How to Improve Your Local SEO Using Google Business Profile
Here's a FREE guide on how to claim, build and optimise an effective Google Business Profile.
What is Google Business Profile?
Google Business Profile is a tool that can be used to improve your boiler business’s visibility on Google.
It’s true to say that most boiler businesses want to improve their local Google rankings and the best way to do this is to set up a GBP (Google Business Profile) page.
It’s pretty impossible to stand out versus your local competitors if you don’t have a GBP listing and even worse if they do!
The good news is that it’s totally FREE to set up and manage a GBP listing and all you have to do is create your listing or claim it if it’s already there.
Once that’s done you can begin to optimise it by adding all of your business information and adding strategically placed keywords for the search terms you wish to rank and get found for.
This will have very positive effects on your Local SEO position.
3 Reasons Why Google Business Profile Can Help Your Local SEO
Every boiler installation business should have Google Business Profile listing as part of its Local SEO strategy.
This will help you to let local customers know you exist and also will make it easier for you to rank on the first page of Google.
Here are 3 great reasons why you should have a GBP listing.
Get Found Easier on Google
It's an unfortunate fact but it's harder to get found on Google as a boiler installer without a Google Business Profile listing.
It's also true to say that you are causing harm to your business local SEO position if you don't have a GBP listing or worse - you have one but you neglect it!
Connect With Customers
As a customer It can be frustrating and quite annoying searching for a boiler replacement online and not finding what you require.
Ask yourself this question...if I don't have a GBP listing how are potential customers going to find what my installation business offers?
Increase Your Credibility
Credibility and trust is a huge thing in today's online search market.
A well managed and optimised GBP listing will build your credibility in the eyes of potential customers and give them the confidence to choose you over your competitor.
It's an easy concept to understand really.
Features You'll Need
Success with local SEO and Google Business Profile is certainly not an exact science but with some of these skills working on your business you’ll have a great chance of appearing on page 1 of the Google SERP’s.
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How to Set Up a Google Business Profile Listing
Setting up your GBP listing is not difficult - all you need to do is allocate some time and stick at it.
It's a FREE service provided by Google with many benefits all designed to improve your online effectiveness.
Follow our handy guide on how to set up your Google Business Profile listing and improve your Local SEO position at the same time.
1. Claim Your Business
The first thing you'll need to do is set up your GBP account or if your listing already exists - claim it.
Follow the menu driven questions providing answers about your business.
If your boiler business isn't already listed you'll need to click the blue link entitled Add your business to Google.
2. Business Details
Enter your business name and category information
3. Location Details
If you have a physical location where you meet customers hit 'Yes', if not hit 'No'
4. Contact Details
Now enter your contact details including your telephone number and website address.
If you don't have a website currently it will be possible later to build your own Google site.
5. Address Details
Now enter your address details.
This is very important as your correct postal address is required for verification purposes.
6. Verification
Before your GBP listing can be seen you must verify that the business listing is actually yours.
This is done by receipt of a postcard sent by from Google which will take around 4 days to come.
The postcard carries a verification code which will need to be entered into the listing which can be saved in your records.
When the postcard arrives refer back to your pending listing and add the code.
This will verify your GBP listing and means it can be found via Google search.
7. Services
Enter your full list of plumbing & heating services in this section.
You will be prompted to select services that Google thinks are appropriate to your master listing and you will have the option to enter others that are not listed as choices.
8. Business Hours
List your hours of operation here.
9. Messaging
Choose whether you would like to allow your potential customer to message you via your listing for FREE.
10. Business Description
Here you can add a more detailed description of exactly what your boiler business offers.
You have up to 750 characters at your disposal and please make sure you include the keywords you wish to be found for on Google.
11. Gallery
In this section you will have the opportunity to add photographs of your plumbing work.
Photographs are very important when it comes to optimising your listing and helping it to convert into new business so make sure you use photos that are yours, are clear and reflect your business in its best light.
12. ...and Breathe
You're almost there now and all you need to do is wait for your verification postcard to arrive.
When you receive your card open it out and input the verification number into the box in your verification screen.
Once the number is checked and verified you will gain full access to your listing.
At Bizzi Marketing we know that you may not be able to devote the time to managing your Google Business Profile listing to its best advantage.
If this is the case then hit the button below and find out about how we can manage it for you.
How to Edit Your Google Business Profile
It may be that you are committed to this process yourself and if that is the case the rest of this 'how to guide should be useful.
There are a number of ways that you can manage your GBP listing for Local SEO purposes depending on the platform you use.
You are able to edit your listing using Google Search, the GBP app and Google Maps.
You can change your opening hours, your website address your category and even your plumbing business name.
Probably the most convenient way to edit your business info is to find your business listing by searching for it on Google.
Once you have found your listing choose 'edit profile' and then select 'business information'.
TOP TIP - It's a good idea to hit the save button after every change you make.
Google Review Management
Google reviews are probably the most important factor when it comes to the success of your GBP listing.
Once your listing is in place you will be much easier to find and communicate with and the chances of attracting more new customers are considerably improved.
Excellent reviews are known to have a drastic and positive effect on the fortunes of any boiler business.
The more positive reviews you can get the more trustworthy your business will seem to be by customers using search terms like boiler installers near me and urgent boiler replacement.
It's not hard to get reviews once your GBP listing is set up and in place. In fact, Google do most of the work on your behalf.
There is no other marketing initiative that is as effective and the fact that this service is completely FREE means it shouldn't be ignored by any plumbing business that is looking to grow.
The question remains though... how do I get reviews in the first place using Google Business Profile?
There are a number of ways that you can display reviews on your business listing.
These include directly on to your listing, by request and via Google Maps.
Important GBP Tasks
Managing your Google Business Profile listing is very important.
Here are some of the most important tasks.
Embed Your Google Reviews
If you want to build and maintain your business credibility use a third party review widget such as the one that we use which is called Trustindex.
Optimise Continuously
Ensure you include your most valuable keywords and key phrases in all of your Google listing activities. It's vital that your customer finds you and understands what you are offering.
Post Regularly
Use Google Posts which is a feature that lets you write blog style articles to highlight something that's happening in your business. Attach CTA's and include keywords to maintain momentum.
Provide Photos
Give your customers a taste of your work by including photos of your latest bathroom or that complicated mains pressure system you just installed.
Encourage Customer Reviews
Google reviews are the lifeblood of your GBP listing and work wonders for your Local SEO strategy. Social proof is critically important to any plumbing business looking to grow.
Respond to Reviews
Google wants to enrich the outcome for all its search customers. If reviews remain with a nil response it can have negative effects on your Google listing. Always respond to reviews swiftly.
Display Reviews
Having worked so hard to get positive Google reviews your Local SEO performance would be worse off if you failed to display your reviews. Always display your reviews and responses.
Add Special Features
If there is something special about your business do not make the mistake of not highlighting it on your GBP listing. It could be unvented qualifications or your new MCS accreditation.