A Google Business Profile (GBP) may seem like a simple tool to display your business’s basic information on Google Search and Maps, but most successful businesses know that it offers much more than that. If you’re not fully leveraging your profile, you might be missing valuable opportunities to connect with your audience. Real Time Marketing explores several underutilized features and how to use your Google Business Profile Manager to boost your online presence and attract more customers.
Utilize the Messaging Feature
The messaging feature allows customers to contact you directly through your Google Business Profile. This can be a faster and more convenient way to connect with those who have quick questions or want to request quotes or services. To activate messaging, go to your Google Business Manager dashboard and toggle the feature on. You can set up automated responses to acknowledge inquiries and respond manually when needed. By keeping response times short, you build trust and show customers that their needs are a priority.
Highlight Products and Services
Many businesses overlook the option to showcase their products or services directly on their profile. This GMB marketing feature allows you to list what you offer with descriptions, prices, and even photos. For service-based businesses, this is an excellent way to clarify your offerings to prospective clients. Product listings can also help local businesses compete with larger online retailers by providing details right on the search results page.
Post Regular Updates
Google Business Profile posts are a valuable way to keep your audience informed about what’s happening at your business. You can share updates about new products, upcoming events, promotions, or changes to your operations. Posts also help keep your profile dynamic and engaging, which can influence how potential customers perceive your business. Post consistently to maintain relevance, but avoid posting excessively to prevent information overload.
Add Attributes That Reflect Your Business
Attributes are small details that tell customers more about what they can expect when engaging with your business. For example, you can indicate that your business is women-owned, LGBTQIA+ friendly, or provides wheelchair accessibility. Attributes are especially helpful for creating an inclusive and transparent image. By updating these regularly, you show that your business values customer needs and preferences.
Use the Q&A Feature
The Q&A feature on GBP allows users to ask questions directly on your profile, and you can answer publicly. This feature helps address common queries while also showcasing your responsiveness and expertise. You can even preemptively add FAQs to save time and provide helpful information to customers. This proactive approach ensures visitors receive consistent, accurate answers while reducing the chances of misinformation from third-party responses.
Monitor and Analyze Insights to Inform Your Strategy
The Insights tab on your GBP dashboard provides valuable data about how customers interact with your profile. You can see how many people viewed your profile, how they found you, and what actions they took—such as visiting your GMB website or requesting directions. Use this information to understand which parts of your profile are performing well and where you might need to make improvements. For example, if few people click through to your website, consider refining your call-to-action or updating your site link.
Make the Most of Your Google Business Profile
Your GBP is more than a digital business card. Real Time Marketing offers Google Business Profile management services, optimizing every aspect of your listing to drive traffic, generate leads and revenue, and build an active community around your brand. Connect with our digital marketing specialists today to learn more about how we can help.
