Trying to grow your business online? Your Google Business Account is a major key. It helps customers find you, trust you, and choose you. But many entrepreneurs overlook its full potential.
TLDR: Your Google Business Account can help attract more customers if set up and managed correctly. Think of it as your digital storefront. Keep your info updated, share awesome photos, and collect reviews. These simple steps can lift your local search visibility and boost trust.
What Is a Google Business Account?
It’s your company’s home on Google. When people search for your business (or anything related!), your Google Business profile pops up. It shows your location, hours, photos, reviews, and even lets people message you directly.
Having one is free — and it’s a game-changer.
1. Claim and Verify Your Business… ASAP!
Google doesn’t automatically know that you own your business. So you’ll need to claim it.
Head over to Google Business Profile and follow the steps. Google will ask you to confirm you’re the owner. This can be through a call, email, or postcard. Once you verify it — boom — you get control of your listing.
2. Keep Information Consistent
Make sure your business info is:
- Accurate: Include correct business hours, phone number, and address.
- Consistent: Match info on your website, social media, and everywhere else.
- Updated: If you change hours for a holiday, update it here too!
This builds trust with Google AND customers. It also helps your SEO.
3. Add Eye-Catching Photos
Photos matter more than you think. In fact, listings with photos get up to 42% more requests for directions and 35% more website clicks.
- Snap pictures of your shop, products, staff, or services.
- Make sure they’re well-lit and welcoming.
- Update them often so they don’t look outdated.
4. Collect and Respond to Reviews
Reviews are your best friend. People trust what other customers say.
Here’s how to win the review game:
- Ask happy customers to leave you a review.
- Make it easy by sending a direct link.
- Reply to all reviews — good or bad.
- Say thanks for praise and stay polite if it’s criticism.
This shows that you care. It also helps your reputation and even boosts rankings.
5. Use Business Messages
Turn on the messaging feature so customers can text you right from Google. It’s super handy.
- Respond quickly — ideally within 1 hour.
- Be friendly and helpful in your replies.
Customers feel like they know you higher chances they’ll stop by.
6. Post Regular Updates
Think of Google Posts like social media but on Google. You can upload short updates, offers, or event announcements right to your profile.
Keep it simple and visual. Great for promoting:
- Sales and discounts
- New product arrivals
- Upcoming events or services
This shows people that your business is actively engaged and open for business.
7. Use The Insights Tab
Your Google Business Account gives you free data — why not use it?
In the Insights tab, you’ll find gems like:
- How people found your business (Search or Maps)
- What they searched for
- Where they are located
- What actions they took (calls, directions, website visits)
This tells you what’s working… and what’s not. Adjust your strategy based on real data.
8. List All Your Services or Products
If you’re a service or product-based business, this is gold.
Add a detailed list of items you offer. Be clear with:
- Names of services or products
- Prices (if possible)
- Short descriptions
Pro tip: Add local keywords too. This helps Google understand what you offer and send the right people to your listing.
9. Add Special Attributes
These details add extra flavor to your listing. Depending on your business, you can add things like:
- “Black-owned” or “Women-led” business
- “Outdoor seating” or “Wheelchair accessible”
- “Free Wi-Fi” or “Pet-friendly”
These help customers connect with you — sometimes for very specific reasons!
10. Set Up FAQs
Google lets you add a Q&A section. This is great for common questions.
Like:
- “Do you take walk-ins?”
- “Is parking available?”
- “Do you offer online booking?”
You can actually ask and answer your own questions to get things rolling. It’s super helpful for new visitors.
12. Create a Short Name
You can make a custom short name like @CaliCoffee that simplifies your link. Instead of a long ugly URL, you get something sleek to put on signs, business cards, or in emails.
Handy for sharing your location. Especially helpful when collecting reviews or giving directions fast.
13. Keep Things Active
Google loves fresh content. If you “set it and forget it”, your profile may slide in rankings.
So log in at least once a week. Update something. Photo, post, or new product. This keeps the algorithm happy and your profile visible.
Final Thoughts
Your Google Business Account is more than just an online listing. It’s your secret marketing weapon. The cool part? All of these tips are free, fun, and fairly easy to apply.
Take an hour this week to polish up your listing. Add some great pics, write a post, reply to reviews. Small changes can make a big impact on your local success.
Go ahead — become Google famous in your neighborhood!