{"id":5252,"date":"2024-06-26T18:10:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T18:10:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpmudev.whitespark.ca\/?page_id=5252"},"modified":"2024-09-05T14:52:33","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T14:52:33","slug":"google-business-profile-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Google Business Profile Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class='breakdance'><section class=\"bde-section-5252-100 bde-section\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-div-5252-101 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"bde-heading-5252-104 bde-heading\">\nThe Definitive Guide to Google Business Profile Optimization<br>\n<\/h1><h1 class=\"bde-heading-5252-105 bde-heading\">\nWhat you need to know to optimize your Google Business Profile\u00a0(formerly Google My Business listing).\n<\/h1><h1 class=\"bde-heading-5252-107 bde-heading\">\nBy Darren Shaw\n<\/h1>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-5252-152 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"bde-heading-5252-153 bde-heading\">\nGuide chapters\n<\/h2><div class=\"bde-grid-5252-154 bde-grid\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-div-5252-212 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-213 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M208 352c-2.39 0-4.78.35-7.06 1.09C187.98 357.3 174.35 360 160 360c-14.35 0-27.98-2.7-40.95-6.91-2.28-.74-4.66-1.09-7.05-1.09C49.94 352-.33 402.48 0 464.62.14 490.88 21.73 512 48 512h224c26.27 0 47.86-21.12 48-47.38.33-62.14-49.94-112.62-112-112.62zm-48-32c53.02 0 96-42.98 96-96s-42.98-96-96-96-96 42.98-96 96 42.98 96 96 96zM592 0H208c-26.47 0-48 22.25-48 49.59V96c23.42 0 45.1 6.78 64 17.8V64h352v288h-64v-64H384v64h-76.24c19.1 16.69 33.12 38.73 39.69 64H592c26.47 0 48-22.25 48-49.59V49.59C640 22.25 618.47 0 592 0z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-214 bde-heading\">\nIntroduction\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-215 bde-text\">\nYou are here\n<\/div>\n<\/div><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-156 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/getting-started\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-157 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M243.2 189.9V258c26.1 5.9 49.3 15.6 73.6 22.3v-68.2c-26-5.8-49.4-15.5-73.6-22.2zm223.3-123c-34.3 15.9-76.5 31.9-117 31.9C296 98.8 251.7 64 184.3 64c-25 0-47.3 4.4-68 12 2.8-7.3 4.1-15.2 3.6-23.6C118.1 24 94.8 1.2 66.3 0 34.3-1.3 8 24.3 8 56c0 19 9.5 35.8 24 45.9V488c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24h16c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24v-94.4c28.3-12.1 63.6-22.1 114.4-22.1 53.6 0 97.8 34.8 165.2 34.8 48.2 0 86.7-16.3 122.5-40.9 8.7-6 13.8-15.8 13.8-26.4V95.9c.1-23.3-24.2-38.8-45.4-29zM169.6 325.5c-25.8 2.7-50 8.2-73.6 16.6v-70.5c26.2-9.3 47.5-15 73.6-17.4zM464 191c-23.6 9.8-46.3 19.5-73.6 23.9V286c24.8-3.4 51.4-11.8 73.6-26v70.5c-25.1 16.1-48.5 24.7-73.6 27.1V286c-27 3.7-47.9 1.5-73.6-5.6v67.4c-23.9-7.4-47.3-16.7-73.6-21.3V258c-19.7-4.4-40.8-6.8-73.6-3.8v-70c-22.4 3.1-44.6 10.2-73.6 20.9v-70.5c33.2-12.2 50.1-19.8 73.6-22v71.6c27-3.7 48.4-1.3 73.6 5.7v-67.4c23.7 7.4 47.2 16.7 73.6 21.3v68.4c23.7 5.3 47.6 6.9 73.6 2.7V143c27-4.8 52.3-13.6 73.6-22.5z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-158 bde-heading\">\n1. Getting Started\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-159 bde-text\">\nCreating, verifying & claiming Profiles\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-260 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/business-information\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-261 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M224 136V0H24C10.7 0 0 10.7 0 24v464c0 13.3 10.7 24 24 24h336c13.3 0 24-10.7 24-24V160H248c-13.2 0-24-10.8-24-24zm64 236c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12H108c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-8c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h168c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v8zm0-64c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12H108c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-8c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h168c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v8zm0-72v8c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12H108c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-8c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h168c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12zm96-114.1v6.1H256V0h6.1c6.4 