Common Setup Mistakes - GBP
Optimising your Google Business Profile (GBP) is crucial for local search visibility and customer trust. Here are some common setup mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Inaccurate or Inconsistent Business Information
- Mistake: Listing incorrect or outdated name, address, phone number (NAP), and business hours.
- How to Avoid:
- Double-check all details for accuracy.
- Ensure your GBP information matches your website and other online directories to build trust with both customers and search engines.
2. Incomplete Profile Information
- Mistake: Leaving sections like business description, categories, services, and attributes incomplete.
- How to Avoid:
- Fill out every available section.
- Use relevant keywords naturally in your description.
- Update your profile with new services, special hours, and seasonal offers.
3. Selecting the Wrong Categories
- Mistake: Choosing categories that don’t precisely match your business or only using broad categories.
- How to Avoid:
- Research competitor profiles and industry standards.
- Pick the most specific categories that describe your business.
- Consider adding secondary categories where appropriate.
4. Duplicate Listings
- Mistake: Creating multiple listings for the same location can confuse customers and dilute SEO.
- How to Avoid:
- Audit your online presence periodically.
- Merge or remove duplicate listings by contacting Google support if necessary.
5. Poor Photo Quality and Lack of Visuals
- Mistake: Using low-quality images or neglecting to update photos regularly.
- How to Avoid:
- Upload high-resolution, professional images that represent your business well.
- Showcase your products, services, team, and workspace.
- Regularly update your gallery to reflect changes and special events.
6. Ignoring Customer Reviews and Feedback
- Mistake: Failing to monitor or respond to reviews can harm your reputation.
- How to Avoid:
- Actively manage reviews by thanking customers and addressing concerns.
- Use customer feedback to make improvements and update your GBP accordingly.
7. Not Utilising Posts and Updates
- Mistake: Overlooking the opportunity to engage customers with timely posts (offers, events, news).
- How to Avoid:
- Regularly use GBP posts to communicate updates, promotions, or new products.
- Keep posts concise, informative, and engaging.
8. Overlooking Analytics and Insights
- Mistake: Ignoring the built-in analytics can leave you unaware of how customers interact with your profile.
- How to Avoid:
- Monitor metrics like views, clicks, and customer actions to understand performance.
- Adjust your strategy based on these insights to improve visibility and engagement.
Final Thoughts
A well-optimised Google Business Profile isn’t just about appearing in local searches—it’s about building a reliable, engaging presence that drives customer trust and business growth. Regularly review your GBP, stay updated with Google’s features, and actively manage your listing to avoid common pitfalls.