The Google Business Profile, previously known as Google My Business, is a free tool by Google that aims to help business owners effectively manage their local business and enhance accessibility for customers.
A verified business profile on Google can significantly boost visibility within the search engine. Although it requires effort, numerous businesses in Singapore have successfully utilized Google Business Profile as a key component of their local SEO strategies.
Especially If you have a business in Singapore, ensuring that you list it in your Google Business Profile is crucial. Neglecting it can result in business failure due to the tight business competition.
What is Google My Business (Now Google Business Profile)?
The Google Business Profile provides businesses a dedicated space on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) as their detailed business listing. Leveraging this tool allows for customer engagement, sharing business updates, showcasing products or services, and more.
Businesses regardless of the size, will rely on exposure to bolster their local SEO, expand their customer base, and drive conversion. Thus, Google Business Profile is a highly recommended tool to utilize. Google Business Profile displays essential business details like contact information, website links, and operating hours. It serves as the initial point of contact for any individuals who are searching for your business online. These are some of the features that can be accessed on Google Business Profile:
- Business Description
- Adding Updates
- Customer Reviews
- Question And Answer
- Receive Enquiries
What Are the Benefits of Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile can be a game-changer, especially for local businesses in Singapore aiming to expand their reach and emerge as the winner in the tight business competition. Below are some of the benefits you can expect from having a Google Business Profile.
Local Search Visibility
Google Business Profile enhances visibility in local searches. When people in Singapore search for products or services similar to what your business offers, having a well-optimized GMB profile increases the likelihood of your business appearing in the search results.
Consumer Engagement
Google Business Profile provides a platform for engaging with customers. You can respond to reviews, answer queries, and share updates or promotions, fostering direct interaction and building trust with your local audience.
Credibility Through Reviews
Google Business Profile will automatically display customer reviews. Reviews can do wonders to provide insight to improve services and increase business sales because most customers will be inclined to visit a business establishment when they see good reviews. Not to mention, engaging and responding to reviews can also help build trust and credibility.
Detailed Business Information
A well-managed Google Business Profile offers essential business information, such as opening hours, contact details, photos, and customer reviews. This accessibility and transparency increase credibility among potential customers.
Location Visibility
For newer businesses, displaying your exact location on Google Maps can aid customers in easily locating your establishment through the search results. Not to mention, as a highly connected city many people use Google Maps for navigation. Having an optimized Google Business Profile can help ensure that your business is easily discoverable on Google Maps, especially for those who are seeking nearby services or stores.
Visual Appeal
You can also share images of your business location, service provided, products, and even some customer-uploaded photos when your business is listed in the Google Business Profile. This can enhance the appeal of your business and influence customer decisions.
Local SEO Optimization
Google Business Profile will also contribute to local SEO, especially if you integrate the right keyword. This optimization can help improve local search visibility, a crucial marketing facet for any kind of business.
Mobile Search Dominance
With the prevalence of mobile usage in Singapore, Google Business Profile listings appear prominently in mobile searches. This means users searching for local businesses on their phones are more likely to encounter and engage with your business through Google Business Profile.
To conclude, Google Business Profile is a powerful tool for Singaporean businesses to increase online visibility, engage with local customers, and establish credibility in a digital landscape where local search and mobile usage play pivotal roles.
How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile?
Setting up your Google Business Profile listing involves straightforward steps. You can follow this step-by-step process to set up your Google Business Profile.
- Step 1: Access Google Maps, click on the upper left menu, and select 'Add your business'.
- Step 2: Start by inputting your business name. As you type, Google may display existing businesses; if yours appears, proceed without further input. Otherwise, enter your complete business name. Then, select a business category from the provided drop-down menu.
- Step 3: Afterward, you'll be prompted to add your location. While some categories demand a location, skip this step if your business doesn't have a physical storefront. For those with a location, ensure accuracy as Google will display it on Maps.
- Step 4: Provide your contact details and website URL. Ensure that the information is accurate, as this serves as a means for people to connect with your business.
- Step 5: Google will need to confirm that you’re the legitimate owner or representative of the business. Thus, you should verify the business through postal code verification, phone verification, or email verification.
- Step 6: Once your business is verified, you should optimize your business listing by adding images, business hours, service offered, a business description, and other valuable information related to your business.
How to Claim an Existing Business Listing?
Sometimes, Google automatically generates business information, resulting in an unmanaged and unverified listing. If this happens to your business, you don’t have to worry as claiming it will be as easy as following the steps below!
- Step 1: Begin by searching for your business name on Google Maps. If it's not listed, then it means you'll need to create a new one.
- Step 2: Click on the listing and look for the "Claim this business" button or "Own this business?" link, and click it.
- Step 3: Clicking the button or link, will give you a message that says someone else verified the profile. If you're authorized to manage the profile, you can request ownership from the current profile owner. Click Request Access and fill out the form.
- Step 4: Submit the request access.
For more info on how to claim an existing business listing on Google Business Profile, you can read Google’s article here.
How to Optimize Google Business Profile?
Review NAP
Ensure consistency in the business's name, address, and phone number (NAP) to maintain an online presence and aid potential customers in identifying your business easily.
Optimize Business Description
Craft an optimized business description, utilizing relevant keywords to enhance searchability. Focus on offering informative content about your products or services while balancing keyword usage.
Provide Visuals
Select a profile photo and cover photo that best represents your business. Additionally, you can also include various photos of your product, stores, or images of your team.
Create Business Posts and Highlight Products
Utilize keywords in your business posts to improve search result placement. These posts can encompass offers, business updates, or event promotions. Keep posts concise and informative, placing crucial details at the start.
Respond to Reviews and Add FAQs
Responding to customer reviews and interacting through direct messaging is a great way to help build trust and a business reputation. Additionally, you can also create common answers to FAQ, which is visible in Google Maps’ “Questions and Answers” section.
Cardinal Digital for Better Business Visibility!
Having a Google Business Profile is very important for any kind of business nowadays. By inputting your business details, you enable customers to explore your products or services, initiating their journey toward making a purchase.
Collaborate with us to elevate your business visibility with the help of Google Business Profile Optimization. Our expert SEO services will be able to provide you with a well-crafted Google Business Profile that can contribute to your business success!
Supercharge your local visibility with Cardinal Digital, Singapore's best SEO company specializing in optimizing Google Business Profiles. Our dedicated team excels in fine-tuning your online presence, driving more customers to your doorstep through strategic SEO services. Elevate your local impact, outshine competitors, and boost customer engagement. Ready to optimize your Google Business Profile for success? Contact us now for tailored SEO strategies that put your business in the spotlight!
