This week, 17 Casselton Business Association (CBA) members gathered for an insightful training session on mastering Google My Business, led by Chris Erwin, Business Advisor for the ND Small Business Development Centers. The session provided practical, hands-on guidance for local business owners and marketing professionals looking to enhance their online presence and improve local search visibility.

What Everyone Learned: Mastering Your Google Business Profile

If you missed the session, here are the top takeaways to help you put your best digital foot forward on Google:

1. Get Started: The first step is simple: If you have a Gmail account, you’re already halfway there! Head over to google.com/business or open Maps and click “Add your business.” This will be your gateway to managing your profile and increasing your visibility online.
2. Get Verified: Google takes verification seriously, and so should you! The process is done through video verification. Make sure your video is comprehensive—show your storefront, address, business sign, and even your company vehicle. It may take a couple of tries, but once verified, you’ll be ready to engage with your customers.
3. Be Findable: Before you start filling out your profile, think through your categories. Listing all your services, even the ones you provide less often, helps potential customers find you for everything you offer. Don’t forget about special attributes, like outdoor seating or free Wi-Fi, to appeal to your customers' preferences.
4. Show Off: Profiles with good images perform better. Take bright, clear photos of your storefront, products, or services, and don’t hesitate to include images of your team. Google loves rich media content, so upload plenty of photos and videos. Showcasing your business at its best will improve your ranking in local search results.
5. Aim for the Top: Your goal should be to land in the top three listings when customers search for local businesses like yours. Google’s algorithm favors updated, well-maintained profiles with rich content. By keeping your business information comprehensive and current, you’re not just helping yourself but also contributing to a stronger local business community.
6. Build Trust and Credibility: Customer reviews play a big role in building trust. Respond to every review—positive or negative. Handling negative feedback with grace can turn a situation around, and potential customers are paying attention. Don’t be shy about asking for reviews and rewarding customers who take the time to leave them.
7. Consistency is Key: Your business hours should be consistent across all platforms. Discrepancies between your Google profile, Facebook, and website can cause confusion and hurt your credibility. Make sure your hours are accurate and match everywhere your business is listed online.
8. Clear Call to Action: Make it easy for customers to take the next step! Whether it’s calling you, visiting your website, or getting directions to your store, ensure that links and buttons are available and functional on your profile. This makes it easy for potential customers to engage with your business directly.
9. Keep it Fresh: Google is always updating its categories and attributes. Stay ahead of the game by keeping your profile up to date. Regular updates show both Google and your customers that your business is active and relevant.

If you need additional help, contact Chris Erwin at the ND Small Business Development Center (chris@ndsbdc.org) for help in putting your best business face forward. Mastering your Google Business Profile is a key step toward enhancing your local online presence and ensuring customers can easily find and engage with your business.