NEWS

Google My Business (GMB) is a powerful and free tool that allows local businesses to increase their online visibility. By creating a well-optimized GMB profile, business owners can improve their findability, attract more customers and strengthen their local presence. This is especially important for small businesses, such as an accounting firm in Oudenaarde, that want to compete in a local market. In this article, we discuss how to make the best use of Google My Company to generate more visibility locally, with practical tips and examples.

1. Create a Complete and Detailed Company Profile

The first and most important thing you need to do is create a complete and detailed business profile on Google My Business. For an accounting firm in Oudenaarde, this means filling in all relevant information, such as the company name, address, phone number, business hours and website. Make sure these details are correct and up-to-date, as Google rewards consistency with higher positions in search results.

Use specific categories that fit your services. For example, in the case of accounting firm, you can choose categories such as “Bookkeeper,” “Tax Advisor,” or “Financial Advisor.” This helps potential clients find your firm quickly when they search for related services in Oudenaarde.

2. Add Photos and Videos to your Company Profile

Visual elements play a big role in how customers perceive a business online. Companies with photos get 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps and 35% more clicks to their websites than those without photos. For the Oudenaarde accounting firm, it is important to add photos of the office, the team and the services offered. This helps build trust and adds a personal touch to the business.

Also consider adding videos that explain how the firm works, or show client testimonials. These elements can have a significant impact on the attractiveness of your GMB profile.

3. Collect and Respond to Customer Reviews.

Customer reviews play a crucial role in a company’s online visibility and reputation. Google often rates businesses with more and better reviews higher in local search results. Encourage satisfied customers to leave a review on your GMB profile. This can be easily requested via an email after a successful service, or by adding a link to your review page on your website and social media.

In addition, it is important to always respond to reviews, both positive and negative. For an accounting firm in Oudenaarde, this means sending thanks for positive feedback and providing constructive responses to negative reviews. This shows that you take customers seriously and are willing to learn and improve.

4. Make Use of Google Posts

Google Posts is a feature within Google My Business that allows you to post updates, offers, events or other messages directly to your GMB profile. These posts appear in search results when people search for your business. For the Oudenaarde accounting firm, this can be a great way to inform local clients about new services, free consultations, tax tips or financial planning webinars.

Posts have a limited lifespan of 7 days, so it is advisable to post new content regularly. This not only increases visibility, but also keeps your profile current and relevant.

5. Use Question and Answer (Q&A) to Answer Frequently Asked Questions

Google My Company’s Q&A feature provides an excellent opportunity to answer common customer questions directly on your profile. This not only helps potential clients quickly find the information they need, but also demonstrates your expertise and customer focus. For example, for the Oudenaarde accounting firm, you can answer questions such as “How do I prepare for a tax audit?” or “What documents do I need for my financial statements?”.

Be sure to check the Q&A section regularly and answer new questions quickly and accurately.

6. Monitor your Performance with Google My Business Insights

Google My Business provides detailed statistics (Insights) about how customers interact with your profile. This data shows how many people viewed your profile, how they found your business, and what actions they took, such as clicking on your website, calling your business, or requesting directions. For an accounting firm in Oudenaarde, this can provide valuable information on how to adjust your strategy to be even more visible.

Google My Business is an indispensable tool for local business owners looking to increase their visibility and attract more customers. By creating a complete and detailed business profile, using photos, videos, Google Posts, customer reviews and the Q&A feature, an accounting firm in Oudenaarde can strengthen its online presence and stand out from the competition. By following these tips and monitoring your performance regularly, you can take full advantage of Google My Business to maximize your local visibility and expand your customer base.