Maximizing Google Business for UK Professionals and Business Owners: A Comprehensive Guide

Google Business is a vital tool for professionals and business owners in the UK aiming to increase their online visibility and attract more enquiries. Properly managing and optimising your Google Business profile can significantly enhance your local SEO, making your business more discoverable to potential customers. Here are detailed strategies to make the most out of Google Business and ensure your profile stands out.

1. Optimise Your Images

Profile and Cover Photos:

• Ensure your profile and cover photos are high-quality and accurately represent your business. These images are often the first impression potential customers get, so clarity and relevance are crucial.
• Regularly update these images to keep your profile fresh and engaging.

Device-Specific Views:

• Images may display differently on desktop and mobile devices. Check how your images appear on both platforms and adjust them if necessary to ensure a consistent and professional look.

2. Use Chrome Developer Tools for Mobile View

To see how your Google Business profile looks on a mobile device while using a desktop:

• Open your profile in Google Chrome.
• Right-click and select “Inspect”.
• Click the device toolbar icon to toggle the device mode.
• Choose a mobile device to preview your profile.

3. Handle Video Upload Issues

Videos can significantly enhance your profile’s attractiveness. If you encounter upload issues, try these solutions:

• Check Video Size: Ensure your videos meet Google’s size and format requirements.
• Clear Browser Cache: Sometimes, clearing your browser’s cache can resolve upload problems.
• Rename Videos: Renaming the video file before uploading can sometimes bypass upload issues.
• Try a Different Browser: If you’re using Chrome, try uploading through Firefox or another browser.

4. Regularly Update Categories

Google periodically updates its list of business categories. To ensure your business is categorized correctly:

• Check your primary category regularly.
• Explore new categories that might better describe your business, potentially reducing competition and improving your ranking.

5. Post Regular Updates

Consistently posting updates can enhance your profile’s engagement and ranking:

• Frequency: Aim to post at least once a week.
• Content Ideas:

• • Answer frequently asked questions from customers.
  • Share new products, services, or promotions.
  • Repurpose content from your social media channels.
  • Highlight customer reviews and success stories.

6. Leverage Competitor Insights

Analyse what your competitors are posting:

• If they are engaging well with certain types of posts, consider creating similar content tailored to your business.
• Use these insights to stay competitive and relevant in your market.

7. Manage External Images

Photos from other platforms where your business is listed (like Yell) can appear on your Google profile:

• Regularly check images across these platforms to ensure they are professional and relevant.
• Update or remove any images that do not positively represent your business.

8. Add Social Media Links

Adding social media links to your Google Business profile can build trust and enhance your brand’s visibility:

• Go to your profile settings and add URLs to your active social media accounts.
• This helps Google understand your business’s online presence, potentially boosting your profile’s ranking.

9. Solicit and Manage Reviews

Reviews are crucial for building trust and improving your local SEO:

• Timing: Ask for reviews when customers express satisfaction with your service.
• Guidance: Show customers how to leave a review on their phone to make the process easier.
• Follow-Up: If a customer hasn’t left a review, follow up with an email including a direct link to your review page. Frame the request as a favour to increase the likelihood of a response.

By implementing these strategies, UK professionals and business owners can significantly enhance their Google Business profiles, driving more enquiries and improving their local SEO. Regular updates, optimised images, and effective review management are key components in maintaining a strong and appealing online presence.

Stay proactive, keep your content fresh, and continuously seek ways to engage with your audience through your Google Business profile.