Everything you need to know about your Google Business Profile

In times when budgets are getting ever-tighter, Google offers some good news in the form of a free way to promote your business online. Your business's Google Business Profile appears on the righthand side of the search results whenever anyone searches for your business on Google - whether or not your company has its own website. 3Cube Property Solutions provides a guide to what a Google Business Profile is, how to set up and maintain your profile and what the benefits are.

First things first: What is a Google Business Profile?

A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a tool that lets businesses manage their online presence across Google's services, including the search engine results page and maps. It's a free way to showcase your products and services and share basic information about your business. If you don't have a website, this tool is an invaluable way to let potential clients know about your service or product offering. And even if you do have a website, your would-be client does not have to click on your website to get the basic information they need - provided that you have set up and maintained your profile correctly.

What information does a Google Business Profile contain?

A well-constructed Google Business Profile includes all basic details, from your business's name, address, phone number and website to accurate hours of operation. There is also a reviews section where customers can discuss the experiences they had with your business - and you as a business owner can respond to these reviews. You can also upload photos and videos that showcase your business products and premises. Sharing posts is another great way to keep your business in the spotlight. Via your Google Business Profile, you can share updates, offers, events and other news.

Over and above the reviews section, a Google Business Profile offers a questions and answers section, which provides you with an ongoing opportunity to clarify information and provide excellent customer service. For certain types of businesses, there is even functionality that allows customers to book appointments or order food directly from your Google Business Profile.

Over and above the obvious benefits of business visibility, your Google Business Profile affords your business trustability and legitimacy. Having your profile populated with the required information and keeping it regularly updated gives viewers peace of mind. It gives them confidence that you are, firstly, still in business. As the old saying goes, a picture says 1000 words, and an active, up-to-date Google Business Profile paints a picture of a business that's modern, relevant and responsive.

Three top ways to maintain your Google Business Profile

1. Keep your business information up to date. This includes business hours, address, phone number, website link and email address.
2. Upload new photos and videos regularly, showcasing your products, services and premises. Here are a few video ideas to get you started: you could film an unboxing of a new product or (with their written permission) upload a video of a customer using an existing product. A video tour of your premises or some photos of your product being made provide a great "behind the scenes" glimpse for your target market.
3. Regularly post updates and offers. Use your Google Business Profile's posts feature to share news, special offers and upcoming events.

Keeping your Google Business Profile up to date is an important part of managing your online presence. Managing your physical presence involves finding premises that suit your business in terms of size, function and location. For help in finding the right premises in Gauteng or the Western Cape, get in touch with 3Cube Property Solutions today.