Question 1

Can you tell me a little bit more about Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Totally! You could start by reading this blog post.

Question 2

Did you say Google My Business or Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

As of 2022, Google My Business has officially been renamed to Google Business Profile. For several reasons, you will hear these terms used interchangeably.

There are also acronyms used for each: 
GMB = Google My Business
GBP = Google Business Profile

Question 3

How do I get started with Stella Google Business Profile Management?

Accepted Answer

The very first step is to fill out this brief form and schedule a "Super Fun GBP Intro Call". We will meet via zoom to discuss your goals and queries. If we both determine that this is a good fit, I will go ahead and provide the next steps.

Question 4

Will I have a dedicated account manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Crystal, founder of Stella Web Design, will be your account manager. You will receive communication directly from me regarding all of the updates and progress made to your Google Business Profile.

Question 5

Why is the minimum contract agreement 3 months?

Accepted Answer

It is important to me that Stella Web Design provides quality service and value for my clients. Research has shown that the relationship ought to be maintained for at least 3 months to get proper traction for your business.

Question 6

I don't have a website. Can I still move forward with GBP Management?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes. Many small businesses (most often solopreneurs) operate with neither. Of course, while having a website is not necessary to create/claim, verify, or even maintain a Google Business Profile, there are many advantages to having a company website. In several ways, a fully optimized Google Business Profile enhances a website and vice versa. Although I always recommend that my clients have a website, I understand that sometimes it may be an investment that comes later.

Question 7

Is Google Business Profile free to start?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it‘s free to create your Business Profile on Google. Create your profile at no cost, and you can manage your business from Google Search and Maps to start reaching more customers.

Stella Web Design offers a profile management service to support small business owners. Approximately half of small businesses have not claimed their listing. That's just bonkers! My mission is to educate, encourage and empower those who are ready to take advantage of this listing and, if they are ready, my services as well.

Question 8

What countries do you service?

Accepted Answer

Currently, the United States is the only country Stella Web Design services, with a focus on the Minnesota north metro. These cities include but are not limited to, Forest Lake, Wyoming, Hugo, Centerville, Lindstrom, Chisago, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Blaine, Andover, Isanti, Cambridge, Princeton, Harris, North Branch, Stacy, Rush City.

Question 9

I don't have a storefront. Can I still have a Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can have a profile if your business doesn’t have a physical address as long as you make in-person contact with customers. You can also have a profile if you’re a hybrid business that serves customers at your business address and visits or delivers directly to customers. You may also have a profile if you’re a service-area business that visits or delivers to customers directly, but doesn't serve customers at its business address, like a plumber or cleaning service.

Question 10

How do I see what Google says about business profiles?

Accepted Answer

You can read the Google Business Profile FAQs straight from the horse's mouth here.

Question 11

What if I already have a Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a business profile and would like to start working with Stella Web Design, you can add me as a manager within the settings of your profile. This allows me access to the things I will need to manage the profile.
Don't worry I will send a how-to video 😉

Question 12

Why would l pay someone to manage my profile?

Accepted Answer

Google. Algorithms. Tech. Getting emotionally involved when responding to poor reviews. Some things in business can be taken off of your plate - this is one of them. I have found that most business owners like being involved in decision-making or being up-to-date at a high level, but they don't necessarily want to be in the trenches in every aspect of their business.

Question 13

What if I find that this service is not a good fit?

Accepted Answer

We get the profile set up and optimized, create a review strategy,  and look at your business's reputation across the internet as a whole. After the 3 month period, my clients are invited to continue with my services or have the option of removing me as a profile manager.

Question 14

What types of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Payments can be made online using PayPal or a credit card. Check by mail is acceptable as well.

Question 15

Do you offer any sort of referral program for GBP Management?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you have a professional peer who you believe would benefit from these services, please have them fill out this form to schedule an intro call with me and mention that you referred them. You can also send an email to crystal@stellawebdesign.com with their contact information.

The referral is honored when the person signs the client contract. When this happens, depending on the signing date, your invoice for the current or the following month will be discounted by 50%. If you are not a current client of Stella Web Design, we can discuss the terms of the agreement individually.

Question 16

If I am not in a position to pay for GBP Management, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

Focus on what Google focuses on for any online presence:
service (google is giving surveys to customers to spot-check the actual experience)
trust (looks at other indexes/citations…includes the whole internet’s view of your business)
customer signals (authority: communication, keywords in reviews/responses, customer photos)
user experience (speed, organization…how quickly can the client find what they are looking for)

You may also want to read the section about GBP referral program on this FAQs page.