0 12.5 2.5 17 7l97.9 98c4.5 4.5 7 10.6 7 16.9z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-262 bde-heading\">\n2. Business Info\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-263 bde-text\">\nGetting all your info into your profile\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-256 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/reviews\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-257 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 536 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M508.55 171.51L362.18 150.2 296.77 17.81C290.89 5.98 279.42 0 267.95 0c-11.4 0-22.79 5.9-28.69 17.81l-65.43 132.38-146.38 21.29c-26.25 3.8-36.77 36.09-17.74 54.59l105.89 103-25.06 145.48C86.98 495.33 103.57 512 122.15 512c4.93 0 10-1.17 14.87-3.75l130.95-68.68 130.94 68.7c4.86 2.55 9.92 3.71 14.83 3.71 18.6 0 35.22-16.61 31.66-37.4l-25.03-145.49 105.91-102.98c19.04-18.5 8.52-50.8-17.73-54.6zm-121.74 123.2l-18.12 17.62 4.28 24.88 19.52 113.45-102.13-53.59-22.38-11.74.03-317.19 51.03 103.29 11.18 22.63 25.01 3.64 114.23 16.63-82.65 80.38z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-258 bde-heading\">\n3. Reviews\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-259 bde-text\">\nReview features, and how to get more\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-252 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/google-posts\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-253 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M509.5 184.6L458.9 32.8C452.4 13.2 434.1 0 413.4 0H272v192h238.7c-.4-2.5-.4-5-1.2-7.4zM240 0H98.6c-20.7 0-39 13.2-45.5 32.8L2.5 184.6c-.8 2.4-.8 4.9-1.2 7.4H240V0zM0 224v240c0 26.5 21.5 48 48 48h416c26.5 0 48-21.5 48-48V224H0z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-254 bde-heading\">\n4. Google Posts\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-255 bde-text\">\nPost types, features, and more\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-248 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/photos-videos\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-249 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M608 0H160a32 32 0 0 0-32 32v96h160V64h192v320h128a32 32 0 0 0 32-32V32a32 32 0 0 0-32-32zM232 103a9 9 0 0 1-9 9h-30a9 9 0 0 1-9-9V73a9 9 0 0 1 9-9h30a9 9 0 0 1 9 9zm352 208a9 9 0 0 1-9 9h-30a9 9 0 0 1-9-9v-30a9 9 0 0 1 9-9h30a9 9 0 0 1 9 9zm0-104a9 9 0 0 1-9 9h-30a9 9 0 0 1-9-9v-30a9 9 0 0 1 9-9h30a9 9 0 0 1 9 9zm0-104a9 9 0 0 1-9 9h-30a9 9 0 0 1-9-9V73a9 9 0 0 1 9-9h30a9 9 0 0 1 9 9zm-168 57H32a32 32 0 0 0-32 32v288a32 32 0 0 0 32 32h384a32 32 0 0 0 32-32V192a32 32 0 0 0-32-32zM96 224a32 32 0 1 1-32 32 32 32 0 0 1 32-32zm288 224H64v-32l64-64 32 32 128-128 96 96z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-250 bde-heading\">\n5. Photos & Videos\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-251 bde-text\">\nAll about the media in your Profile\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-244 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/products-services\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-245 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-briefcase\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M30 8h-8v-2c0-1.1-0.9-2-2-2h-8c-1.1 0-2 0.9-2 2v2h-8c-1.1 0-2 0.9-2 2v18c0 1.1 0.9 2 2 2h28c1.1 0 2-0.9 2-2v-18c0-1.1-0.9-2-2-2zM12 6.004c0.001-0.001 0.002-0.003 0.004-0.004h7.993c0.001 0.001 0.003 0.002 0.004 0.004v1.996h-8v-1.996zM30 16h-4v3c0 0.55-0.45 1-1 1h-2c-0.55 0-1-0.45-1-1v-3h-12v3c0 0.55-0.45 1-1 1h-2c-0.55 0-1-0.45-1-1v-3h-4v-2h28v2z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-246 bde-heading\">\n6. Products & Services\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-247 bde-text\">\nMaking the most of products & services\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-240 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/attributes-know-this-place\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-241 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-list\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M0 0h8v8h-8zM12 2h20v4h-20zM0 12h8v8h-8zM12 14h20v4h-20zM0 24h8v8h-8zM12 26h20v4h-20z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-242 bde-heading\">\n7. Attributes & Know This Place\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-243 bde-text\">\nLeveraging the benefits of attributes\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-236 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/questions-and-answers\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-237 