Google Business Profile Audit for Better Local SEO

Establishing a strong online presence is essential for any business looking to thrive in today’s digital world, particularly when it comes to local SEO. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by creating a Google My Business (GMB) profile. With a GMB profile, you can showcase key information about your business, such as your contact details, opening hours, and customer feedback, to prospective customers who are performing google searches for terms relevant to your business.

However, simply having a Google business listing isn’t enough to ensure success in local SEO and visibility in the Google map pack. To maximize the visibilty of your local business and engagement, you need to optimize your GMB profile for optimal performance. This is where a Google My Business Profile Audit comes into play. In this article, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to conduct a comprehensive GMB profile audit and ensure your business is receiving the online exposure it needs to succeed in local SEO and appear prominently on Google Maps.

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that Google My Business (GMB) is now known as Google Business (GB) Profile or GBP for short. I do use all terms interchangeably throughout the article, mainly for SEO reasons.

Why You Need a Google Business Profile Audit

Before we dive into the specifics of how to conduct a GB profile audit, let’s first talk about why it’s important. Here are a few reasons why a GB profile audit is a must for any business with a GBP:

  • Increase Visibility: A GB profile audit can help ensure that your profile is optimized for maximum visibility on Google. This means that when people search for businesses like yours, your profile will show up at the top of the search results, making it more likely that potential customers will find your business.
  • Boost Engagement: A well-optimized GB profile can also help increase engagement with potential customers. This means that people who come across your profile are more likely to interact with your business, whether it’s by visiting your website, calling your business, or leaving a review.
  • Stay Up-to-Date: Google is constantly updating its algorithms and features, which means that your GB profile needs to be updated as well to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. A GB profile audit can help ensure that your profile is up-to-date and taking advantage of all the latest features and optimizations.

How to Conduct a Google My Business Profile Audit

Now that we’ve established why a GMB audit is important, let’s dive into the specifics of how to conduct one. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting a thorough GMB audit:

Step 1: Check Your Business Information

The first step in conducting a GBP audit is to make sure your business information is accurate and up-to-date. This includes your business name, address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Check for Accuracy: Make sure all of your business information is accurate and up-to-date. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number or website, make sure to update your GBP accordingly.
  • Consistency is Key: Ensure that your business information is consistent across all online directories and platforms. This includes your website, social media profiles, and any other directories or listings where your business is listed.

Step 2: Check Your Business Categories

The second step in conducting a GBP audit is to make sure your primary and secondary business categories are accurate and up-to-date. Categories help Google understand what your business is all about and what services or products you offer. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Choose the Right Category: Ensure that you’ve selected the most accurate and relevant category for your business. Google allows you to select up to 10 categories, so make sure to take advantage of this and choose categories that accurately reflect your business

Step 3: Review Your Business Description

The third step in conducting a GBP audit is to review your profile description. Your profile description is an important part of your GBP, as it gives potential customers a brief overview of what your business is all about. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Keep it Clear and Concise: Make sure your profile description is clear, concise, and accurately reflects what your business is all about. Avoid using industry jargon or overly technical language that may confuse potential customers.
  • Highlight Your Unique Selling Points: Use your profile description to highlight your unique selling points and what sets your business apart from the competition.

Step 4: Check Your Photos and Videos

The fourth step in conducting a GBP audit is to review your photos and videos. Photos and videos can be powerful tools for attracting potential customers and showcasing your business. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Use High-Quality Photos: Make sure your photos are high-quality and accurately represent your business. Avoid using stock photos or low-quality images that may turn potential customers off.
  • Showcase Your Business: Use photos and videos to showcase your business and what you have to offer. This could include photos of your products, your storefront, or your team.

Step 5: Check Your Customer Reviews

The fifth and final step in conducting a GBP audit is to review your customer reviews. Customer reviews can be a powerful tool for attracting new customers and building trust with your existing ones. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Respond to Reviews: Make sure to respond to all customer reviews, both positive and negative. This shows that you care about your customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience.
  • Encourage Reviews: Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your GBP. This can be done by including a call-to-action on your website or in your email signature.

FAQs

Q: How often should I conduct a GBP audit?

A: It’s a good idea to conduct a GBP audit at least once a year, or whenever there are major changes to your business, such as a change in address or phone number.

Q: Is it possible to edit my GBP after it’s been published?

A: Yes, you can edit your GBP at any time by logging into your account and making the necessary changes.

Q: Can I have more than one GBP for my business?

A: No, you can only have one GBP per physical location. 

Conclusion

A Google My Business Audit is a crucial step in ensuring that your business is getting the online exposure it deserves. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your GMB profile is optimized for maximum visibility and engagement and that your business is attracting the right customers. So don’t wait any longer – conduct a GMB profile audit today and start reaping the benefits of a strong online presence!