Google Business Profile
Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile provides parishes with the ability to list their church locations on Google Maps and appear in local search results.
Parishes can display important information about their church, including sermon times, office opening/closing times, events, articles, contact details, photos and a link to a website. See example of St George’s Cathedral Google Business listing.
The Google Business listing is free. The way people search is changing, and information needs to be instantly accessible. If you want people to physically find you, you need to have a Google Business listing and be optimising it on a regular basis.
If you choose not to have a Google Business listing, you’re missing out on one of the best free ways of appearing in Google search results.
We encourage all parishes to effectively manage their Google Business account.
How to set up a Google Business Profile
Step 1: Connect with Google
Go to https://www.google.com/business/ to get started. You will need to create a Google account or sign into a Google account you already have. It is recommended you create a Google account for your parish, and not use a personal one, so it can be easily accessible and transferable should responsibilities for the Google Business listing move to another person.
It is recommended each parish add the email communications@perth.anglican.org and/or anglican.diocese.perth@gmail.com as a user > site manager for your listing. This will ensure continuity of access to the listing and immediate support from the Digital Connect Coordinator if required.
Step 2 – Create/Claim Your Google Business Profile
After finding or creating your business location click on "Own this business?". Confirm that you are "authorised to manage this business" and click continue.
Step 3 – Verify Your Business
You will now need to verify your business. This involves Google providing you with a verification code, which can be done in a variety of ways:
- Phone call
- Postcard mailed to your business address
Once the code arrives you can then input it to verify your business and you are all set up. Your business now has a Google Business page!
Step 4 – Add the Finishing Touches
The more information you add to your Google Business page the more effective it will be. Your business address should already be set, but there are several other details to fill in.
- Category – you can set what category your business is.
- Opening Times – set your opening times so that when someone views your GMB page they know when you’re open
- Phone Number – make it easy for people to contact you
- Website – make sure your website link is set, so people can easily visit your website to find out more about your parish
- Appointment URL – you can also set an appointment URL to make it even easier for people to book your services / hall hire
- Add Photos – make sure you set your parish logo and a cover photo. You can also add more photos, giving you the opportunity to showcase more about your parish and people.
- Reviews – Google reviews are an important part of GMB. Encourage your customers to write positive reviews on Google so you have a five star rating. Testimonials are a powerful way to show how much your church is appreciated.
- Posts – this is a relatively new feature, which allows you to share events or content from your websites blog.
The more information you provide Google about your parish the greater the benefit you will receive from your Google Business page, so make sure you set the time aside to fill in the details.
Step 5: Keep Monitoring Your Google Business listing
Keep monitoring and adding to your listing. For example, people can write reviews about your church and this gives you the chance to interact with them, whether the review is positive or negative.
There is also the option to change your opening times during seasons. Also, people can also ask questions about your parish and this presents opportunities to answer them and engage them in conversation.
Make sure you are making the most of your parish listing and presenting current and potential community connections with the right impression – that is current information and timely responses.
Further support
If you are unable to manage your parish's Google Business listing, the Diocesan Digital Content Coordinator can claim and manage your listing for you, under the guidance of your parish. We can transfer management of the listing back to you at any time.
If you have any questions, or need support please contact:
Diocesan Digital Content Coordinator - Samantha Chan
communications@perth.anglican.org or 08 9425 7231