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-bubbles\" viewBox=\"0 0 36 32\">\n<path d=\"M34 28.161c0 1.422 0.813 2.653 2 3.256v0.498c-0.332 0.045-0.671 0.070-1.016 0.070-2.125 0-4.042-0.892-5.398-2.321-0.819 0.218-1.688 0.336-2.587 0.336-4.971 0-9-3.582-9-8s4.029-8 9-8c4.971 0 9 3.582 9 8 0 1.73-0.618 3.331-1.667 4.64-0.213 0.463-0.333 0.979-0.333 1.522zM16 0c8.702 0 15.781 5.644 15.995 12.672-1.537-0.685-3.237-1.047-4.995-1.047-2.986 0-5.807 1.045-7.942 2.943-2.214 1.968-3.433 4.607-3.433 7.432 0 1.396 0.298 2.747 0.867 3.993-0.163 0.004-0.327 0.007-0.492 0.007-0.849 0-1.682-0.054-2.495-0.158-3.437 3.437-7.539 4.053-11.505 4.144v-0.841c2.142-1.049 4-2.961 4-5.145 0-0.305-0.024-0.604-0.068-0.897-3.619-2.383-5.932-6.024-5.932-10.103 0-7.18 7.163-13 16-13z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-238 bde-heading\">\n8. Questions & Answers\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-239 bde-text\">\nAnswer customer questions in the SERP\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-232 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/messaging-chat\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-233 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"icon-bubble\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\">\n<path d=\"M16 2c8.837 0 16 5.82 16 13s-7.163 13-16 13c-0.849 0-1.682-0.054-2.495-0.158-3.437 3.437-7.539 4.053-11.505 4.144v-0.841c2.142-1.049 4-2.961 4-5.145 0-0.305-0.024-0.604-0.068-0.897-3.619-2.383-5.932-6.024-5.932-10.103 0-7.18 7.163-13 16-13z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-234 bde-heading\">\n9. Messaging (Chat)\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-235 bde-text\">\nAnother lead funnel for your business\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-228 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/bookings\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-229 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M148 288h-40c-6.6 0-12-5.4-12-12v-40c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h40c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v40c0 6.6-5.4 12-12 12zm108-12v-40c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v40c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h40c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12zm96 0v-40c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v40c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h40c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12zm-96 96v-40c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v40c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h40c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12zm-96 0v-40c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v40c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h40c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12zm192 0v-40c0-6.6-5.4-12-12-12h-40c-6.6 0-12 5.4-12 12v40c0 6.6 5.4 12 12 12h40c6.6 0 12-5.4 12-12zm96-260v352c0 26.5-21.5 48-48 48H48c-26.5 0-48-21.5-48-48V112c0-26.5 21.5-48 48-48h48V12c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h40c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v52h128V12c0-6.6 5.4-12 12-12h40c6.6 0 12 5.4 12 12v52h48c26.5 0 48 21.5 48 48zm-48 346V160H48v298c0 3.3 2.7 6 6 6h340c3.3 0 6-2.7 6-6z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-230 bde-heading\">\n10. Bookings\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-231 bde-text\">\nSchedule more appointments\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-224 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/gbp-spam-fighting-101\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-225 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M268 416h24a12 12 0 0 0 12-12V188a12 12 0 0 0-12-12h-24a12 12 0 0 0-12 12v216a12 12 0 0 0 12 12zM432 80h-82.41l-34-56.7A48 48 0 0 0 274.41 0H173.59a48 48 0 0 0-41.16 23.3L98.41 80H16A16 16 0 0 0 0 96v16a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h16v336a48 48 0 0 0 48 48h288a48 48 0 0 0 48-48V128h16a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V96a16 16 0 0 0-16-16zM171.84 50.91A6 6 0 0 1 177 48h94a6 6 0 0 1 5.15 2.91L293.61 80H154.39zM368 464H80V128h288zm-212-48h24a12 12 0 0 0 12-12V188a12 12 0 0 0-12-12h-24a12 12 0 0 0-12 12v216a12 12 0 0 0 12 12z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-226 bde-heading\">\n11. Spam Fighting\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-227 bde-text\">\nTake out the