FAQ about Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business)

Formerly known as Google My Business, Google Business Profile (GBP) is a referral tool that drives customers to websites. This therefore makes it a vital asset for brands looking to develop further growth online. Below, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the platform. So if you would like to learn more, then please read on.

What is the purpose of Google Business Profile?

The core purpose of the platform is to drive traffic to websites. To achieve this, brands should maintain and optimise their profiles which in turn enhances organic rankings.

Posting content, sharing products and services and using the additional in-built features (e.g. map pins) are some ways to develop visibility online. Using the pin feature on maps can drive footfall to physical business addresses (if applicable) which is an added bonus!

Is Google Business Profile free to use?

Yes it is free to use, and you don’t need to upgrade to benefit from the platform’s full features. There’s a lot of potential to develop online growth for brands. However, as a standalone product, the platform cannot do it all for you. It must be used as one of many assets as part of your wider marketing strategy to sow the seeds for success.

Does Google Business Profile help with localised SEO?

Alongside being a great traffic referral tool, the platform is also ideal for generating localised SEO opportunities. This means your profile is more likely to appear in front of local customers when they search for products and services (just like yours) when using Google’s search engine. This is why it is important to take advantage of all the added functionality that the platform has to offer. Especially the labels and services sections!

Can content be scheduled in advance on Google Business Profile?

Yes, brands can schedule content on the platform, however this is currently only available through third-party scheduling platforms. For example, SEMrush or Hootsuite.

Is it possible to use Google Business Profile without a physical address?

Absolutely! Simply select the non-physical address tab when populating your page with content. If you operate from a residential address, then do not use this as your business address. Using a home address violates Google rules and may result in your account being suspended. Instead consider using the non-physical address route or invest in a co-working or virtual office space to operate from.

Can you share accessible social media content on Google Business Profile?

Google Business Profile is not currently an accessible platform. This means that the platform is excluding at least 24% of the UK population from accessing their on-site content. Alt text also cannot be added to images posted on the platform. The only solution for this currently is to include the image descriptive text in the main body of the content which offers a degree of accessibility. You can find out more about creating accessible content by clicking here.

Finally, what are the overall benefits of using Google Business Profile?

If the above hasn’t convinced you, then here’s a run-down of all the benefits available by using the channel:

increases brand visibility through SEO
enhances digital credibility through reviews
acts as a useful resource for customers looking for information about your brand in a more efficient manner
it’s free and easy to use
helps you to understand your market by providing you with vital insights and stats on your audience