{"id":10968,"date":"2018-12-13T12:28:37","date_gmt":"2018-12-13T18:28:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/?p=10968"},"modified":"2018-12-13T12:28:37","modified_gmt":"2018-12-13T18:28:37","slug":"mastering-google-business-profile-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advicelocal.com\/blog\/mastering-google-business-profile-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Mastering Google Business Profile in 2019 and Beyond"},"content":{"rendered":"

2019 is fast approaching, and with it comes the opportunity to ramp up all your local business digital marketing strategies. 2018 was a big year for Google Business Profile<\/a>, and if the predictions are true, Google Business Profile (GBP) will be even more important in 2019. Keep reading to learn how to beat out the competition online.<\/p>\n

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Google wants searchers to use their search engine as much and as long as possible, which is why they\u2019ve implemented featured snippets, answer boxes, Google Business Profile posts and deals, and the knowledge panel \u2013 which varies per industry. With that in mind, it is safe to say that GBP will likely play a key role in Google\u2019s ranking factors for 2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It’s All Starts With a Google Business Profile Listing<\/h2>\n

A good GBP listing should include all the information on the local business\u2019 website, readily available for consumers without having to leave the search engine. After all, businesses that provide this information are likely to get a preferential treatment on SERPs.<\/p>\n

Local businesses are always on my mind, and nothing makes me happier than helping you help them get found online. This post will give local businesses and agencies alike all the information they need to create, claim and optimize a GBP listing in 2019. Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n

Creating a GBP Listing<\/h3>\n

The first step into the GBP journey is to create a listing. Go to Google to create a free business profile<\/a>. There is no maximum number of listings per account now, so you can manage them all through a single business profile. Please note that you\u2019ll need a Gmail account to create a profile.<\/p>\n

Start by typing the name of the business. If there\u2019s no listing for the business, you\u2019ll be prompted to create a new listing, but if it already exists, you might need to claim it instead. Here\u2019s a\u00a0how-to on claiming a GBP listing<\/a> and how to optimize one \u2013\u00a0I highly recommend you check it out.<\/p>\n

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The process for creating a new GBP listing is pretty straightforward. Just type in the information requested, including the business\u2019 address, category \u2013 you\u2019ll choose this from a list of options \u2013 and contact details.<\/p>\n

The last step to creating a listing is to verify it<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Getting to Know the GBP Dashboard<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve successfully created or claimed a local business\u2019 GBP listing, you\u2019ll get access to the GBP Dashboard. From the dashboard, you can create a post or an offer, add an image, update the business\u2019 information, check the business\u2019 insights, manage reviews, set up Google Messaging, and more.<\/p>\n

Home<\/h3>\n

Like in real life, Home is where you\u2019ll want to spend most of your time. It gives you a snapshot of everything that\u2019s going on with the business\u2019 listing. You can easily reply to reviews, view the latest customer photos and manage GBP posts. It also lets you see the latest insights of the business and how the listing is performing.<\/p>\n

Posts<\/h3>\n

This is the place where you\u2019ll add new Posts for the business listing. Posts can include something interesting to share with the business\u2019 potential customers, events, offers and even featured products.<\/p>\n

Fun fact: if you add products to the GBP listing, they will appear with the tag \u201csold here\u201d when people use them as a keyword. Local businesses should always make sure they add the products and services they offer.<\/p>\n

\"Creating<\/p>\n

How to optimize a GBP Post:<\/h3>\n