It’s equally important to audit Google Business Profile after creating it to stay competitive in local search rankings in 2024. After reviewing your profile you can make it better for users which draw in more satisfying clients to your business.
Everything which you need to conduct for a Google Business Profile audit we will discuss in this blog step by step. Let’s get started!
What is a Google Business Profile Audit?
A Google Business Profile (GBP) audit is a detailed evaluation of your business’s online presence on Google’s platform. It examines various aspects of your business profile such as
- Accuracy
- Broadness
- Data usefulness
Moreover, in this audit you have to check important information such as,
- Company name
- Address
- Contact number
- Website link
- Operating hours
- Business description
The audit also looks at things like well-produced photos and videos, client testimonials, and appropriate keyword use in descriptions. It finds ways to increase your company’s exposure in local search results, which will help people locate and trust you more.
Why Is A GBP Audit Important?
Enhancing your company’s local internet visibility requires a Google Business Profile (GBP) audit.
- A current and accurate profile gives prospective clients confidence by assisting them in locating trustworthy information such as services, hours, and contact data.
- In addition to increasing exposure, a well-maintained GBP also promotes more website hits and in-person visitors.
- Your company may stand out in crowded markets and gain an advantage over competitors by optimizing features like keywords, categories, and photos.
- Features that keep your audience interested and demonstrate your active involvement in your community include answering reviews, offering Q&As, and publishing updates.
- To make sure your profile functions to its maximum capacity, an audit assists in locating and fixing out-of-date data, incorrectly classified categories, or missing content.
Common Profile Mistakes We See On Google My Business
- Inconsistent Business Information: Information such as your name, address, and phone number (NAP) might be inconsistent across platforms, which can be confusing to customers and search engines.
- Outdated Details: Hours of operation or contact info haven’t been updated, leading to customer frustration.
- Missing Categories: Businesses fail to select relevant or accurate categories, reducing their chances of being found by their target audience.
- Lack of Photos or Videos: No visual content means missed opportunities to showcase products, services, or the business environment.
- Poorly Written Descriptions: Business descriptions contain errors or fail to highlight key selling points and keywords.
- Unaddressed Customer Reviews: Not addressing customers reviews has a negative impact weather these reviews are positive or negative
- Incorrect Map Pin Location: Misplaced pins can make it difficult for customers to locate your business.
- Neglected Q&A Section: Businesses overlook this feature, leaving potential customer questions unanswered.
14 Steps To Perform A Google Business Profile Audit
These are the 14 simplest steps to perform a Google Business Profile Audit.
Step 1. Check Your NAP
All the platforms should contain correct information about your business. Therefore, in the first step verify;
- Company name
- Company address
- Phone number
Verify again that the information on your website and other directories corresponds to your NAP. Retaining consistency increases your chances of showing up in relevant local searches and builds trust.
Step 2. Assess Your Business Categories
Once your NAP is accurate, move on to reviewing your business categories. Ensure they accurately reflect your services or products. Choosing precise primary and secondary categories helps your profile appear in relevant search results.
Step 3. Fill Out Your Attributes
After refining your categories, focus on attributes that showcase your business’s unique features. Regularly check for new attributes added by Google and update them accordingly. Highlighting these details not only improves your profile’s appeal but also helps customers decide if your business meets their needs.
Step 4. Review Product and Services Descriptions
Next, review your product and service descriptions. Make sure they are interesting, thorough, and packed with keywords without being unnecessarily promotional. In addition to improving your SEO results, accurate descriptions help prospective clients understand what you have to offer. Regularly update these descriptions to include promotions, seasonal services, and new products.
Step 5. Review Photos
Examine Your Photos take your time evaluating the quality and applicability of your photos because visual appeal is very important. High-quality photos of your company’s space, personnel, and products can increase clicks and give prospective clients greater trust. Replace old images with new, colorful ones that complement your logo because they can damage the perception of your company.
Step 6. Check Your Videos
Complement your photos with engaging videos. These might be behind-the-scenes glimpses into your company, testimonials, or tutorials. Make sure any current videos are of a high caliber and appropriately convey your brand. If you don’t already have any, think about making some since they provide your profile a lively touch and increase user interaction.
Step 7. Quality Check Your Business Description
A compelling business description ties together all the elements of your profile. It should clearly communicate what you offer, why customers should choose you, and include relevant keywords for better search visibility. Avoid jargon or overly promotional language focus on clarity and authenticity. Update your description regularly to ensure it aligns with current business goals.
Step 8. Review Your Business Hours
Your business hours should always be accurate and up to date. Use Google’s special hours feature for holidays or temporary changes, ensuring customers aren’t met with confusion or inconvenience. Correct hours reflect reliability and improve customer trust. Consistency between your profile and other platforms further enhances your credibility.
Step 9. Monitor Reviews and Responses
Reviews from customers are essential for increasing profile visibility and fostering trust. Keep an eye on reviews frequently, reply to criticism very away, and express gratitude to clients for favorable evaluations. Professionally respond to unfavorable reviews to show that you care about your customers’ happiness. Over time, promoting more reviews improves your search engine rankings and reputation.
Step 10. Assess Website URL
Make sure the URL in your profile is correct and takes you to the appropriate page. For instance, link straight to the page of the service you’re marketing rather than your homepage. A smooth link between your website and profile improves user experience and boosts conversions.
Step 11. Review Business Location
Your physical location must be accurately represented by your map pin and provided address. To confirm the location and make any necessary corrections, use Google Maps. Precise location information increases your chances of showing up in local searches and guarantees that prospective clients can locate you with ease.
Step 12. Questions & Answers
The Q&A section offers an opportunity to address customer inquiries proactively. Review and respond to existing questions, and add your own to highlight key aspects of your business. This helps clarify common queries while showcasing your responsiveness and expertise.
Step 13. Business Profile Posts
Regular posts keep your profile fresh and engaging. Share updates, promotions, or events to maintain interest. Review past posts for relevance and ensure your content is visually appealing and customer-focused. Consistent posting signals activity to Google and keeps your audience informed.
Step 14. Audit Your Local Listings
Finally, cross-check your profile details with other online directories to ensure consistency. Inconsistent information across platforms can confuse search engines and reduce your local SEO effectiveness. Use tools or manually verify details to maintain uniformity, boosting your profile’s trustworthiness and visibility.
How To Check Your Google My Business Ranking
To effectively monitor your Google My Business (GMB) ranking, follow these simple steps.
- Search for Local Keywords
Make use of appropriate keywords that clients may use to locate companies similar to yours. For example, if you own a bakery, look up phrases like “best bakery near me.” - Analyze Map Pack Visibility
Check if your business appears in the top three listings of the Google Maps “Local Pack.” This is where users often interact first, making it a crucial ranking position. - Compare Competitors
Look at competitors in your area. Are they ranked higher? Analyze their profiles for clues like more detailed descriptions, better reviews, or regular updates. - Leverage Tools
Use local SEO tools like Google Keyword Planner or third-party platforms that show where your profile ranks for specific keywords. - Monitor Clicks and Engagement
Review your Google Business Profile insights. Metrics like calls, website clicks, and direction requests provide clues about your ranking and engagement level.
Conclusion
To increase your local internet presence and gain the trust of potential clients, you must do a Google Business Profile audit. You may increase the efficiency of your profile by fixing frequent errors and refining important components like company information, reviews, and images. Frequent audits help your firm succeed and beyond by keeping your profile current and competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Google Business Profile audit improve my SEO?
Yes, regular audits help ensure your profile is fully optimized, which can lead to better local SEO performance and higher visibility in search engine results.