Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) is a business directory developed by Google for local businesses.
With a free listing in this directory, your business will appear on Google Maps and in Google Search. Google then uses these business listings to show its users businesses that are in close proximity to the searcher’s location.
For example, when a user searches for “advertising agency” on Google, they receive search results for advertising agencies in their current area. These results usually even appear before the conventional search results and are therefore a decisive raking factor! With a Google company profile , your company can therefore be found more easily by potential local customers.
Why does a Google Business Profile already exist for my company and what can I do in this case?
Google automatically creates Google business profiles from other online business directories (such as “Das Telefonbuch”) or similar portals. You can subsequently edit these automated entries by verifying yourself as the owner of the company. You become the owner of the entry after entering a PIN number, which is sent either by post to your company, by telephone or to your e-mail address. When creating a completely new entry in Google My Business, you also go through this procedure.
Customize and optimize Google company profiles
To improve your company’s ranking in local search results, the following steps should be taken to ensure that potential customers see your company as often as possible.
We will be happy to do all the necessary work for you. Contact us!
1. enter complete data
Google prefers entries with complete and accurate information so that it can show users the best possible results for the respective search query. Therefore, enter as much information as possible about your company in the Google company profile. In addition to the usual contact information such as address, telephone number, email address and website, you should also fill in the fields for opening hours and use the so-called attributes. The attributes can be used to provide information about the offers, parking options, facilities, accessibility and payment options within the company. In addition, at least one category must be selected for the Google business listing. This category describes the type of business, e.g. whether it is an advertising agency, a restaurant or a flower store. Also make sure that this information is always kept up to date.
2. add photos and videos
In addition to the information mentioned above, you can also add photos and videos to your Google company profile. These can be assigned to different categories such as interior and exterior shots, product photos, photos of the team, company logo and similar. Try to upload a few images for each category if possible and even add a video that tells something about your company and its special features. Google loves complete entries and prefers them in the ranking!
3. manage and answer reviews
Customers can rate your company with one to five stars and write a review. Interact with your customers and respond to both negative and positive reviews. This not only shows your customers that their feedback is valued, but also signals to potential new customers that your company is committed to customer satisfaction.
High-quality, positive customer reviews increase the visibility of your Google company profile and therefore also the likelihood that potential customers will visit your company. You should therefore also promote Google ratings and reviews wherever possible. Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, e.g. display flyers with a reference to Google reviews in your company or enclose small cards with a corresponding reference with your products.
If your company is active on social media channels such as Facebook or can be found in other business directories, you should also encourage your customers to leave positive reviews on these portals using the measures mentioned above. Google also includes reviews from well-known sites such as Facebook in the Google company profile and displays them in Google searches.
4. google company profile posts
Optionally highlight your Google business profile with announcements for e.g. future events or trade fairs, competitions or special promotions. These announcements are visible in your Google search entry for one week and are then automatically hidden.
Questions / technical support
We will be happy to do all the necessary work for you. Contact us! Of course you can also contact us at any time if you have any questions. You can reach us by telephone on 05261 7080940, or directly by e-mail to your respective contact person.