You are launching your business and the to-do list seems infinite: paperwork, the premises, initial stock... In the midst of all this, the internet question is on your mind. You know you need to "be there," but how?
Here are simple steps to start being visible on the web, known as local SEO.
📍 Step 1: Plant your flag (the Google Business Profile)
This is the absolute baseline. Before even thinking about advertising or creating a website, create your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business).
Consider this profile as your #1 storefront on the Internet. It is free and allows you to appear on Google and Google Maps.
Fill in all possible information:
- Name, address, and phone number
- Business category (primary and secondary categories)
- Opening hours
- Service area and description
- Photos: of your premises, your teams and yourself, your products...
- Services and products
Give as much information as possible to Google and your future customers.
⭐ Step 2: Build trust (reviews)
A brand new profile is good. A profile that inspires trust is better. Your priority mission: collect your first reviews.
What works best:
- Ask right after the service, when the customer is happy.
- Keep it simple: "Could you leave a review on Google? It would help me a lot."
- Make the task easier: QR Code on your counter or invoice, SMS with a direct link.
Key takeaway:
Reviews send a very clear signal to Google: "this business is active and reliable." And for your future customers, this is often what triggers their choice.
🌐 Step 3: The importance of the website
Many entrepreneurs ask themselves: "Do I really need a site? Isn't my Google Business Profile enough?".
This is a legitimate question when starting out with a small budget. You can start without one, but to really take off, a website will quickly become essential.
Why? Because your Google Business Profile and your website work as a duo:
- Your Google Business Profile is the quick storefront (hours, reviews, contact).
- Your website is the complete file that gives weight to your profile.
On your site, you can create a page for each service (e.g., "Bathroom renovation", "Electrical repair") or for your service areas. Google will read these pages and better understand what you do. In return, it will push your profile higher in the results.
To understand this mechanism in detail, check out our article: Website and Google Business Profile: why the 2 are linked for your SEO.
🚀 In summary
To start being visible on the internet and work on your SEO right now, the recipe is simple:
- A complete Google Business Profile to be found locally.
- Reviews to reassure immediately.
- A website to convince Google to highlight you.
Check your visibility in a few minutes
Not sure if your profile is well filled out?
Begonia.pro helps you see things more clearly. Perform an audit of your Google Business Profile: you get a clear score, and simple actions to follow to improve it.
