Google My Business is a free tool from Google that allows users to create a custom profile to showcase important information related to a business on Google Search and Maps results. How you set up your GMB profile decides if your endeavors will succeed or fail. A Google My Business expert can assist you with the entire process.
However, addressing these pitfalls lets you boost your local search rankings and customer engagement.
Understanding Google My Business Profile
Google My Business profile is free and creating and claiming your profile lets your business appear on the search results. GBP listings get priority in the local search results and your local customers can find a lot of information related to your business without opening the link.
The list may include the business name, contact information, operating hours, photos, videos, customer reviews, and more. By claiming a higher percentage of the user’s engagement, you can boost your sales and make the business profitable.
10 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Now that we are aware of the tool, let’s highlight some common mistakes avoiding which, businesses can get the desired results with their GMB profile.
1: Unclaimed Listings
After creating your Google Business Profile, you are supposed to own the profile by claiming it. If not, you won’t be able to manage your profile efficiently. Also, you can’t reply to the reviews, missing a chance to engage with the customers. On the other hand, when you have claimed your GMB profile, you can gain more control over the profile and do many things, such as uploading photos, creating Google Posts, or getting assistance from a Google My Business expert. You can claim the listing from within the Knowledge Panel. Click “ Own The Business” and move ahead with the following prompts.
2: Crucial Information Missing
After owning your Google Business Profile, you need to visit the profile regularly. Chances are, your profile has some missing vital information that is already hampering your business. For instance, if you have missing contact details or operating hours, your business will be turned down to competitors. Therefore, you need to ensure that your local customers can reach you when you are available for them by updating the relevant information.
3: Incorrect Profile Information
GMB allows you to show your contact and other crucial information that customers can see without needing to open the results. It is an opportunity for businesses to attract more customers by facilitating them to learn more about them. However, if you don’t take this job seriously and your Google Business Profile has incorrect information, it can backfire. Make sure that you are not among those. On the other hand, if your business is handled by a Google My Business expert, you can rest assured of these obstacles.
4: Closed Businesses
If your business is closed, you need to mark it as “Permanently closed” on the GMB result. The GMB dashboard enables you to accomplish this task. The listing is not needed if you are closed. However, if you don’t mark it as closed, people will reach out just to find that they have wasted their time. Therefore, you need to consider this crucial pointer.
5: Wrong Map Pins
Google My Business shows up in the Maps results and helps your customers to know your exact location. However, if the map pins are in the wrong place, it won’t help your ideal customers. Moreover, it is often overlooked by businesses, which is a huge mistake. GPS programs are now an integral part of our day-to-day navigation system. In such a scenario, you don’t want your customers to be directed to the wrong spot.
6: Not Focusing On Reviews
Reviews are one of the most crucial sections of your GMB profile, and they are often overlooked by businesses. If you are making the same mistake of ignoring or not replying to the reviews, you are losing credibility among your customers. Regardless of positive or negative reviews, you need to reply to them all to show that you care. It can repel your customers from your competitors. Therefore, you need to address the issues coming from the negative reviews to improve your products/services to gain the trust of your customers.
7: Missing Google Customer Q&A
Q&A is a new feature and not popular among the businesses. However, early adopters always gain the advantage. If you are not answering the user’s queries, someone else will. Moreover, you can also post the frequently asked questions from the users, so that they can find answers through your listings, considering you an authoritative name in the industry.
8: Low-Quality GMB Photos
Blurry or unprofessional photos is another mistake often made on the GMB profiles. There are many profiles whereon, the picture shown is of the map or user’s pictures. They doesn’t look good and can alleviate the confidence among your customers as well. Make sure that you are on the winning side by publishing high quality pictures of your store, including the staff and your day-to-day operations.
9: Duplicate Listings
Creating duplicate listings is a common mistake that can disrupt your SEO endeavors. It happens when a business changes its name or when the control of the account connected to the listing is lost. Regardless of the possible factors, having a duplicate listing is not good for your GMB profile. It not only confuses Google but can be perplexing for your customers as well. A Google My Business expert can assist you override this shortcoming.
10: Incorrect Business Category
If you want your pages to be seen by your ideal customers, you need to ensure that the category chosen for the business is correct. If people are looking for your services, it will be hard for them to find you in the wrong category. Also, if you haven’t specified your business enough, it can alleviate your chances of being found by the right customers. Pick the primary category carefully, and then you can choose the sub-categories relevant to your business.
Last Words!
This post enlists the top 10 common mistakes that can adversely affect the effectiveness of the GMB platform. However, when you address these mistakes and ensure that your Google My Business profile is optimized for these factors, you can gain more engagement and sales. If you need any assistance in setting up your Google Business Profile, contact Advology Solution and speak to a Google My Business expert.
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