3 Google Business Profile Myths & Solutions

Written by: Wesley Remy

The more I doom scroll, the more I realize that everything on the internet is true and just believe everything you see and hear…thank you and good bye. While the Previous statement is blatant sarcasm, I actually wanted to address three pieces of misinformation about the inner workings of Google's Business Profile feature A.K.A. GBP. In addition to those juicy tidbits, I'm handing out solutions too. Of course this means a quick shameless plug for our Google Business Profile Enhancement. For a one-time fee of just $250 dollars, my agency can do all the leg work to get your business prioritized and shown quicker to more local customers looking for what you sell. Enough gibberish, let's crack open this coconut!

Brief Summary: How It Actually Works

Instead of just leading with what doesn't work, I thought it would be better to start with how the dang thing actually operates. The method to Google's madness if you will. The three key factors that determine local results are distance (geographical proximity), relevance (is it what your looking for), and prominence (popularity & reputation). But wait there's more; according to SEO experts, Google seems to have recalibrated its local search algorithm to place a priority on so-called openness (business hours). Keep this all in mind going forward.

Myth #1 Google Business Profile Is Just A Free listing…Nothing More

Now this first one is an obvious one but, it's a doozy of a self-limiting belief am I right? The fact of the matter is that it is an integral part of your business' internet conquests. It actually acts as a "digital storefront" of sorts. When people type in a search term that is relevant to what you do, and they find your website, they first pass through the gate that is your profile. So your GBP (if done correctly) can be a plethora of pertinent information about your business. It's quite often the last thing they see if yours doesn't tell them what they want to know. Solution: Keep your GBP up to date and optimized with everything searchers need to know. In essence, your GBP can make you or break you…so treat it like a Gremlin and nurture it.

Myth #2 Google Reviews Don't Affect Local Search Rankings

This is another blatantly false claim often spouted from the mouths of the ignorant. The reality (as much as we'd like to deny it) is that word of mouth is still an extremely powerful medium of influence. When we enjoy something, we instinctually want to tell our tribe; and inevitably the whole village finds out. Each unpleasant review acts like a stain on the white T-shirt that is your company. Because of Google's local search results work on a prominence bias, this means doing a bit of laundry. Solution: You need to try as hard as possible to give A+ customer service. The bad reviews that creep in need to be handled in a professional manner via a response (also applies to good reviews). Engagement with prospective customers online signals to people that this business is on top of their game and works to build trust thus raising your rank.

Myth #3 A One-Time setup Is Good Enough

On the technical side of things, Google makes the process less painful by offering a step-by-step guide thingy in the hopes you won't chimp out on them from frustration. Set up is just one side of the coin, the other being optimization. You can absolutely do the bare minimum and still get by but, if you want to beef things up and make it easier to spot your business like a guinea pig in a hamster pen…your gonna need all the bells and whistles. Solution: Make sure info on your profile matches info from your website, Google doesn't like inconsistency. Infusing SEO keywords helps. Always keep up to date information, due to the "openness" factor, hours of opertion need to be accurate.

Your Time Is Measured In Dollars

There is a lot to consider when talking about not just a complete GBP but, one that is lasered in on getting you discovered by more local customers. For a business owner, there are usually never enough hours in the day to tackle everything. The only way around the time issue is money. Money acts like compressed time. Simply put, if you just don't have enough time, paying someone to solve the problem can often be the best solution. So who can you trust?

Why Choose Us?

As a local business, we are tangible. No foreign call centers here and, should you need a face to face, we can be found. Specialization means working with industries we're familiar with to assist you to the fullest ability. The goal is to get you better results than you maybe currently getting now. As always our work is guaranteed which means: If you don't benefit then neither do we. Get in touch by booking a call to see what our agency can do for you.

- Wesley Remy | Fan Finesse