trash\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-220 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/google-support\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-221 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M192 208c0-17.67-14.33-32-32-32h-16c-35.35 0-64 28.65-64 64v48c0 35.35 28.65 64 64 64h16c17.67 0 32-14.33 32-32V208zm176 144c35.35 0 64-28.65 64-64v-48c0-35.35-28.65-64-64-64h-16c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v112c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h16zM256 0C113.18 0 4.58 118.83 0 256v16c0 8.84 7.16 16 16 16h16c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-114.69 93.31-208 208-208s208 93.31 208 208h-.12c.08 2.43.12 165.72.12 165.72 0 23.35-18.93 42.28-42.28 42.28H320c0-26.51-21.49-48-48-48h-32c-26.51 0-48 21.49-48 48s21.49 48 48 48h181.72c49.86 0 90.28-40.42 90.28-90.28V256C507.42 118.83 398.82 0 256 0z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-222 bde-heading\">\n12. Support\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-223 bde-text\">\nGet help when you need it\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><a class=\"bde-container-link-5252-216 bde-container-link breakdance-link\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-business-profile-guide\/conversion-factors\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"bde-icon-5252-217 bde-icon\">\n\n    \n            <div class=\"bde-icon-icon breakdance-icon-atom\" >\n    \n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 640 512\"><!-- Font Awesome Free 5.15.1 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free (Icons: CC BY 4.0, Fonts: SIL OFL 1.1, Code: MIT License) --><path d=\"M433.46 165.94l101.2-111.87C554.61 34.12 540.48 0 512.26 0H31.74C3.52 0-10.61 34.12 9.34 54.07L192 256v155.92c0 12.59 5.93 24.44 16 32l79.99 60c20.86 15.64 48.47 6.97 59.22-13.57C310.8 455.38 288 406.35 288 352c0-89.79 62.05-165.17 145.46-186.06zM480 192c-88.37 0-160 71.63-160 160s71.63 160 160 160 160-71.63 160-160-71.63-160-160-160zm16 239.88V448c0 4.42-3.58 8-8 8h-16c-4.42 0-8-3.58-8-8v-16.29c-11.29-.58-22.27-4.52-31.37-11.35-3.9-2.93-4.1-8.77-.57-12.14l11.75-11.21c2.77-2.64 6.89-2.76 10.13-.73 3.87 2.42 8.26 3.72 12.82 3.72h28.11c6.5 0 11.8-5.92 11.8-13.19 0-5.95-3.61-11.19-8.77-12.73l-45-13.5c-18.59-5.58-31.58-23.42-31.58-43.39 0-24.52 19.05-44.44 42.67-45.07V256c0-4.42 3.58-8 8-8h16c4.42 0 8 3.58 8 8v16.29c11.29.58 22.27 4.51 31.37 11.35 3.9 2.93 4.1 8.77.57 12.14l-11.75 11.21c-2.77 2.64-6.89 2.76-10.13.73-3.87-2.43-8.26-3.72-12.82-3.72h-28.11c-6.5 0-11.8 5.92-11.8 13.19 0 5.95 3.61 11.19 8.77 12.73l45 13.5c18.59 5.58 31.58 23.42 31.58 43.39 0 24.53-19.04 44.44-42.67 45.07z\"\/><\/svg>\n        \n        \n        \n            <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<\/div><h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-218 bde-heading\">\n13. Conversion Factors\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-219 bde-text\">\nGrow your business with these top factors\n<\/div>\n\n<\/a><div class=\"bde-div-5252-264 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"bde-heading-5252-266 bde-heading\">\nWant expert help?\n<\/h5><div class=\"bde-text-5252-269 bde-text\">\nGet Whitespark on your team!\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-button-5252-268 bde-button\">\n    \n                        \n                        \n    \n    \n    \n    \n            \n                    \n            \n            \n\n    \n    \n    \n    \n    \n    <a class=\"breakdance-link button-atom button-atom--secondary bde-button__button\" href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/seo-services\/\" target=\"_self\" data-type=\"url\"  >\n\n    \n        <span class=\"button-atom__text\">Learn more<\/span>\n\n        \n        \n                <\/a>\n\n    \n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><section class=\"bde-section-5252-108 bde-section light-bg\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<div class=\"section-container\"><div class=\"bde-rich-text-5252-147 bde-rich-text breakdance-rich-text-styles\">\n<h2><\/h2><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Introduction to Google Business Profiles (GBP)<\/h2><h2> <\/h2><p>We've compiled our top Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) resources into one mega guide to help you learn how to optimize your profile to convert searchers into customers and grow your local search visibility.