Put Your Google Business Profile to Work!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Auditing Your Google Business Profile

Performing an audit of a Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is essential for businesses looking to optimize their online presence and attract more customers through Google. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to conduct an effective GBP audit:

Step 1: Verify Profile Accuracy

• Check Basic Information: Ensure that the business name, address, phone number, and website URL are accurate and consistent with other online listings.
• Service Area and Hours: Verify that the service areas and business hours are current and reflect your actual hours of operation.

Step 2: Analyze Category and Attributes

• Primary and Secondary Categories: Make sure your primary category best represents your main business. Add relevant secondary categories to capture the full scope of your services.
• Attributes: Utilize all relevant attributes available for your category, such as accessibility features, payment types accepted, or other unique business characteristics.

Step 3: Optimize Business Description

• Engaging Description: Write a clear, concise, and engaging business description that includes keywords relevant to your services and location.
• Unique Selling Propositions (USPs): Highlight what sets your business apart from competitors.

Step 4: Review Photos and Videos

• Quality and Quantity: Regularly update your profile with high-quality photos and videos of your products, services, premises, and staff.
• Relevance and Engagement: Ensure that the visual content is relevant and appealing to potential customers.

Step 5: Manage and Respond to Reviews

• Review Analysis: Regularly read and analyze customer reviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Response Strategy: Respond promptly to both positive and negative reviews, demonstrating customer service and engagement.

Step 6: Post Updates and Offers

• Regular Posts: Use GBP posts to share updates, offers, and news. This keeps your profile active and engaging.
• Promotions and Events: Announce any promotions, events, or special offers through posts.

Step 7: Check Insights

• Performance Metrics: Regularly check GBP insights to understand how customers are finding and interacting with your profile.
• Adapt Strategy: Use these insights to adapt and improve your business strategies.

Step 8: Monitor Competitors

• Competitor Analysis: Observe how competitors are using their GBP and note any strategies that might be effective for your business.

Step 9: Regular Updates and Maintenance

Frequent Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure all information is up-to-date and to adopt new features or best practices.

Step 10: Seek Customer Feedback

• Customer Input: Occasionally ask customers how they found your business and if your GBP was helpful. This can provide valuable insights for further optimization.

Conclusion

A thorough audit of your Google Business Profile is crucial for maintaining an effective online presence. Regularly updating and optimizing your Google Business Profile can significantly enhance your visibility on Google, helping to attract and retain more customers. If you'd like help with this or other marketing goals, please email me! Chris@PlaidBison.com