Are you a Small Farm interested in attracting local (any maybe national) customers: Almost every business today has a profile listed on Google, but don't rely on Google to optimize your profile. Ensure you actively manage your account and don't miss business opportunities.
To get the most from your profile, it's essential to claim and actively manage your profile through Google Business (formerly Google My Business).
Why optimize your Google Business (GB) profile?
Optimizing your profile provides two critical benefits for small farms. First, it lets you control the information that appears in Google’s search sidebar, where users will view it during a direct search for your business.
Second, it increases the chance of appearing in the “map pack” for local searches by potential clients seeking services like yours. For instance, if someone searches for “local berry farm British Columbia,” an optimized profile can increase your visibility in the results.
How to claim and optimize your Google Business profile
After claiming your profile, log in and begin optimizing it. Here’s a guide to key areas:
Info section
- Business type: Ensure your primary category a relevant category by clicking the edit icon. Google may not differentiate between agri-business types, but listing multiple relevant categories, like “Farm” or “Agricultural Services,” can enhance visibility.
- Address: If you have a physical address, add it, as it can improve local visibility. Even without a physical address, Google can still show your business based on service areas.
- Service areas: Add each location you serve. You can list up to 20, beginning with the most populated cities and towns in your service region.
- Hours and contact: Set business hours and consider using a toll-free number to emphasize national coverage if appropriate. If you only serve local markets, having a local area code can highlight your localness.
- Website: Ensure your URL is updated to “https” to reflect site security.
Services
Add your primary services under relevant categories, using industry keywords to maximize the 300-character limit for each description.
Photos
If you have an retail area, share photos. If not, use images of your farm produce or products or staff headshots to personalize your profile.
Reviews
Ask clients to review your business, as this improves visibility and credibility. Respond to reviews to boost engagement, as active profiles often rank higher.
By maintaining your Google Business profile, you will increase your small farm’s local visibility on Google.