Google My Business – what you need to know?

Google My Business has no doubt helped how we as customers, and business owners alike, go about purchasing or enquiring about a service. But with new updates, frustrating ‘user suggestions’ and overall dashboard navigation, how can you make your Google My Business listing standout?

Firstly, did you know it has a new name?

As of November 2022, Google has made the switch from “Google My Business” to “Google Business Profile”. So, what’s the difference? In short, Google has said they are making this change to keep things ‘simple’.

Not a lot has changed, however the biggest adjustment is how you view and access your listing. The Google My Business dashboard has now been done away with, and you will be directed to your listings profile within Google Search. To manage your listing from Google Search, all you must do is search for your business then a menu above search results will appear (make sure you are logged into your google account that manages your Business Profile) that gives you options to edit or update your Profile. From there, you can make direct changes to your listing, including updating business information, creating Google posts, adding images, and more.

Now that we have covered that…what else do you need to know?

Reviews and building trust

As expected, reviews are essential to your business! Not only do they impact your online reputation but also the more reviews your listing has, the more it improves your ranking on Google. Plus, reviews are a meaningful way to build trust and credibility with potential customers, as people trust other people more than they trust businesses.

However, you will be pleased to know that all news is good news when it comes to reviews! According to Google, a combination of positive and negative reviews is more trustworthy than page that is full of glowing 5-star recommendations. Combined star ratings appeal to potential customers, and the more realistic your reviews are the more they are inclined to purchase/or continue a service with you.

Star Ratings

Did you know that your Google Reviews must be 4 stars or more to be considered in any search term featuring the word ‘best’ Eg. Best hairdressers Norwood.

As mentioned above, star ratings are important, however there is no need to panic if you are not receiving 5 stars each review. The ideal Google star rating is 4.2 – 4.5 stars, which came at the conclusion of extensive research by Spiegel Research Centre. Their studies show that, when it comes to the perfect Google Star rating, 4.5 is better than 5.

Consumers use Google reviews to find honest information about a business’s product or service. They want to see the good and the bad so that they can make an informed decision.

SEO and Increasing Engagement Signals

This can be done in a variety of ways, such as uploading images to your listing, responding to reviews and creating regular posts that people can interact with.

Using the right keywords will improve your SEO and relevance when it comes to potential customers using Google Search. Whether it’s in your store bio, details or even using key words in your review replies – it all helps. But beware not to flood your review response with lists of key words, keep things ‘conversational’ and place words in were they actually belong.

Optimising your profile

Customers are 2.7 times more likely to consider your business reputable if you have a complete Google Business Profile and are also 70% more likely to visit your location). Google specifically says that “businesses with complete and accurate information are easier to match with the right searches” (this also helps improves your listings relevance).

It also pays to be a verified listing. Verified business locations are “more likely to show in local search results across Google products, like Maps and Search.” A verified location also helps improve your score for the distance ranking factor, which comes into play when users search for “near me”.

In short – businesses with well-optimised Google Business Profiles are much more likely to appear in search results.

Need a hand?

If your Google Business Profile and reviews are not up to scratch, our team is here to help! Give us a call on 08 8363 2677 or email rachel@myadd.com.au

One more tip…

Did you know, the more you as a customer leave a review and interact with other listings, the more Google will favour your input when it comes to suggesting edits and claiming listings!