By Jamie Banks
Welcome to the holiday season, folks! If you’re running a local business, this is the Super Bowl of shopping. And guess what? Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the MVP. As Mike Blumenthal once said, "Your Google Business Profile is your virtual shop window." If you’re not putting your best foot forward, you’re missing out on a ton of holiday traffic. So, let’s make sure your GBP is ready to sleigh this season!
Prep Your Google Business Profile for the Holidays
First things first, don’t dive in without a plan. The holiday season is chaotic enough—your GBP doesn’t have to be. Let’s break it down:
1. Seasonal Local Keyword Research
Holiday shoppers aren’t just searching for "best gifts." They’re looking for "best Christmas gifts in [Your City]" or "holiday deals near me." Do a little digging and figure out what seasonal keywords are trending in your area. Use that intel to tweak your profile and grab those searchers while they’re hot.
2. Avoid GBP Suspensions Like the Grinch
GBP suspensions are the Scrooge of local search—no one wants them, but they sneak up on you if you’re not careful. During the holidays, play it safe. Don’t go making big changes like swapping categories or tweaking your core business info too much. A suspension right now could be disastrous. If you must make changes, stagger them to avoid tripping any red flags.
3. Consistency Is Key
If you’re updating your GBP, make sure every change is reflected across your entire online presence. That includes your website, social media profiles, and other listings. Consistency builds trust. And as our Business Listings Trust Report found, "Finding incorrect information on a business listing would stop 63% of consumers from using that business." You don’t want to be part of that statistic, especially during the holidays.
4. Benchmark Your Performance
Before you start making changes, take stock of where you stand. How’s your GBP performing? What’s your visibility like? Use tools like BrightLocal’s Local Search Grid to get a snapshot. This way, you’ll know if your holiday tweaks are working or if you need to pivot.
10 Google Business Profile Features to Boost Your Holiday Game
Now that you’ve prepped, let’s dive into the specifics:
1. Business Hours
Nothing frustrates customers more than showing up to a closed store. Update your holiday hours on your GBP, and don’t forget to sync this across all platforms. Google even lets you set "special hours" for those days you’re opening late or closing early.
2. Business Categories
If your offerings change significantly during the holidays, consider updating your business category. But beware—this can trigger a suspension if done haphazardly. Only make this change if it’s truly relevant.
3. Google Posts
Google Posts are your holiday marketing goldmine. Use them to announce holiday sales, events, or special services. Think of it as your in-profile social media feed—keep it festive, relevant, and engaging.
4. GBP Photos
Visuals are everything. Update your GBP with seasonal photos—decorated storefronts, holiday products, festive team photos. These images will catch the eye of holiday shoppers and make your business look inviting.
5. Menus
If you’re in the hospitality game, this is crucial. Upload photos of your holiday menu or link directly to it. Customers are more likely to book a table if they know what’s on offer.
6. Google Reviews
The holiday season is prime time for gathering reviews. Encourage happy customers to leave a review, and consider asking them to mention holiday-specific products or services. This adds relevancy and boosts your credibility in local search.
7. GBP Messaging
Make sure your messaging feature is active and responsive. If you’re going to be closed for a few days, update your messaging to reflect that. No one likes to be left on read, especially during the holidays.
8. Google Q&A
Use the Q&A section to answer common holiday-related questions. Can I buy gift cards online? Do you offer holiday catering? Address these in advance so customers have fewer barriers to making a purchase.
9. Bookings & Appointments
If you take reservations, make sure your booking system is updated for the holidays. There’s nothing worse than a booking fail during the busiest time of the year.
10. Products & Services
Update your products and services to highlight any holiday specials. Whether it’s a limited-time product or a seasonal service, make sure it’s front and center on your GBP.
Happy Holidays!
There you have it—your game plan for a holiday-ready Google Business Profile. The holiday season is a busy time, but with these tips, your GBP will be set to convert that holiday traffic into loyal customers.
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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