The Do’s and Don’ts of Google Business Profiles

Do Make Sure the Listing Is Accurate

The first step is to create your Google Business Profile listing. Your business may already exist in Google Maps; in this case, you need to claim the listing. After you’ve created or claimed the listing, you need to verify your ownership, and then ensure the data is accurate:

• Correct phone number and address
• Working URL
• Operating hours (update for holidays, local crises, pandemics, and severe weather)

It’s also important to categorize your business correctly.

Don’t Add Fake Listings for Multiple Locations

It can be tempting to build virtual listings to get your business to rank in several areas. Avoid this practice; it is against Google’s Terms of Service.

If your business is an online service with clients in numerous locations, create the Google Business Profile listing for your physical business address. Then, simply update the information in the “service area” section.

Do Update the Q&A Section

Use your listing to interact with potential customers before they even visit your website. Create an excellent Q&A section in two steps:

• Start by seeding it with common questions and answers about your business
• Check the area frequently for new questions, and answer them promptly and professionally

These two steps can turn your Q&A section into a free marketing resource.

Don’t Do the Bare Minimum

Many common mistakes are simple negligence:

• Forgetting about your listing once you claim it
• Not completing the verification steps
• Writing a generic description
• Not updating the hours or Q&A section

Spending a little extra time to write a good description and update your operating info as needed can ensure your business makes an outstanding first impression.

Do Add Images

If possible, add a few high-quality images of your business:

• Executive team
• Menu samples
• Products
• Office building
• Customer service representatives

Include high-resolution photos that show off the best sides of your business and your team. You can also include videos. The images are hosted on Google’s servers, so you don’t need to worry about space and optimization like you do on your own website.

Don’t Use the Wrong Images

Make sure you don’t post anything that creates a false impression for the people reading your listing. Don’t post stock images or product photos that aren’t yours. Avoid posting pictures of customers unless you have their permission.

Do Encourage Reviews and Respond to Them

Another excellent perk of having a Google Business Profile is the Google review system. Customers can easily leave reviews in the form of star ratings, and they may include comments as well.

It’s a great idea to encourage your clients to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile listing. Good reviews can showcase all the excellent aspects of your company and encourage new customers to contact you.

Make sure to respond to all reviews. You don’t need to wax poetic, but a simple “thanks” or “glad you enjoyed your meal” in response to a review can show that you care about your customers. You should also respond to negative reviews in a helpful and professional manner.

Don’t Falsify Reviews

The review section should showcase your company’s integrity and customer service. Underhanded tactics can quickly destroy your reputation:

• Don’t create false reviews under a pseudonym
• Don’t ask your employees to create fake reviews
• Don’t respond aggressively to negative reviews
• Don’t bribe customers to write good reviews

All of these actions are less than honest, and some (fake reviews) are blatant violations of Google’s TOS.

If you need a proven feedback first customer review system that will help maximize opportunities to grow your reputation and your business, see how RocketReviews can help.

Create an Outstanding First Impression

A Google Business Profile is a powerful resource for companies of all sizes, and it’s free! Spending a little time optimizing your listing can lead to valuable returns, including better search ranking and more customer engagement. Up-to-date information, good reviews, high-quality photos, and helpful answers to common questions are a few things that can transform your listing into a marketing resource, customer-outreach tool, and SEO powerhouse.  If you need help optimizing your Google Business Profile for your business, contact us.  We can help make your listing help grow your business!

If you are more of a DIYer, download our free, step-by-step Google Business Profile Optimization Checklist and learn how to claim, verify, optimize and manage your own Google Business Profile information.