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><p><strong>What is Google Business Profile (GBP)? <\/strong>Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows business owners to engage with customers on Google. With a Google Business Profile you can easily connect with searchers across Google Search and Maps.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><p>The benefits of GBP:<\/p><h2> <\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Improved rankings<\/strong> - For local search queries Google will show Business Profiles in the search results. Optimized, well maintained profiles are likely to show up higher in the results. (<a href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/local-search-ranking-factors\/\">Proximity aside<\/a>).<\/li> <li><strong>Increased visibility<\/strong> - With a Google Business Profile you can now show up for local results in the local pack, local finder and Maps, as well as organic search results. For many businesses this means an increase in visibility.<\/li> <li><strong>Enhanced brand recognition<\/strong> - A fully optimized GBP can provide searchers all the information they need right in search results. As a brand, you can control how your business is presented through the data you share.<\/li><\/ul><h2> <\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Own Your Branded Search Results<\/h3><h2> <\/h2><p>You can control how your business is presented for branded searches with the data you share in your GBP, reviews, images, feature use, and your website content.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><p>A lot of businesses or SEOs find the constant changes in this product to be both confusing and frustrating. We've put together this guide to optimizing your Google Business Profile so you can take advantage of this product to benefit your business, own your branded search results, and earn more customers.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Anatomy of a Google Business Profile<\/h2><h2> <\/h2><p>Below is the anatomy of a Google Business Profile (GBP). See the corresponding chapters to find tips on how to take advantage of the features available.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><p>Please note that Google frequently changes the layout and order of appearance of these sections. Not every profile looks the same and Google is frequently testing new layouts and releasing new features, so keep that in mind as you progress through this guide.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1244\" height=\"3735\" class=\"wp-image-5259\" src=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile.png 1244w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile-100x300.png 100w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile-341x1024.png 341w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile-768x2306.png 768w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile-512x1536.png 512w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Anatomy-of-a-Google-Business-Profile-682x2048.png 682w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1244px) 100vw, 1244px\" \/><\/figure><h2> <\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">[New in 2022] The New Merchant Experience<\/h3><h2> <\/h2><p>In late 2022, Google changed the way business owners make updates to their Google Business Profile by releasing what is called the New Merchant Experience (NMX). This new interface is found directly on the search results page, and all edits to your business profile must be made here as Google has deprecated the Google Business Dashboard.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><p><strong>Anatomy of the NMX:<\/strong><\/p><h2> <\/h2><p>With the NMX, you'll find that all the settings for your Business Profile will be at the top of the search results page:<\/p><h2> <\/h2><figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1237\" height=\"998\" class=\"wp-image-5260\" src=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GoogleSearch2023-06-2910-04-44.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GoogleSearch2023-06-2910-04-44.png 1237w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GoogleSearch2023-06-2910-04-44-300x242.png 300w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GoogleSearch2023-06-2910-04-44-1024x826.png 1024w, https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/GoogleSearch2023-06-2910-04-44-768x620.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1237px) 100vw, 1237px\" \/><\/figure><h2> <\/h2><p>The features available to your business in this section will depend on your business category, country and other factors. For example, not every business will have the \"Bookings\" feature.