Google Business Profile: local SEO guide for businesses in Geneva and Zurich
Google Business Profile: local SEO guide for companies in Geneva and Zurich
Are you a company in Geneva or Zurich? Here's why Google Business Profile (GBP) is essential to attract local customers:
- 46% of Google searches have a local intent: Users actively seek services or products near them.
- Increase your visibility: GBP allows you to appear in Google searches, on Maps, and even on Google Shopping.
- Boost customer trust: 96% of consumers trust businesses more with an up-to-date profile.
- Photos = more views: Posting 100 photos can increase your views by 960%.
- Responding to reviews = more engagement: Responding to 25% of reviews improves interaction by 35%.
Why this works in Switzerland?
- Multilingualism: Adapt your information in French and German to appeal to local customers.
- Competitive markets: Geneva and Zurich are cities where standing out is essential.
What you will learn in this article:
- Set up your profile: Claim your business and optimize your information (address, hours, categories).
- Optimize for Geneva & Zurich: Use local keywords and tailor your content to the expectations of French and German-speaking clients.
- Manage customer reviews: Get and respond to reviews to improve your ranking.
- Advanced strategies: Use Google Maps, Swiss directories, and create localized content.
Start today: A complete and optimized profile can transform your online visibility and attract more customers in these two dynamic cities.
How to Optimize Your Google Business Profile (REAL example!)
How to set up and optimize your Google Business Profile
Creating an effective Google Business Profile starts with claiming and verifying your business on google.com/business [1]. These steps not only confirm your business legitimacy but also activate key features to attract local customers in Geneva, Zurich, and beyond.
Basic profile configuration
Once you've claimed and verified your profile, ensure your essential information (name, address, phone) is accurate and consistent across all your platforms. In Switzerland, adhere to the local postal format, such as "Rue du Rhône 15, 1204 Geneva" or "Bahnhofstrasse 42, 8001 Zurich," and prioritize a local phone number to enhance your credibility [2].
Add your opening hours, including special hours for holidays and local events like the Fêtes de l'Escalade in Geneva or the Sechseläuten in Zurich [3]. These details show that your business is active and attentive to the needs of its customers.
Choose the right business categories
Category selection is crucial for improving your local visibility. Opt for a precise primary category, such as "nail salon" rather than "beauty salon," and add up to nine secondary categories to cover all your services [4].
For a restaurant in Geneva, for example, "Swiss restaurant" could be a primary category, with secondary options like "fondue restaurant" or "traditional restaurant." These strategic choices help better match local searches and attract customers interested in your specialties.
Add local business information
Include specific Swiss market details to enrich your profile. Display your rates in CHF (e.g., "CHF 25.50" or "25.50 CHF"), include a link to your official website to encourage visitors to learn more [2], and add quality photos and videos highlighting your team, premises, and environment. Companies posting over 100 photos see an impressive 960% increase in views compared to those posting fewer [2].
Also mention important attributes like parking, accessibility, free Wi-Fi, payment options (cards, mobile), and services such as delivery. Remember to update your hours for special periods like Christmas markets or local festivals.
Finally, ensure the pin on Google Maps accurately matches your physical location. This is particularly crucial in dense city centers like Geneva and Zurich, where a few meters off can lead to confusion for potential customers [2].
French and German optimization for the markets of Geneva and Zurich
To maximize your visibility in Switzerland, it's essential to adapt your profile to local linguistic specifics. With 62.3% of the population speaking German and 22.8% speaking French [7], your content must reflect this diversity to capture the attention of Geneva and Zurich audiences.
Multilingual content writing
Creating content in French and German goes beyond mere translation. Each Swiss region has its digital habits influencing buying and conversion behaviors [5]. An effective business description must be tailored to each language to reflect local expectations.