This article looks at Google Business Profile, linking it to SEO. If you are in business, you have most likely heard of Google Business Profile. This is a free tool provided by Google to control how your business goes on Google Search and Maps. Does it really matter? Let’s take a look.
What is Google Business Profile?
Let us first be specific about what a Google Business Profile really means. A mini-website for your business, which eventually ends up showing up on Google. You can upload your business hours, phone number, address, images, and even post updates. This is perfect for local businesses trying to be found by local customers.
How Google Business Profile Relates to SEO
SEO is essentially about improving your website’s rank in the search engine results. Google Business Profile is not quite a website but does play a much greater role in increasing the chances that prospects will find you online.
Every post you create is essentially adding information about your business for Google. The more information Google has the easier it becomes for them to decide when to show your business to customers’ queries.
Does posting help?
So, does posting on Google Business Profile help your SEO? The short answer is: yes, it can! Here’s how:
- It keeps your information fresh: Google likes to see that your business is active. Regular posts show that your business is up-to-date.
- It provides more keywords: Your posts might include words that people are searching for, helping you show up in more searches.
- It can drive traffic to your website. You can include links in your posts, which might lead people to visit your website.
- It improves your local SEO: For local businesses, Google Business Profile is super important. It enhances your visibility on Google Maps and in local searches.
- It can increase engagement: People can like and comment on your posts, which sends positive signals to Google.
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Types of Posts You Can Make
Google Business Profile lets you make different kinds of posts:
- What’s New: General updates about your business
- Events: Upcoming happenings at your business
- Offers: Special deals or promotions
- Products: Highlight items you’re selling.
Each of these can help in different ways. For example, event posts might help you show up when people are looking for things to do in your area.
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Best Practices for Posting
If you want to get the most SEO benefit from your Google Business Profile posts, here are some tips:
- Maintain consistency in posting: Try to post once a week to show Google you’re active.
- Use appropriate keywords: Use an appropriate keyword that people would query in seeking your type of business. However, avoid excessive use of keywords.
- Use images: More often than not, the images will send the right signals.
- Straight to the point: If you really want your posts to potentially benefit the customer, be sure of what you post.
- Include a call to action: Tell people to visit your website, call you, or visit your store.
- Be brief: No long novels necessary. Short and sweet is best.
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Other ways Google Business Profile Helps SEO
Posting isn’t the only way Google Business Profile can boost your SEO. Other qualities that may be useful are as follows:
- Reviews: Good reviews can improve your ranking and make people more likely to choose your business.
- Q&A: Answering questions gives Google more info about your business.
- Business description: This is a great place to include important keywords.
- Categories: Choosing the right categories helps Google understand what your business does.
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Is It All Good News?
While Google Business Profile can definitely help your SEO, it’s not a magic solution. Here are some points to remember:
- It’s most helpful for local SEO. If you’re trying to reach a national or global audience, it might not have as big an impact.
- Posts don’t stay visible forever. They usually disappear from the main view after 7 days.
- It doesn’t replace your website. You still need a good website with strong SEO.
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The Bottom Line
Does Google Business Profile posting boost SEO? Yes, it can! It is a handy tool that could increase visibility for local searches, provide more information to Google, and drive further traffic to a website.
However, note well that this is only one part of the larger SEO puzzle. To increase performance metrics, Google Business Profile must be used in conjunction with other SEO strategies, such as optimizing your site, creating stellar content, and building great backlinks.
Another important tip is that, once you are done with it, don’t walk away. Monitor your posts. Google Business Profile will give you some basic statistics on how many people are seeing and interacting with your posts. Use this information to learn which kinds of posts work best for your business.
At the end of the day, it is free and simple to set up and use Google Business Profile. Why not give it a try? Your future customers may just be searching for you right now!