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want an Expert on Your Team?<\/h2><h2> <\/h2><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10 Ways Whitespark can Help<\/h3><h2> <\/h2><p>With our <a href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-my-business-management-service\/\">SEO Services<\/a>, we optimize your Google profile and website, so you can take care of business.<\/p><h2> <\/h2><ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Industry leading experts<br \/><\/strong>We're committed to being at the forefront of local SEO education and strategies. We lead research projects, speak at conferences, and are featured on major blogs.<\/li> <li><strong>Solutions for every situation<br \/><\/strong>Whether you're a small service area business or large multi-location enterprise, our team has customized solutions for your business.<\/li> <li><strong>World class customer service<br \/><\/strong>We value honest and direct communication and transparency.<\/li> <li><strong>Evidence-based local recommendations<br \/><\/strong>Our processes and strategies are based on years of experience and research and designed to help you succeed.<\/li> <li><strong>Proven local search strategies<br \/><\/strong>We stay on top of the latest in local search and test everything. Our focus is getting you more leads, customers, and revenue.<\/li> <li><strong>Supercharge your local SEO<br \/><\/strong>Our team can help take your local search marketing to new heights with our Google Business Profile, Website Management and Link Building Services. All for a more affordable rate than most agencies.<\/li> <li><strong>Performance reports that make sense<br \/><\/strong>Stay informed with reports that only track what actually matters, from the most reliable sources.<\/li> <li><strong>Empowering local businesses since 2010<br \/><\/strong>The work we do is critical to the businesses we help, but don't just take our word for it. <a href=\"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/google-my-business-management-service\/\">Hear from business owners like you<\/a>.<\/li> <li><strong>No contracts, no startup fees<br \/><\/strong>We know the value of our expertise is unparalleled. We also know that business is dynamic and always changing. We won't ever force you to sign a contract or pay more to get started.<\/li> <li><strong>Flat monthly fee<br \/><\/strong>What you sign up for is what you pay. No surprise or hidden fees.<\/li><\/ol><h2><\/h2>\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-div-5252-148 bde-div\">\n  \n  \n\t\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"bde-heading-5252-149 bde-heading\">\nGoogle Business Profile & local SEO services\n<\/h3><div class=\"bde-text-5252-150 bde-text\">\nRank higher on Google and convert searchers into customers with Whitespark on your team!\n<\/div><div class=\"bde-button-5252-151 bde-button\">\n    \n                        \n                        \n    \n    \n    \n    \n            \n            <button type=\"button\" class=\"button-atom button-atom--secondary bde-button__button\"  >\n    \n        <span class=\"button-atom__text\">Get expert help<\/span>\n\n        \n        \n            <\/button>\n    \n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Definitive Guide to Google Business Profile Optimization What you need to know to optimize your Google Business Profile\u00a0(formerly Google My Business listing). By Darren Shaw Guide chapters Introduction You are here 1. Getting Started Creating, verifying &#038; claiming Profiles 2. Business Info Getting all your info into your profile 3. Reviews Review features, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile (Google My Business): A Guide for Local Businesses | Whitespark","_seopress_titles_desc":"An optimized Google Business Profile is critical to online visibility and showing up in local search results. Learn how to make your GBP standout & be 100% optimized with our guide.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_breakdance_hide_in_design_set":false,"_breakdance_tags":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5252","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5252"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5252\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5813,"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5252\/revisions\/5813"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/whitespark.ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}