Have you ever wondered how to make your Google Business Profile work harder for your business? Well, you’re not alone. Many business owners are keen to optimize their profiles to stand out, and one of the best ways to do that is by changing the keywords associated with them. But how exactly do you go about this?
In this article, we’re going to explore how you can change the keywords on your Google Business Profile. We’ll walk through the steps, share some tips and tricks, and give examples to help you get the most out of your profile. Let’s get started!
Why Keywords Matter for Your Google Business Profile
Keywords are the backbone of any successful online presence. They are the phrases and terms that people type into search engines when they’re looking for products or services. Using the right keywords in your Google Business Profile ensures that your business appears in relevant search results.
Imagine you run a cozy little coffee shop in New York. If someone searches for "best coffee in New York," you'd want your business to pop up in those search results, right? That’s where keywords come in. They connect your business with potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
Using the right keywords can drive more traffic to your profile, increase visibility, and ultimately lead to more customers walking through your door. And who wouldn’t want that?
Identifying the Right Keywords for Your Business
Before you can change the keywords on your Google Business Profile, you need to know which keywords to use. This might sound a bit daunting, but don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it seems.
Begin by putting yourself in your customers' shoes. Think about the words or phrases they might use to find your business. For example, if you own a bakery specializing in gluten-free products, potential keywords could include "gluten-free bakery," "best gluten-free cakes," or "gluten-free desserts near me."
To refine your keyword list, use tools like Google Keyword Planner or AnswerThePublic. These tools can provide insights into what people are searching for and help you discover new keyword opportunities.
Once you have a list of potential keywords, prioritize them based on their relevance to your business and their search volume. You want to focus on keywords that are highly relevant and have a good search volume, meaning enough people are searching for them to make it worth your while.
Updating Keywords on Your Google Business Profile
Now that you have your keywords sorted, it’s time to update your Google Business Profile. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t provide a direct field labeled "keywords." Instead, you’ll need to strategically place your keywords in various sections of your profile.
Start by logging into your Google Business account. Once you’re in, here’s where you’ll want to add your keywords:
- Business Name: While Google frowns upon keyword stuffing in your business name, make sure your primary keyword naturally fits if possible.
- Business Description: This is your opportunity to tell potential customers what your business is all about. Weave your keywords throughout this section naturally. For example, "At [Your Business Name], we offer the best gluten-free desserts in New York."
- Category: Choose the most relevant category that fits your business. If your primary keyword is "gluten-free bakery," make sure your category reflects this.
- Services: List the services you offer, using keywords where appropriate. For instance, "Gluten-free wedding cakes."
- Posts: Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, or events. Incorporate keywords to improve their reach.
Remember, the goal is to integrate keywords naturally. You don’t want to overdo it, as this could negatively affect your profile’s performance.
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Keywords
Once you’ve updated your Google Business Profile with new keywords, it’s important to monitor how they’re performing. This way, you can make adjustments as needed to enhance your profile’s effectiveness.
One way to track your progress is by using Google My Business Insights. This tool provides valuable data on how customers are interacting with your profile, including how many people found you through search and what actions they took.
If you notice that certain keywords aren’t bringing in as much traffic as you’d hoped, don’t be afraid to make changes. SEO is an ongoing process, and it’s all about testing and tweaking to find what works best for your business.
Additionally, consider gathering feedback from your customers. Ask them how they found you and what search terms they used. This real-world insight can be incredibly helpful in refining your keyword strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Updating Keywords
While updating keywords on your Google Business Profile can be incredibly beneficial, there are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. These missteps can hinder your efforts and even harm your profile’s performance.
Keyword Stuffing: This is when you cram as many keywords as possible into your profile, thinking it will improve your search ranking. Google frowns on this practice, and it can lead to your profile being penalized.
Ignoring Local Keywords: If your business relies on local customers, make sure to include local keywords. For example, "best bakery in Brooklyn" is more effective than just "best bakery."
Not Being Specific Enough: General keywords are often highly competitive. Instead, focus on specific, long-tail keywords that are more likely to attract your ideal customers. For instance, "artisanal gluten-free bread" might be more effective than just "bread."
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your keywords are working for you, not against you.
Enhancing Your Profile with Additional Features
Updating your keywords is just one part of optimizing your Google Business Profile. There are other features you can leverage to make your profile more appealing and informative to potential customers.
One feature you shouldn’t overlook is adding photos. High-quality images of your products, location, or team can make your profile more visually appealing and help attract more customers. Google reports that profiles with photos receive 42% more requests for directions and 35% more click-throughs to websites.
Another feature to consider is the Q&A section. Encourage your customers to ask questions and answer them promptly. This not only adds valuable content to your profile but also demonstrates great customer service.
Finally, encourage your satisfied customers to leave reviews. Positive reviews can significantly influence potential customers and improve your business’s credibility.
Utilizing Google Posts for Better Engagement
Google Posts is a feature that allows you to share timely updates directly on your Google Business Profile. Think of it as your business’s mini-blog where you can post about special offers, events, or news.
Incorporating keywords into your Google Posts can help them reach a wider audience. For example, if you’re hosting a "gluten-free baking workshop," make sure to mention this keyword in your post. This way, people searching for gluten-free events might come across your business.
To get the most out of Google Posts, keep them short and sweet. Use engaging visuals and a clear call to action. This encourages potential customers to take the next step, whether that’s visiting your website, calling your business, or stopping by your location.
How Reviews Impact Your Keyword Strategy
Reviews play a significant role in how your Google Business Profile ranks in search results, and they can also influence your keyword strategy.
When customers leave reviews, they often use keywords naturally. For instance, a customer might say, "The best gluten-free brownies I’ve ever had!" These reviews not only provide social proof but also enrich your profile with relevant keywords.
Encourage your customers to leave detailed reviews, highlighting specific products or services. This can organically boost your profile’s visibility for those keywords. Plus, responding to reviews—both positive and negative—shows potential customers that you value feedback and are committed to providing great service.
Keeping Up with SEO Trends
SEO is an ever-evolving field, and what worked last year might not be as effective today. That’s why it’s important to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices.
Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online forums to stay informed. This will help you adapt your keyword strategy and Google Business Profile to align with current trends.
Additionally, consider joining local business groups. Networking with other business owners can provide valuable insights and strategies that have worked for them, which you can apply to your own business.
By keeping your finger on the pulse of SEO trends, you can ensure your Google Business Profile remains competitive and continues to attract new customers.
Final Thoughts
Updating the keywords on your Google Business Profile is a powerful way to attract more customers and grow your business. By choosing the right keywords, integrating them naturally into your profile, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can improve your profile’s reach and effectiveness.
If you're looking for a little extra help, consider working with Pattern. We specialize in helping ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow through effective SEO strategies. Unlike most agencies, we focus on real results—turning traffic into paying customers. With our unique approach to SEO, we’ll help you create programmatic landing pages and content that not only attract visitors but also convert them into loyal customers. Let's work together to turn your Google Business Profile into a powerful growth channel.