Google Business Profile replaced Google my Business which itself replaced Google Places in 2014. Use it to drive local website traffic to your business. Plus it’s free, so if you haven’t done so already, get listed. Do the same with Bing and Yahoo.

When a potential client searches for a local business on Google, a map will usually appear with typically up to 10 businesses on it. Your objective is to ensure that your business appears on your local search map.

Here is an example using the search “Insurance Tunbridge Wells”

Make sure you complete every possible element of the application, including:

• Business hours.
• A detailed description of what you do, including your keywords/key phrases.
• Add up to ten photographs. Think about what photographs will show you as credible, trustworthy and someone that your target audience would want to buy from.
• Link to up to five of your promotional YouTube videos (even if it’s just your logo and the front of your building)
• You can also be listed in up to five categories, including custom categories.

Check out your competitors' listings and don’t forget - if they haven’t filled out a section it doesn’t mean it’s unimportant but an opportunity to steal a march on them.

Quick tip: Make sure you claim your listing with a Google email account on the same domain as your website rather than using your personal email address. Also, very important, try to get as many positive, 5 star Google reviews as you can.  This will certainly help your local Google ranking position.