Setting up and optimising a Google Business listing (now known as Google Business Profile) is one of the most effective ways to help you get found online and boost your website traffic. 
 
You may know this already yet many UK businesses still don't do it. 

 How to get started... 

When users are searching for services or businesses locally, either in the standard Google search engine or Google Maps, appearing in Google's directory listings can drive a significant amount of traffic to your website.  
 
This is ranked number #1 in the UK for effectiveness. 
 
If you don't already have an account you can set up your listing by clicking the link here: www.google.co.uk/business 

 What next? 

 
Start by adding as much information as you can to your profile (see checklist below).  
 
Once you’ve set up your listing you'll need to verify it. Google will send you a postcard with a code to verify your details - this can take around 3 to 4 days.  
 
Once you're verified you can start populating your listing in more detail and you can ask your clients and customers to leave you reviews. The more positive reviews on your business page, the better! 
 
You can even send your clients a unique link that will take them directly to the reviews section of your listing. 
 
The video below from Ranking Academy takes you through the process of setting up and populating a Google Business profile - it's definitely worth a watch: 
 

 Google Business Checklist 

The more of the items in the checklist you complete, the stronger your profile will be. It's worth revisiting your listing on a regular basis to add new posts, information, photos and of course to respond to client reviews. 
Info 
Company Name 
Business Category 
Address 
Service Area 
Opening Hours 
Special Hours 
Opening Date 
Description 
Services 
Posts 
Event 
Offer 
Product 
Book 
Order Online 
Buy 
Learn More 
Sign Up 
Call Now 
Insights 
Customer Search 
Queries 
Customer View 
Customer Actions 
Direction Requests 
Phone Calls 
Photo Views 
Description 
Photos 
Cover Photo 
Logo 
Team Photo 
Interior Photos 
Exterior Photos 
At Work 
Products 
Videos 
Promote Items 
Add An Introduction Video 
Interior Office Video 
Exterior Office Video 
Products 
 
Messaging 
Install GMB App 
 
Reviews 
Ask for Reviews 
Respond to ALL Reviews 
 
Users 
Add Owner 
Add Primary Owner 
Add Manager 
Add Site Manager 
 

 What about other search engines? 

Once your Google Business page is verified, do the same for Bing Places. It will automatically copy all your Google data over to Bing (nice and simple!). 
 
Bing Places: www.bingplaces.com 
 

 Looking for help with your Google Business Profile? 

Speak to us. We set up and manage profiles for many of our website clients and we can offer help and advice on 'best practice' for optimising and getting he most out of this product. 
Just call us on 01482 880929 or visit our contact page and send and email or fill in the contact form. 
 
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