Ask An SEO Should I Delete My GBP If I Am Selling My Product Nationwide

Expanding your business to a nationwide audience comes with its own set of challenges, especially concerning online visibility. One burning question is whether maintaining a local Google Business Profile (GBP) can hinder your broader goals.

This article delves into whether a small business with a local office should keep or delete its GBP while focusing on national sales, addressing various scenarios and the best course of action.

Understanding Google Business Profile Eligibility

Anytime questions arise about Google Business Profiles, it’s crucial to refer to the GBP guidelines. Google regularly updates these guidelines, which detail eligibility requirements and rules businesses must follow.

Most people don’t realise that not every business qualifies for a GBP. According to Google’s guidelines, a business must make in-person contact with customers during its stated hours to qualify. Brick-and-mortar locations and service-based businesses like plumbers or electricians, meeting customers at their locations, are eligible.

The Dilemma of Ineligibility

If a business doesn’t meet the in-person contact requirement, it’s not eligible for a GBP. Examples of ineligible businesses include brands, organisations, and other online-only operations.

In the case of businesses more like a workshop than a sales office, as Ursula described, direct sales might not happen at the location. This suggests ineligibility for a GBP.

Risks of Setting Up an Ineligible GBP

Some might wonder why they shouldn’t set up a GBP even if ineligible. It’s a bad idea. Google now uses video verification to ensure compliance with guidelines, making it tough for ineligible businesses to get verified.

Google has also become aggressive in enforcing GBP guidelines. Suspicious activities can lead to suspensions, and ineligible businesses can’t reinstate suspended profiles, eliminating their visibility.

Impact of GBP on National SEO Strategy

Ursula’s query about focusing on national sales brings another layer to the discussion. Assuming eligibility, having a GBP doesn’t hinder nationwide visibility. Local SEO isn’t limited to Google Business Profiles; various algorithms come into play based on search queries.

The local algorithm displays results in the Map Pack, Local Finder, Google Maps, and organic search results. Businesses can optimise for both local and national visibility to perform well on both sides.

Showing Up in the Map Pack in Other Cities

A common follow-up question is how to appear in the Map Pack in other cities. Without a GBP, showing up in the Map Pack isn’t possible, but localised organic results remain a viable target.

Businesses can create multiple iterations of top-tier content, optimised for different target cities, enhancing their visibility in those regions without needing a GBP in each location.

Balancing Local and Nationwide Visibility

Having a GBP for a single location won’t affect appearing in nationwide search results. However, nationwide visibility in the Map Pack is limited to the business’s location city.

Always consult the GBP guidelines when questions arise about eligibility or profile usage to ensure compliance and optimal visibility.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the nuances of local and national SEO strategies can be complex. The key takeaway is that maintaining a GBP won’t hinder national visibility if eligibility requirements are met.

To summarise, small businesses aiming for nationwide sales need not delete their Google Business Profile if they’re eligible. The GBP will not impede their national search visibility but will enhance local presence.

Ultimately, understanding and leveraging both local and nationwide SEO strategies can help businesses achieve comprehensive visibility, reaching customers both locally and across the nation.

Source: Searchenginejournal