You know that feeling when you enter an address for a business on Google, and the wrong location comes up? That frustration and annoyance are what you want avoided when people type your business name into search engines. Today, almost everyone owns a smartphone, tablet, or computer, which is why it’s paramount to create a Google Business Profile (GBP) that helps customers find your place of business in Hamilton, Ontario.
If you’re feeling stressed out just thinking about setting up a Google Business Profile, take a deep breath. Setting up a GBP for a local business is a simple process. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up a Google Business Profile in Hamilton, Ontario, and why it’s crucial for local business:
What Is a Google Business Profile?
A Google Business Profile (formerly known as Google My Business) is a tool that generates a listing for local businesses with company information like name, local phone number, address, website, reviews, services, products, photos, service hours, and more. It showcases a lot of much-needed information for prospective customers. Consider it the first impression a customer gets before interacting with your website or business. GBPs make things simpler for both your company and your customers.
In addition, a Google Business Profile includes reporting metrics known as Google Insights that assist businesses in making informed decisions with their marketing efforts. The insights can also tell business owners whether their company was found through direct, indirect, or brand searches. GBP can also verify if your business was found through Google Search or Maps on desktops or mobile devices.
Why Is a GBP Important for SEO?
Let’s be honest, GBP is one of the most important local ranking factors. Where ranking is involved, your Google Business Profile is crucial in providing cues for Google. The information you choose to provide, whether it be your website, store hours, service area, and/or business descriptions, shows Google where your business is located, what you do, and how customers can get in touch with you.
All the information you provide feeds into the local search algorithm, which can make up around 35% or more of your local ranking factor. Your GBP does the heavy lifting for you and shows the Google Algorithm why your business should appear in local search results.
The Benefits of GBP
A GBP provides information about a local Hamilton, ON, business. Think of it as an alternative to traditional advertising. When someone types in your business name or keywords associated with your products and services, Google will display your business listing so potential customers can see what you offer.
Thanks to the technological advances of the last couple of decades, a GBP listing is where most consumers learn about local businesses. The bonus? Some additional benefits are:
Improve Local SEO
This is quite possibly one of the most important benefits a Google Business Profile can provide. As mentioned, your GBP can help future customers get access to vital information regarding your business across many platforms. Anything you showcase on your GBP listing is valuable content, and when utilized, your GBP can improve your local search results, generate more website traffic, and increase more leads/sales.
Digital Exposure
With 250.5 million users and counting, Google Business Profiles can be accessed by multitudes. The better your local rankings, the more often your business will appear in the search results. As your likelihood of appearing in search results is increased, you can use the advantages of your GBP to enhance your company’s online exposure and help new customers trust your business.
Google’s Local Pack
Have you ever Googled something like, “Best Chinese restaurants near me” or “clothing stores in Ontario,” to find a few prominent listings under the Google Maps results? Those are called the Google Local Pack, which showcases the top-ranking local listings for your location. Building out your GBP can help your business appear in that pack, which would be stellar for your local businesses.
Google Insights
GBP insights can help you see your listing on the search and Google Maps, as well as what users do when they discover your business online. You can get consumer engagement statistics, such as clicks to your website, clicks to call, and clicks for directions in Maps. You can also see where local calls are coming from. This information can influence how you optimize your website and GBP further.
Positive Reviews
It’s no lie that most people read reviews before making purchases, which is why Google Reviews are essential; they inform consumers whether a specific product or service is worth the money. Businesses with GBP reviews are likely to receive more clicks and conversions than those without. If your GBP is verified, you can monitor and track reviews to see what people have to say about your business efforts. Businesses with high review counts are more likely to receive more traffic and consumer interest.
How To Set Up Your GBP
Now that you’re aware of the benefits, you can set up your GBP for your local business in Hamilton, Ontario.
Create Your Account
Before you create a Google Business Profile, you’ll need to create and sign into a Google Account. They’re quite simple to set up if you don’t have an account. If you already have an account, all you need to do is sign in.
Once you’ve logged in or created your new Google Account, head to the Google Business Profile gateway and click “Manage now” to get started.
Look for Your Business
There may be a chance that your business may already have an existing profile. If so, don’t worry because it happens often. You can request management of the profile by selecting “Request Access” if the business comes up during your search.
If your business’s name doesn’t appear in the search, you can go ahead and click “Add your business to Google.”
Add the Business Name and Category
The name you enter when creating your GBP should match the exact name of your business. Adding any keywords to the name would result in a direct violation of Google’s guidelines.
Once you’ve entered the name, you must choose a category that matches your business. You may set up a primary category for your business along with up to nine secondary categories. We recommend only adding up to four, as you don’t want to oversimplify it and confuse the search engine’s understanding of what your business is and does. Picking from the most specific categories that describe your business can give you the advantage of ranking highly in local searches.
Include the Physical Location and Contact Details
If your business has a physical location that customers can visit and interact with, you’ll want to share it during your profile setup. You’ll be asked if your business has a physical location. If so, click “Yes” and then “Next.” If your business only operates online, select “No.”
For physical locations, including the address of your business will help customers easily locate your shop.
The next step is adding your contact details. You will get prompted to enter your business phone number and the website.
Verify Your Business
Next up, choose a verification method that proves your business is operating at the specified address. The most common choices for verification are:
- Postcard Verification: A postcard can be sent to the business address within 5 business days or more. The postcard will include a code that you must enter to verify your GBP.
- Phone Verification: You can also verify your account by phone, but it isn’t an option available to all business types. If you’re eligible, you’ll get this option on the verification page. If you choose to verify over the phone, you’ll receive your code via an automated call.
- Email Verification: Similar to phone verification, the email option isn’t available for everyone. If you do have the option, you can request a code to be sent to your inbox.
Add More Details
You have the option to add more details to your GBP and remember, the more details you provide, the better the results will be.
Include your business hours so customers know when they can visit your business or contact you. The business hours must be accurate. If your regular hours change, make sure to edit and update them.
As well, you can add messaging to your GBP to receive inquiries and comments from customers. It’s a great way to keep connected with your audience and drive your sales. You should only enable this option if you intend to keep up with messages; otherwise, your customers may feel neglected.
Lastly, provide a business description. This way, your customers will know what your business is all about and whether they need something from you. You have up to 750 characters to specify the essential aspects of your company.
Include Photos
Including photos in your business profile can provide customers with a glimpse of your brand. Your customers can also include their own photos in the listing, especially during Google Reviews.
Conclusion
Setting up a Google Business Profile for your Ontario business is a simple process, but maintaining your local rankings comes with some additional work. That’s where we come in. First Rank is invested in providing SEO in Hamilton, Ontario. Local businesses looking to reach the top of Google’s search engine results pages can achieve their goals with our reliable search engine optimization services. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for your rankings.
Jacob Kettner is the owner and CEO of First Rank Inc., a digital marketing agency based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He currently sits on Manitoba Chamber of Commerce Small Business Advisor Council which assists people grow their small businesses in Manitoba.
