Welcome to the first issue of Five Point Focus! You’re getting this because you’re a Five Point client, you’ve worked with us before, or you signed up on our website. Once a month, we’ll send one practical tip to help you get more from your website and online presence. Each issue will be short, and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Why your Business Profile matters
When someone searches for your business on Google, the box with your hours, phone number, reviews and map is often the first thing they see. Sometimes they see it before they ever reach your website. That box is your Google Business Profile, and Google says businesses with complete profiles get 7 times more clicks.
Here’s the catch: even if we manage your website, your Business Profile lives in your own Google account. It’s one of the few places where you hold the keys. Here’s a 10-minute checkup to make sure it’s working for you.
The 10-minute checkup
1. Make sure you can get in
Sign in to the Google account you use for your business, then search Google for your business name. If you can manage the profile, you’ll see options to edit it right there in the results. If you can’t, the profile may be tied to someone else’s account, like a former employee or an old vendor. Track that down now, not on the day you need to change something. While you’re in, open People and access and add a second manager so you’re never locked out.
2. Check the basics
Look over your business name, address or service area, phone number, website link and hours. Is everything correct? Does the website link go to your current site? Then add special hours for upcoming holidays, so customers don’t show up to a locked door.
3. Choose the right primary category
Your primary category tells Google what you do, and it affects which searches you show up in. Pick the most specific one that fits (“Family law attorney” instead of “Lawyer”). Then add secondary categories for the other services you offer.
4. Add a few real photos
Skip the stock photos. Add a few recent, real pictures of your storefront or office, your team and your work. According to Google, businesses with photos get 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps.
5. Reply to your recent reviews
Answer your recent reviews, good and bad. Keep replies short and friendly. Thank happy customers, and for unhappy ones, acknowledge the problem and offer to make it right offline. Future customers read your replies too.
Make it a habit
Set a reminder to repeat this checkup every few months. It only takes a few minutes, and it keeps the first thing customers see about you accurate.
Want a hand?
If your profile looks good but you’re still not showing up in local searches the way you’d like, that’s what our SEO Strategy service is for. Or send us a question. We’re happy to take a look.
From the blog
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- How often should you redesign your website?
Thanks for reading,
Wendell Harness
Five Point Web Solutions