Do you still believe in the power of a physical storefront in today’s digital age? You’re not alone. Many small business owners continue to invest in brick-and-mortar locations, and for good reason.
The real challenge is getting people to walk through your physical doors when ordering online is quicker and easier than ever.
If you consider the internet your competition, it’s time to flip the script. It’s actually a brick-and-mortar business’s secret weapon.
Roughly 1 in 5 Americans use the internet to find a local business on a daily basis. And if you’re not where they can find you, you are at a massive disadvantage.
Enter Google Business Profile: a way to get your business in front of the world and capture your fair share of local search traffic.
Creating Your Google Business Profile
Your Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is completely free and easy to set up. You can add basic information such as location and hours of operation, share photos and logos to make yourself more recognizable, create offers and events, interact directly with your customers, and more.
Here’s how to get started.
- Log in to Google Business Profile with the Google account associated with your business.
- Enter your business name.
- Enter your business address. Click “Add new location” and fill in your address details. You’ll also have the option to let people know if you offer delivery or services at a customer’s location (helpful for mobile services).
- Select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” to indicate you’re a storefront. The option “Hide my address (it’s not a store)” is for offices and other non-storefronts.
- Select a business category.
- Provide your phone number and website.
- Verify your business. Google will ask to confirm you’re the owner, typically via a postcard, phone call or text asking you to enter a PIN.
That’s all it takes to get started. You’re officially searchable!
Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
Officially putting your business on the “map” is one thing. Standing out from all of your competitors is quite another. To truly differentiate yours, you need to optimize your Google Business Profile.
Here are some of our top tips:
Ensure consistency. Your business name, address, hours, and contact info need to be consistent across the entire web. Exact matches are crucial. Even something as seemingly inconsequential as using Street on your website and St. on your social media profile is enough to earn a ding from Google for inaccurate information.
Use a variety of photos. Exterior shots help people recognize your business from the street, making it easier for people to find you. Interior images breathe life into your business and give people an idea of what to expect. Most businesses can add up to 100 photos, but the limit is higher for hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Interact with customers. Your Google Business Profile is a great place to interact with your audience — and the more people see you interacting, the better. Encourage and respond to customer reviews, use the Q&A section to post a list of frequently asked questions, regularly post updates and offers, and enable messaging so people have a quick way to get in touch.
Leverage your attributes. Do you offer free Wi-Fi, hassle-free parking, a pet-friendly patio or any other draw that would compel people to choose you over the competition? Shout it out! The more you can differentiate your offerings, the easier it is for your Google Business Profile to stand out from the rest.
Take Your Brick-and-Mortar Store Online!
In the age of the internet, every business needs to be online, even if you’re 100% brick-and-mortar. A Google Business Profile helps lead virtual traffic straight to your very real front door.
Do you need help turning online interest into foot traffic? Mischa Communications would love to grow your business online and off. Let’s talk.