Google Business Profile (GBP, formerly GMB or Google My Business) is a vital tool for businesses aiming to boost their local online presence. It’s simple to set up, free, and unlocks the power of local SEO to help your business thrive. While getting started with GBP is straightforward, mastering its features and best practices takes a bit more effort. At Rise Local, we’re here to answer your most pressing questions and help you get the most out of this platform.
Is a Google My Business Profile Free?
Absolutely! Listing your business on GBP won’t cost you a penny. Google’s goal is to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, and your listing is a critical part of that effort. By creating a GBP listing, you make it easier for potential customers to find your business while showcasing your story, products, and services.
Can Anyone Make Changes to My GBP Listing?
Unfortunately, yes. Google allows users to suggest edits to your business listing, making it crucial for you to monitor your GBP profile regularly. Log in weekly to review and approve any edits, and conduct routine audits to ensure accuracy. Some of these edits, like marking that you don’t have a location can force you to do a verification video via Google’s business.google.com portal.
You might wonder why Google permits external edits. This policy helps prevent spammy practices by businesses, ensuring Google delivers reliable and unbiased search results. However, it also means that business owners must stay vigilant to maintain their listings’ integrity.
What Are Common Mistakes Businesses Make on GBP?
1. Encouraging Fake Reviews
Never fake reviews to inflate your ratings. Authenticity is key to building trust with your audience. Instead, focus on encouraging genuine feedback. One effective way is to have employees ask customers for reviews—it’s often easier to get reviews for people than for a business entity.
2. Incorrect Business Location
Pin your business location accurately on Google Maps. An incorrect address can confuse potential customers and hurt your reputation. Easy-to-find directions boost customer convenience and trust.
3. Wasting Characters on Posts
GBP posts allow up to 1,500 characters, with an ideal length between 150-300 characters. Use this space wisely and avoid overloading posts with hashtags. Overuse of hashtags can dilute your message and hurt your credibility.
4. Ignoring Optimization Opportunities
Local SEO isn’t just about GBP; it also involves website quality, clean local citations, blog post and service page publishing, and other factors like mobile load speed. The digital marketing landscape has evolved, and spamming tactics no longer work. Take a strategic approach to optimize your GBP profile and overall online presence.
Can Two Businesses Share the Same Address on Google Maps?
Yes, but only if they are legally separate entities. Each business must have its own name, phone number, and website, as well as offer distinct services. Franchises can use the same name across locations but should ensure each listing has a unique phone number to maintain clarity and improve local SEO performance.
Can You Respond to Customer Reviews on GBP?
Yes! When signed into your GBP account, you can respond directly to customer reviews. Your reply appears as a “response from owner” under the review on Google Search and Maps. Engaging with reviews not only shows that you value customer feedback but also enhances your online reputation and builds trust with potential customers and Google.
Remember: Once you get a review that is less than 5-Stars you no longer will be a 5-Star business. Tread forward carefully with your reputation if you want to protect that online competitive advantage.
Let Rise Local Manage Your Google My Business
Managing your “Google My Business” or business.google.com profiles can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Rise Local, we specialize in creating and optimizing GBP Google Maps listings. From regular audits to publishing posts and managing reviews, our expert team ensures your business stays visible and competitive. We also offer a range of digital marketing services, including content creation, website development, paid advertising, and social media management. Contact us today to create a customized marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals.