82: Fixing Problems with Google Business Profiles

Summary:

In this episode, Meredith's husband provides updates on Google Business Profiles, focusing on two key changes: Google now allows users to add their social media links to their profiles, and Google has been cracking down on unverified profiles, particularly for boudoir photographers. He offers practical advice for photographers dealing with unverified profiles and encourages patience as Google works through these issues. These updates are essential for business owners to improve their online presence and avoid common issues with Google verification.

Maximizing Your Google Business Profile: New Features and Solutions

Google Business Profiles have long been a powerful tool for businesses to manage their online presence. Recently, Google introduced some updates to help businesses refine their profiles and ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date. In this episode, Meredith’s husband delves into two significant changes that can impact how businesses use their Google Business Profiles: the ability to add social media links and Google's crackdown on unverified profiles. For website owners, particularly boudoir photographers, these changes are crucial in managing their online visibility.

1. Adding Social Media Links to Your Google Business Profile

One of the most exciting updates Google has introduced is the ability to add social media profiles directly to your Google Business Profile. Previously, Google would automatically pull in social media accounts based on its algorithms, which sometimes caused confusion when the wrong profiles appeared in search results. For example, businesses with similar names could see their competitor’s social media accounts linked to their profile instead of their own.

Now, businesses can directly input their social media URLs (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.) to ensure their profiles are correct. This feature is particularly helpful for small business owners looking to consolidate their online presence and ensure potential clients land on the right social media platforms.

Why This Matters:

• Directly linking your social media pages helps potential clients engage with your brand across platforms.

• It reduces the chances of incorrect social media accounts showing up in your business's Google search results.

2. Google’s Crackdown on Unverified Profiles

Recently, Google has increased efforts to verify business profiles, with boudoir photographers noticing issues related to being unverified or even having their profiles banned. The process of verification may take longer and can require additional steps, but it’s ultimately a move towards ensuring higher quality and legitimate business listings.

For business owners facing unverified profiles, Meredith’s husband offers some practical advice:

• Patience is key: Resolving these issues may take several weeks, but in most cases, they are resolved eventually.

• Follow Google's steps: If you’ve been unverified, Google will guide you through a process to verify your business. Submit the required information and follow the instructions carefully.

• Maintain a professional profile: Ensure your profile is complete, with accurate business details, photos, and now social media links. This helps legitimize your business in Google's eyes.

Why This Matters:

• Verifying your profile gives potential clients confidence that your business is legitimate and active.

• An unverified profile or incorrect information can lead to fewer inquiries, impacting your visibility and credibility.

Bullet Points from the Episode:

• Social Media Links: Businesses can now add their social media URLs directly to their Google Business Profile.

• Verification Issues: Google is cracking down on unverified profiles, especially for boudoir photographers.

• Patience in Resolution: Verification issues can take weeks to resolve, but they are always resolved if you follow the proper steps.

• Impact of Boudoir Photography: Google may be stricter with boudoir photographers due to difficulties in distinguishing their services from adult content.

Conclusion

These updates to Google Business Profiles offer exciting opportunities and necessary precautions for business owners. Adding social media links provides greater control over your online presence, while dealing with verification issues can be frustrating but is essential for maintaining your profile's visibility. If you are facing unverified status, stay patient, follow Google’s instructions, and use these updates to your advantage to enhance your online reputation.

Resources:

• Link to instructions on how to add social media links to your Google Business Profile.

• Link to Google's Help Center for resolving verification issues with Google Business Profiles.