Make full use of your Google Business Profile

Are you making the most of your Google Business Profile? (if you don't have one, get one now!).

It's a free, easy and very powerful way to raise the profile of your business. They've now added an extra feature - a QR code you can use to get more reviews - read to the end for details. 

92% of search engine searches are on Google so it's really important to claim and update your Google Business Profile. You want your business to show up as high in the results pages as possible. You don't need any technical knowledge to give your business a helping hand. You may already get reviews through other tools but it's worth getting some on Google too - it all helps to improve your search engine rankings. 

What's the point of the Google Business Profile? 

It's essentially the foundation for search engine success. The starting point that Google will use when presenting information to visitors. Once you've submit your information to your free listing, it will appear in different ways, such as on maps, the knowledge panel and general Google search. It will help you improve your overall visibility.

It's effectively a high profile, never-ending FREE ad!

Why wouldn't you take advantage of this, and keep improving your listing so it really works well for you? 

The first step is to go here and register your business. It's quick. 

If you've already done this, do you frequently update it? It's worth spending a few moments every couple of weeks doing this. For example, you might want to add photos or tweak your listing. This information will help you rank above other sites with out of date details. 

How you can optimise your Google Business Profile and make it work hard for you

Not everyone fully completes their profile. Do that, and you're immediately ahead of the competition. 

Add images of your business. Google likes you to keep these updates so changes will help your information to rank above others. Change your images with the seasons. Add photos from different perspectives. Make sure they're high quality. 

Think about the words your visitors are likely to use in their internet searches. Use those words as part of your business description. For example, if you attract many families with young children, chances are they search using words like 'family-friendly' or 'activities for children'. 

Ask for reviews. You may already have great reviews in your visitor book, through a booking engine, on facebook or on TripAdvisor. Google likes to see Google reviews so ask some visitors to respond on there. 

Don't waste words. You only have a limited amount of time to grab and keep attention. You need to use words that visitors relate to, that are specific and really mean something. 

New QR code feature for reviews 

Now you can generate easy-to-scan codes that send customers directly to your Google Business Profile to encourage feedback. You can put them on receipts, your website, window stickers - anywhere you can think of. There are some details of how to get more reviews and the QR code here: https://support.google.com/business/answer/3474122?hl=en-GB