Published: August 24th, 2022
Last Updated: November 2nd, 2023
Managing your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is like keeping your storefront in tip-top shape—only this time, it’s online, and it’s the first impression most customers will get of your business. If you want to convert those searchers into loyal customers, your profile needs to be accurate, up-to-date, and optimized. Let’s dive into how you can keep your Google Business Profile sharp and ready to impress.
The Nitty-Gritty of Editing Your Google Business Profile
So, you’ve got your Google Business Profile claimed and verified—what’s next? Now comes the fun part: editing and optimizing it to make sure it’s doing the most for your business. Whether you’re managing one location or hundreds, the process is straightforward, but the impact can be huge.
Editing via the NMX (New Merchant Experience)
The easiest way to make changes to your profile is through the New Merchant Experience (NMX). This is Google’s in-SERP (Search Engine Results Page) editing interface, which gives you the flexibility to update your profile directly from search results. It’s the go-to for businesses with just a handful of locations.
When you search for your business on Google, you’ll see the NMX interface pop up with a series of options like “Edit Profile,” “Read Reviews,” “Messages,” and more. Let’s break down the essentials:
Edit Profile
This is your home base. Here, you’ll update all the core information about your business:
Business Info: Name, category, description, and opening date.
Contact Details: Phone number, website, and social profiles.
Location: Address or service areas.
Hours: Regular hours, special hours, and any additional hours.
Additional Info: Accessibility features, amenities, and more.
Read Reviews
Responding to reviews is crucial. It shows customers you’re listening and that you care. From the NMX, you can read and reply to reviews directly. Don’t forget to use the “Get More Reviews” feature—it gives you a shortlink you can send to customers to encourage them to leave feedback.
Messages
If you’ve enabled messaging, this is where you manage those customer conversations. Set your welcome message, manage FAQs, and even set an away mode if you’re out of office.
Add Photo
A picture’s worth a thousand words, right? Here, you can upload your business logo, cover photo, and any other images that showcase your business. This visual content is what makes your profile pop, so make sure it’s high quality and relevant.
Performance Insights
Wondering how your profile is doing? The “Performance” section (formerly known as “Insights”) gives you all the data you need:
Interactions: How many people are clicking, calling, or messaging.
Bookings and Directions: Track how many customers are scheduling services or getting directions to your location.
Search Data: See how people are finding you—whether through direct searches or broader category searches.
Advertise
Google’s Smart Campaigns are integrated directly into your profile, making it easy to launch ads that drive more traffic to your business.
Manage Services and Products
Keep your services and products up to date. This is especially important if you’re running promotions or have seasonal offerings. Don’t let outdated information cost you potential business.
Editing Your Profile via Google Maps App
If you’re on the go, the Google Maps app offers a simplified version of the NMX. It’s perfect for quick updates or managing multiple locations. Just tap the business icon at the bottom of the screen, choose the location you want to edit, and you’re good to go.
Bulk Editing for Multi-Location Businesses
Managing profiles for multiple locations? Google’s bulk edit feature is your best friend. Access it via the GBP dashboard at business.google.com. Here, you can upload a file with all your updates, making it easy to manage hundreds of listings in one go.
The Ellipsis: More Power Under the Hood
Under the ellipsis in the top right corner of the NMX, you’ll find even more options:
Business Profile Settings
People and Access: Manage who can edit your profile.
Advanced Settings: Includes options like Business Profile ID, Google Assistant calls, and more.
Linked Accounts: Manage connections with other Google products like Google Ads.
Staying on Top of Changes
Google is constantly tweaking the NMX, so it pays to stay alert. Regularly check your profile for new features or changes. Keeping your profile fresh and optimized is an ongoing process, but the payoff is worth it.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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