There are plenty of things about technology that cause confusion: security, user accounts, website updates, and every tool after a redesign. But one of the things that causes the most wrong questions is the Google Business Profile.
What is a Google Business Profile?
Because Google provides so many services, many users conflate the Google Business Profile with other services. To be clear the Google Business Profile (GBP) is not Google Ads, and it’s not associated with Google Workspace.
Your GBP is the information you provide about your business that Google will refer to in Search and Google Maps.
If you have one, you should see your business profile appear in the right-hand sidebar on a Google Search for your business, and it will typically provide space for business basics like hours, website, and contact info, along with Google Reviews, if you have them.
Note that this is NOT your website, (though hopefully you see your website at the top of the results to the left), nor is it a regular search result. It may contribute to your positioning in search results, but it’s not tied to Google Analytics, nor is it part of Google Ads.
Instead it is dedicated space for you to talk about your business, your services, answer questions, provide business hours, etc.
And yes, this is all free.
Why you need a Google Business Profile
When it comes to your business, you want to control what Google is telling people. GBP lets you do that.
Biz Profile benefits include…
Local Visibility: With GBP you can specify your areas of business to appear in “near me” search results.
Customer Engagement: GBP lets you collect and respond to reviews, answer questions, and share updates directly with customers.
Drive Traffic to Your Website and/or Store: Make it easy for customers to find you, visit your website, or learn more about your offerings.
Take Advantage of “Updates”: Google “Updates” can include promotions, seasonal products, or events.
Enhance Credibility: Making sure you have a complete and accurate profile builds trust and legitimacy for users searching for your business.
How do I get one?
First, making sure you’re logged in with your primary business Google address (i.e., the Google address you use to manage your business; if you’re not sure about this, reach out!). Then do a Google search for your business.
If you already have a GBP, your results should start with “Your business on Google”, as you see in the image above. From there you can add or edit elements on your profile. For this time of year, I suggest new promotions and checking on your holiday business hours.
If you can’t find your profile, or haven’t created one, get started on the Google Business Profile webpage. From this site you can also learn more about what the GBP offers and find FAQs for managing it.
Wrapping Up
Again, your Google Business Profile is free. Consider this a gift and jump on it, if you haven’t already. If you need help, please reach out or come visit me at an open coworking to walk through it.
And if you’re looking for a gift for me, I’ll happily take a five-star Google Review, if you’re in the giving mood. ;)
Review Marit Digital on Google
Recycle your tech!
Trashie, the company that is working to recycle clothing, has now expanded to tech! You can purchase a “Take Back Box” (small or medium) to collect and recycle your unwanted phones, laptops, cables, etc. and clean up your outdated tech responsibly!
AI + Culture
Are you interested in trying to integrate AI into your company culture? We’re working on a project to deliver a 4-week program (half a day each week) offering AI training plus business strategies to making it a success for your organization.
Email Jen to get updates on this project or sign-up to be a guinea pig!
Recent Articles
Tech Gifts for Your Shopping Season
I know, I know, we just got past Halloween, so a holiday shopping list probably seems a bit presumptuous. But for those of us with lots to do and tough customers to shop for, we’ll take gift ideas any time of year.
Read more in Cary Magazine
Tom Snyder: AI answers replace search engine links. Basis, bias of LLMs shape information
As social media continues to blur the lines between news and misinformation, Tom Snyder explores the crucial shift from traditional search engines to AI-driven answers in the digital landscape.
Read more on TechWire
