Google Business is a free tool that businesses can use to manage their online presence on Google Search and Maps. It’s a great way to get found by potential customers who are searching for businesses like yours in Newcastle.
Here are my top five Google Business hacks that can help you improve your ranking and get more leads and customers:
1. Complete your profile.
Absolutely no question about it – your Google Business profile deserves your full attention.
Every possible relevant detail needs to be there, especially the basics. So, always ensure your web address, business category, and address are accurate.
Be sure to craft a compelling business description that focuses on your target SEO keywords. It’s also extremely important to include the most relevant business category or industry, as well as your service location/area, after your business description.
Completing your Google Business profile also means adding your products and services, with relevant descriptions and photos. Or if you are a restaurant, be sure to upload your menu.
Adding any relevant logos, images and videos helps your profile stand out in the local search rankings.
Tip: Encourage customers to share and add photos to your Google Business profile. Or, better yet, get a Google certified 360 photographer out to your location and add a 360-degree photo or virtual tour to your profile ( If you’re a retail venue or hospitality business, this is strongly encouraged).
2. Choose the right categories.
Google Business uses your business categories to understand what kind of business you are and when to show your profile to people who are searching for businesses like yours. When you create your profile, you’ll be asked to choose a primary category for your business. This is the most important category, and it will be the one that is used to determine your ranking in Google Search and Maps.
However, your business may fit into multiple categories. For example, a Newcastle marketing agency might also be considered a business consultant or a web designer. In this case, you should add multiple categories that are relevant to your business.
The best way to choose your business categories is to look at your competitors. See what categories they have chosen, and choose the same ones or ones that are similar. You can also use Google’s Keyword Planner tool to help you identify relevant categories.
Once you’ve chosen your business categories, be sure to update your profile regularly. This will help Google keep your profile up-to-date and accurate.
3. Turn on messaging.
Google Business recently released a feature that allows users to directly message their business profile from the Google search engine results page. This is a great way to connect with potential customers and answer their questions quickly and easily.
As website traffic is diminishing over time due to these features, you want to make sure that it is as easy as possible for people to contact you through the tools available.
In some industries, we are currently seeing 5-10 enquiries come through each month via the Google messaging platform. This is a significant number, and it is only likely to grow over time as technology evolves. After all, it’s only a matter of time before Siri and Alexa are messaging your business on behalf of your customers!
4. Get Google reviews and respond to them.
Google reviews are a valuable asset for any business. They can help you build trust with potential customers, improve your online reputation and attract more business.
There are a few things you can do to get more Google reviews:
- Ask for reviews: The best way to get Google reviews is to ask your customers for them. When you have a good experience with a customer, be sure to ask them to leave you a review.
- Offer incentives: You can also offer incentives to customers who leave reviews. This could be a discount, a free gift or something else.
- Respond to reviews: When you receive a review, be sure to respond to it promptly. This shows that you care about your customers and their feedback.
5. Post updates regularly.
One of the most important things you can do to improve your Google Business profile is to post regularly. This shows Google that you are an active business and that you have something to offer your customers.
Your posts can be about anything related to your business, such as new products or services, special offers, or events. You can also use your posts to share photos and videos of your business, staff, and products.
When you post regularly, it helps to keep your profile fresh and up-to-date. This can help you improve your ranking in Google Search and Maps, making it more likely that potential customers will find you.
