Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Setting Up Your Google Business Profile: A Small Business Owner's No-Nonsense Guide
Hey there, fellow business owner! Let's walk through how to set up your Google Business Profile without the headache. Trust me, your future customers (and your bottom line) will thank you.
The Basics: Getting Set Up
1. Head to business.google.com - grab a coffee, it’ll be easier than doing your taxes.
2. Either claim your business if it's already listed or create a new one.
3. Fill in the essentials: name, category, location, phone, website - your basic info.
4. Get verified:
Verify your Google Business Profile
Go to your Business Profile
Click Get verified
Choose a verification method, such as phone call, text message, email, or postcard
Follow the on-screen directions
Make Your Profile Pop
Think of this as your business's dating profile for potential customers. Here's how to make them swipe right:
Photos: Skip the stock images. Show off your actual space, team, and products. Yes, even if your office is in the corner of your living room - authenticity sells!
Description: Write like you're telling a friend about your business. "We're a family-owned bakery making grandma's recipes since 2020 (yes, we stress-baked our way through lockdown)."
Hours: Keep them updated! Nothing worse than a hangry customer showing up to a closed shop.
Pro Tips That Actually Work
1. Reviews are gold - encourage happy customers to leave them by simply asking after a great interaction.
2. Use the Q&A section - beat customers to the punch by asking and answering common questions yourself.
3. Post updates regularly - new products, behind-the-scenes pics, or even that cute dog that visited your shop.
4. Monitor your insights - see when people search for you most and adjust your hours or posts accordingly.
Red Flags to Fix ASAP
Blurry logo (we're not hiding from the FBI here).
Outdated phone number (unless you're dodging spam calls).
Missing business hours (customers aren't psychic).
Radio silence on reviews (yes, even the cranky ones need responses).
Remember: Your Google Business Profile is often the first impression you make. Make it count, keep it real, and watch those customers roll in.
Quick Wins for Extra Impact
Add attributes (pet-friendly, Wi-Fi, curbside pickup)
List your specific services/products
Share seasonal offers
Post photos of your team (humanize your brand!)
Need a motivation boost? Every time you update your profile, imagine a potential customer choosing you over your competition because you actually took the time to show up online. Now that's worth the effort, right?
How's that for a more relatable guide? Want me to dive deeper into any of these areas?If you’re a local business owner looking to streamline operations, reduce repetitive tasks, and give your staff more time to focus on your customers, let’s chat. Schedule a FREE Discovery Call today. Together, we’ll find ways to cut costs, simplify your processes, and create a shopping experience that keeps your customers coming back for more.