Question 17

What is the #1 concern you hear from business owners regarding GBP?

Accepted Answer

Google. Algorithms. Support. Suspensions. Lack of education. Limited time. Competitor spam.

It's just a lot to keep up with. I have a good pulse on what is going on in the local SEO (search engine optimization) world, what Google is currently interested in, and when it launches new features.  It's nice to know someone is on your side and advocating for your business out there in the digital terrain.

Question 18

Is there a setup fee?

Accepted Answer

Stella Web Design does not charge a Google Business Profile setup fee. Keep in mind that verification of the listing will be necessary to move forward. You can learn how to do this here.

Question 19

How will I know that your services are working?

Accepted Answer

You will feel more calm, informed and supported. The work that will be done to create and/or tune-up your Google Business Profile will likely result in more inquiries, calls or bookings and less stress for you. Getting on the map is great, yet rising up on the list of competitors is better. 😉

Question 20

Can I cancel my service at any time?

Accepted Answer

I hope that by the time you decide to move forward with the Google Business Profile management services at Stella Web Design, you will understand what we are attempting to accomplish and why the 3 months are vital.

I am interested in helping small businesses grow and flourish. The exact results will be different for every client since every business is unique. You will have discussed this with me and I will be communicating along the way to allow you to see the work. updates, progress.

If at any point, you feel very strongly that this is not a good fit, I would advise you to communicate your concern to me and we will work out a plan to move forward. Cancellation would be honored only with a written notice 30 days in advance.

Email: crystal@stellawebdesign.com

Question 21

How can I ask a question not listed here?

Accepted Answer

You can email crystal@stellawebdesign.com, or fill out this form to schedule a Super Fun GBP Intro Call, which will allow us to get to know each other and I can answer any questions you have.

Question 22

Will I need to supply all the photos and info for my profile?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Google really wants to see your establishment in real life because it knows that's what potential customers want to see. So it's very important that the images we use on your profile are authentic.

Some ideas for photos (will vary by industry):
owner/s
manager/s
staff members
outside of building
break room
office/s
lobby/waiting room
reception desk
bathroom
handicap accessible areas
internal processes
services being performed
products being used
surrounding area
front door
hours posted
business signage
yard/land
stage/podium
patio/porch

Question 23

What languages do you support?

Accepted Answer

Currently, English is the only language Stella Web Design supports.

Question 24

What does it mean to manage a Google Business Profile?

Accepted Answer

Managing a Google Business Profile would include:

Create a profile and/or utilize all available features.
Competitor analysis, confirming primary category.
Spam fighting and profile advocacy.
Engagement via Q&A, posts, photos, etc.
Managing store hours, products, & services.
Reputation building and protecting with reviews.
Connect with the owner on updates/progress.

Question 25

Does Stella Web Design offer other SEO services?

Accepted Answer

As of right now, GBP management is the only service offered at Stella Web Design. It is likely that I can answer some of your local SEO questions or know some really great resources to point you to.

My heart is for small business, and I will continue my education in the SEO space and grow in partnerships with other agencies to provide more of these services in the future. Link building, on-page SEO, backlinks, content creation, and blogging are the main things that I (or my team) could help with as we grow.

Question 26

What other services does Stella Web Design offer?

Accepted Answer

We focus a LOT on tuning up your brand around here. What I mean is that we ask a LOT of really awesome questions that will help you to think through how your company is showing up in the world (in person as well as digitally). For many small business owners, their business is something they have poured blood, sweat, and tears into. For that reason, it is of utmost importance that what they are intending to put out matches what their clients are perceiving.

The way Stella Web Design supports small businesses is through:
Guided Brand Discovery - let's make sure you're brand is tuned up for connection
Custom Website Design - we'll work to get your digital home base looking spiffy
Stella VIP Sessions - mark things off that design checklist of yours

Question 27

What if I don't have a Google listing yet?

Accepted Answer

Google crawls business date bases regularly and may already have your business listed. If so, you will need to claim that business as yours and verify that it belongs to you. If not, you will create one. Either way, here are the steps to do so.

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gbp management

faqs

cuz I know you're wondering

Common questions have been gathered and listed below to help you make an informed decision.

GBP MANAGEMENT FAQS