, and your Google Business Profile should be a part of your marketing strategy. A well-maintained GBP helps your business appear in local search results and on Google Maps. Google uses the information in your profile – things such as location, phone numbers, and descriptions – to determine which businesses best match the searcher’s intent. This means that the more accurate and detailed your profile, the higher the chances of appearing in top search positions.

Customer Trust

A complete and verified GBP builds credibility. Customers are more likely to trust a business that provides comprehensive information, including hours of operation, location, and customer reviews. This transparency can lead to increased customer trust and loyalty. I always look at the GBP when I’m looking for a service or to work with someone, it should have all the information I need. If there isn’t one, I often move on to the next on the list.

Engagement

Your GBP allows direct interaction with customers through reviews, Q & A, and booking options. Engaging with customers in this way not only enhances the customer’s experience it also enables you to provide answers to the most commonly asked questions, which helps people come to a decision quicker than if they had to search for it.

Free Advertising

Keeping your profile updated offers a cost-effective way to promote your business. You can share updates, showcase products or services, and post special offers – all for free. We don’t get much for free in this life so it’s a no-brainer!

Valuable Insights

Google Analytics provides data on how customers find and interact with your business. These insights can help you make informed decisions when it comes to your marketing strategies.

To give you a head start, here’s one actionable tip: Regularly update your business hours, especially during holidays or special events. This ensures that customers always have the most accurate information and can plan their visits accordingly. An up-to-date profile reflects a well-managed business and can prevent potential customers from being disappointed by outdated information.

Workshops

I started running 1-hour online workshops on this topic this last year, after a number of people told me that they either didn’t know how to update their profile, thought they knew how to update it but didn’t know all the tips and tricks or had one and didn’t bother with it (shocking!).  You can read what people have said about my workshops on my profile reviews: https://g.co/kgs/BuuQ8SC

If you found this helpful and want to learn more about optimising your Google Business Profile, consider joining one of my workshops.  I go through all the sections and explain how to make your profile stand out, attract more local customers, and take advantage of all the features GBP has to offer. Sign up to my mailing list and I will notify you when I launch the next one, which will be soon.

Sam Johnstone

S.A.M. Ltd

https://www.samsvasolutions.com