How to Set Up Google Business Profile for Your Cookie Business | Rolling in Dough Marketing
How to Set Up Google Business Profile to Attract More Cookie Customers
So, you've been creating beautiful, delicious custom cookies from home, and word-of-mouth is bringing you some great local customers. But you know there are more people out there who would love your creations if they could find you online. That's where Google Business Profile (GBP) comes in—a powerful, free tool that helps local customers discover you with just a search.
This step-by-step guide will help you set up and optimize your Google Business Profile, so more cookie lovers in your area know exactly where to find you.
Why Google Business Profile Matters for Home Bakers
When people search online for cookies, desserts, or local bakeries, they’re often ready to buy or visit soon. In fact, 76% of people who search for something nearby on their phone visit a related business within a day! Google Business Profile gives you a free, easy way to show up in those local search results and put your cookie business on the map (literally).
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Google Business Profile
Step 1: Create and Verify Your Profile
Go to the Google Business Profile website and sign in with your Google account. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one first.
Enter your business name and category (e.g., Home Bakery or Custom Cookie Shop).
Add your address so customers know where to find you (you can also hide your exact address if you’re home-based but still want to serve local areas).
Select the areas you serve if you deliver or have specific regions you cater to.
Verify your business via phone or postcard, as prompted by Google. Verification confirms you’re a real, local business.
Step 2: Fill Out Your Business Information
Once you’re verified, fill out all the information that potential customers will need, including:
Business hours: Specify if you’re open on weekends or for special events.
Contact info: Phone number and email for easy access.
Website link (if you have one) to direct customers to a complete list of your offerings or contact form.
Step 3: Add Your Business Category and Service Areas
Choosing “Bakery” or “Custom Bakery” as your business category helps you appear in relevant searches. Don’t forget to specify the areas you serve—like towns or neighborhoods you deliver to. This tells Google to prioritize showing your business to people in those areas.
Tips for Optimizing Your Profile for Local Visibility
Now that your GMB profile is set up, it’s time to make it stand out.
Use Keywords in Your Business Description
Include phrases like “custom cookies,” “sugar cookies,” or “cookie artist” in your description. This helps people find you when searching for specific cookie styles or treats. Your description might look something like, “Hand-crafted, custom sugar cookies baked fresh for every order. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and special events in [Your City]!”
Add High-Quality Photos of Your Cookie Creations
GMB profiles with photos get 35% more click-throughs to their website and 42% more requests for directions. Showcase your best work with clear, bright photos of your cookies. Include close-ups of intricate designs or seasonal themes to draw people in.
Post Regular Updates
Did you start offering Halloween-themed cookies? Are you running a holiday special? GMB lets you create posts to share updates, events, or promotions, helping customers stay in the loop about your latest creations.
Encouraging Customer Reviews for Greater Visibility
Customer reviews are huge on Google! They’re one of the main ways people judge the quality of a business before making a purchase. Businesses with higher ratings and more reviews are seen as more reputable, and Google often prioritizes them in search results. Here are some simple ways to get those valuable reviews:
Send a Follow-Up Email: After fulfilling an order, ask customers for a review in a polite follow-up email. Keep it simple: “Thank you for ordering from [Your Business]! We’d love to hear about your experience on Google.”
Include a Review Request in Your Packaging: A small note card with a friendly reminder can work wonders! Something like, “Loved your cookies? Leave us a review on Google to help others discover our treats!”
Respond to All Reviews: Thank your reviewers and respond kindly to any feedback. Google notices active business profiles, and your customers will appreciate the interaction.
Final Touches: Keeping Your Profile Updated
Your Google Business Profile is a living representation of your business. Keep it updated to keep customers engaged and informed:
Update Your Hours for Holidays or Events: If you’re doing special hours for a holiday or offering pre-order options, make sure to list these in your profile.
Add New Photos Regularly**: Fresh photos signal to customers (and Google) that your business is active and relevant.
Check for Customer Questions: Google lets people ask questions on your profile, so check in regularly to answer any inquiries. It’s a great way to show potential customers that you’re responsive and attentive.
Conclusion
By setting up and optimizing your Google Business Profile, you’re taking a major step toward helping more customers find and trust your cookie business. With each step, from creating a profile to adding photos and encouraging reviews, you’re increasing your visibility, drawing in more local customers, and making it easy for cookie lovers to connect with you.
So, go ahead and get started—your future customers are just a Google search away!
