A well-optimised Google business page is essential for any business, including membership associations. It helps improve local search visibility, attract new members, and engage with existing ones. Here’s a step-by-step guide to effectively manage your association’s Google business page:
How to Claim Your Google Business Profile
Secure Your Online Presence
The first step to managing your association’s online reputation is to claim your Google business profile. This will give you control over your business information and allow you to interact with potential and current members.
Sign in to Google Business: Use your Google account to access the Google business dashboard https://business.google.com/locations
Search for Your Business: Enter your association’s name and address.
Verify Your Business: Google will send a verification code to your business address. Once you receive it, verify your business online.
Optimise Your Business Profile
Add business details to your Google Business Profile
Create a Strong First Impression: Optimising your Google business profile ensures that your association appears prominently in local search results. By providing accurate and detailed information, you can attract potential members and build trust.
Business Name: Use your full legal name, including any relevant acronyms or abbreviations.
Business Category: Select the most relevant category, such as “Membership Organisation” or “Non-Profit Organisation.”
Business Description: Write a concise and informative description highlighting your association’s mission, values, and benefits.
Business Address: Ensure your address is accurate and consistent across all platforms.
Business Phone Number: List your main phone number.
Business Hours: Specify your regular business hours, including any seasonal variations.
Website: Link to your association’s official website.
Add business contact details to your Google Business Profile
Make It Easy to Connect: Accurate and up-to-date contact information is crucial for potential and current members to reach out to your association. Ensure that your phone number, address, and website are correct and easy to find.
Add Photos to your business listing
Visual Storytelling: High-quality photos can make a significant impact on your Google business profile. By showcasing your association’s events, members, and facilities, you can create a more engaging and memorable experience for visitors.
High-Quality Photos: Use clear, high-resolution images of your association’s events, members, and facilities.
Cover Photo: Choose an eye-catching image that represents your association’s brand.
Profile Photo: Use your association’s logo.
Encourage Reviews on your Google business profile
Leverage Social Proof: Positive reviews can significantly boost your association’s credibility. Encourage satisfied members to share their experiences on your Google business profile.
Respond to Reviews: Thank customers for positive reviews and address negative ones professionally and promptly.
Request Reviews: Politely ask satisfied members to leave reviews on your Google business page.
Post Regularly on Google Business
Share Updates: Post about upcoming events, member spotlights, news, and other relevant information.
Use Google Posts: Create engaging posts with images and calls to action.
Promote Offers: Use Google Posts to highlight special offers or discounts for members.
Utilise Google Business Insights
Track Performance: Monitor your page’s performance using Google My Business Insights.
Identify Trends: Analyse data to understand customer behavior and preferences.
Optimise Your Strategy: Use insights to make data-driven decisions to improve your Google business page.
Additional Tips for Google business profiles
Link Your Social Media Profiles: Connect your association’s social media accounts to your Google business page.
Local SEO: Optimise your website’s content for local keywords to attract potential members in your area.
By following these steps and consistently managing your Google My Business page, you can enhance your association’s online visibility, attract new members, and strengthen your brand reputation.
