Ghana Google Business Profile Optimisation Checklist to Drive More Customers

“I’m worried my business isn’t getting enough traffic. My Google Business Profile isn’t optimized. How much potential am I losing?”

As an SEO expert, I get this question all the time. It’s a common concern. A poorly optimised Google Business Profile can cost your business valuable local search rankings. Without proper optimisation, your business might not show up when your ideal customers search for services like yours. Especially when 94% of searchers in Ghana use Google.

If your profile isn’t up to date, you’re likely missing out on key traffic. More than any other country, in Ghana Google Business Profile optimisation is must. Why? Because of the increasing trend of consumers in Ghana to search first before making any purchase. 

Let’s explore the steps to make your business visible and easy to find in Google Maps and search results.

Note: Google Business Profile is the updated name of Google My Business (GMB) and some refer to it as “Google Business Listing”. So, when we use any of these terms we are referring to the same tool.

What is Google Business Profile, and why does it matter?

A Google Business Profile is a free business listing tool that appears on Google Search and Google Maps. with GMB, Businesses can control their digital presence across Google (Google Search and Google Maps).

It’s often the first thing customers see when searching for your business or similar services online, making it your digital front door. It showcases your business. 

• business address
• operating and closing hours
• service areas
• Google reviews
• business photos
• Google posts

Why is it so important? Well, Google holds over 94% of the search engine market in Ghana, making it the search engine of choice for millions. An optimised Profile helps potential customers find your business quickly. (Statista)

What are the benefits of an optimised Google Business Profile in Ghana?

When you fully optimise your Google Business Profile, the benefits are immediate. Here’s how:

By optimising an excellent GMB profile, many businesses like Pizzaman-Chickenman, Aftown, Remoteli, and Agodoo Digital Solutions are enjoying these benefits and driving customers from Accra, Kumasi, Tema, Takoradi and other Ghana’s major cities.

Ghanaian Google Business Profile Optimisation Checklist

Below i am describing essential steps to improve your Google Business Profile and increase sales to your business.

1. Claiming and Verification of the Profile

Start with claiming and verifying your profile. It is the most important step in the GMB optimisation process. Follow steps below to claim and verify your Google Business Profile:

1. Sign in to Google
2. Find your business
3. Select “Claim this business.” 
4. Complete your account verification via phone, email, or mail.

Why It Matters:

Be sure to select a verification type that will work best for you from Postal, Email and Phone Verification.

2. Fill Out All Business Details

Secondly, check and update your business listing data. This includes your office address, phone number, hours of operation, and service areas. Consistency is key for local search demand.

Here’s a quick checklist for your business information:

• Business Name
• Business Address (Make sure it matches your website)
• Business Phone Number
• Website URL
• Business Hours
• Service Areas (For example, service areas in Kumasi, Sunyani, Obuasi)

Add information carefully. Maintain authenticity. This is essential because 62% of consumers would avoid using a business with incorrect or outdated information online. (Source: Bright Local)

3. Upload High-Quality Photos and Videos

Visuals matter. Original and HD images and videos can lead to a better conversion rate. Why? Because humans love original content. Business succeeds when they demonstrate genuine and engaging content to their customers. Include:

• Images of your business, products and team
• How-to and product demos
• Geo-tag your photos to increase visibility in targeted local searches (e.g., Accra or Tema)

Fact: most of the hospitality businesses add high quality and engaging images to their GMB and get 92% of views for their brands from Google Business Profiles.

4. Make Sure to Use Targeted Keywords in Your Business Description

Your business description is a critical part of your profile optimisation. Use more targeted KWs (keywords) that describe your business and services well. This will help you show up in the search results whenever someone searches for a specific term.

For example:

• If you run a restaurant in Accra, add phrases such as “ Best Restaurant in Accra or ” Affordable Dining in Accra” to optimise your Google My Business profile.

Finding and integrating these keywords is a crucial component of your SEO strategy for Google Business Profile.

5. Request and Engage with Google Reviews

According to Backlinko, 7 in 10 consumers believe that reviews impact their purchasing. Customer feedback is important for building social proof. It not only helps you increase sales but also is one of the main ranking factors for Google.

Best Practices:

• Motivate your customers to rate and review on Google right after they make a purchase or experience your service.
• Respond to all reviews (positive or negative) in a very polite manner. Responding to reviews represents that you care about customer feedback.

Fact: According to Science Direct, 86% customers reported that they try to avoid making purchases from a business if they have many bad reviews about their services and products.

6. Publish Regular Updates via Google Posts

Regular updates via Google Posts are essential for keeping your Google Business Profile active. These updates can include:

• Special offers
  
• New product announcements
  
• Behind-the-scenes content
  
• Event updates
  

This keeps your business relevant and visible to local search users.

For businesses offering products or services, it’s essential to list them clearly on your Google Business Profile. This not only improves user experience but also makes your business appear professional and easy to navigate.

Example: A fashion store in Accra should list its products (e.g., “summer dresses”, “casual wear”) and provide descriptions for each item.

Common Mistakes Ghanaian Businesses Make with Google Business Listings

Many businesses make avoidable mistakes that can harm their profile optimisation efforts. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Incomplete Information: Leaving sections like hours of operation or contact information blank.
  
• Inconsistent NAP Data: Having different business addresses or phone numbers across various platforms.
  
• Ignoring Reviews: Failing to engage with Google reviews can negatively impact your business’s credibility.
  
• Low-quality images: Blurry, irrelevant, or unprofessional photos can deter customers.
  

Start optimising your profile today.

Need professional assistance? Consider WebSys Technology..

Our tailored solutions help businesses improve visibility and attract more customers effectively.

• Expert Profile Optimisation
  
• Tailored Digital Marketing
  
• Comprehensive IT Solutions
  
• Proven Results with Clients like Aftown and Remoteli
  

Choose WebSys Technology for reliable, results-driven services that boost your online presence in Ghana.

• Call or WhatsApp us at +233 20-050-8080
• Book a free consultation
• Get a customised proposal