After reading this post’s title, you may be thinking to yourself, “How exactly do I keep my Google Business Profile FRESH? What does that even mean??” Don’t worry, that’s what this blog post is for. We’ll show you exactly how, and even more importantly WHY it pays dividends to keep your Google Business Profile active and updated.
Why is Google Business Profile so important?
First of all, we’re assuming that you already have your Google Business Profile completely filled out. If you don’t – yikes! Jump down to the chat bubble, we need to talk. Then head over to this article from the experts at Semrush to learn the basics.
In the world of powersports rentals, especially in small tourist or resort areas where there’s an outfitter on every block, it’s a necessity to stand out. This doesn’t mean on the street corner (but you could do that too).
Your customer journey typically starts online, more often than not with a Google search. You’ll want to either be ranking organically, or pay to rank up top with Google ads, to even cross a customer’s radar. And while paid ads work, ranking organically is favorable in the long run.
The health (and “freshness”) of your Google Business Profile is a HUGE contributor to your search ranking on Google! The more you keep your profile fresh and up-to-date, the more Google trusts your business as credible, and rewards it with search rankings. This is why regular Google Business Profile updates are so important.
Why Google Business Profile Updates Matter for Outfitters
Improved Ranking and Engagement
Regular updates to your Google Business Profile signal to Google that your business is active and relevant. This can lead to improved visibility in local search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Additionally, updating your profile regularly with new photos, posts, and offers can help build customer engagement and drive more traffic to your website – resulting in increased bookings!
Enhanced Trust and Credibility
A regularly updated Google Business Profile can help build trust and credibility with future customers. By providing accurate, up-to-date information about your business, such as hours of operations, products (think inventory), and services, you can show that you are a reliable and trustworthy business. This can make customers more likely to choose to book with your business over Joe’s across the street.
Better Customer Experience
Keeping your Google Business Profile up-to-date can also improve the customer experience. For example, regularly updating your holiday hours can prevent confusion and frustration for customers who are trying to visit your business during the holidays (bonus – it helps cut back on unnecessary phone calls too!). Similarly, adding updates about new products, inventory, or services can keep customers informed and interested in what you have to offer, potentially generating repeat bookings.
THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON: Impact to search rankings
(Sorry for all-caps, but it really is that important!) All of the above is helpful to your brand’s visibility and customer trust. But above all, regular updates to your Google Business Profile can have a positive impact on your search engine rankings, especially in local search results and map results.
Google considers the freshness and completeness of your profile when determining where to rank your business in search results. A well-maintained profile with regular updates can improve your chances of appearing in the coveted “map pack,” the top three listings that appear in Google Maps search results.
How to keep your Google Business Profile fresh
1. Make Sure Your Profile Is Completely Filled Out
First things first – you can’t get ahead if you don’t have a solid foundation. We’ll write another article on how to get started with your Google Business Profile, but in the meantime you can check out this article. To summarize – fill out every single possible thing you can.
2. Post Regular Updates
One of the best ways to keep your Google Business Profile fresh is to post regular updates. This can include updates about new products or services, special offers, or changes to your business operations. To make this easy, think of GBP as another social media channel, and post the same content you’re sharing to the other channels.
3. Add New Photos and Videos
Regularly posting new photos and videos can accomplish a few things – 1) it keeps your Google Business Profile active; 2) it shows customers the current conditions in your riding area and can give them a better sense of what to expect when they visit; 3) it showcases your products and services in the best possible list. Consider adding photos of your latest inventory, team members, or happy customers enjoying your services.
4. Update Your Holiday Hours
During holidays or special occasions, it’s important to update your Google Business Profile with your holiday hours. This shows Google you’re trustworthy and credible, and can prevent confusion for customers and ensure they have accurate information about when you’re open for business. Remember to update your holiday hours well in advance to give customers plenty of time to plan their visits.
5. Respond to Reviews and Messages
Finally, regularly monitoring and responding to reviews and messages on your Google Business Profile can help keep your profile fresh and engaging. Responding to reviews shows that you value customer feedback and are committed to providing excellent customer service. It can also encourage more customers to leave reviews, which helps not only your online reputation but can also contribute to search ranking.
Let’s get fresh!
Regular updates to your Google Business Profile are essential for powersports marketing success. By keeping your profile fresh and updated you can improve visibility, engage with customers, and build trust and credibility. So, make updating your Google Business Profile a regular part of your marketing strategy – your business will thank you for it.
This post is brought to you by BRAAP Digital, your partner in powersports outfitter marketing.
