We’re halfway through 2023. If you haven’t looked at your Google Business Profile since January (or, let’s be honest, since you first set it up), now is the time for a mid-year audit. For retail shops in San Antonio, this free tool is often the difference between getting found and getting forgotten.
Hours, Address, Phone…The Basics
Pull up your profile and verify everything. Did your hours change for summer? Did you add a second phone line? Is your website URL still correct? It sounds simple, but we’ve seen San Antonio shops lose weeks of traffic because their Google profile showed the wrong hours after a holiday update they forgot to revert.
While you’re at it, check your business description. Does it still accurately describe what you sell and where you’re located? “Handmade jewelry and gifts in the heart of Southtown, San Antonio” is specific and searchable. “A unique shopping experience” tells Google nothing useful.
Photo Refresh
Scroll through your photos. If the newest one is from six months ago, you’re overdue. Upload fresh photos of your storefront (summer looks different than winter), new product arrivals, your team, and the interior of your shop. Businesses with photos added in the last 30 days get significantly more clicks and direction requests.
If you recently rearranged your store, got new signage, or restocked with summer inventory, show it. A boutique near the Quarry updated their photos monthly and saw a 25% increase in profile views over the same period the prior year. We updated this mid-year audit framework in our 2024 retail Google Business Profile audit guide.
Review Your Reviews
How many reviews have you gotten since January? If it’s fewer than ten, you need to step up your game. Check for any reviews you haven’t responded to and reply to every one. Potential customers read your responses just as much as the reviews themselves.
Create a mid-year push: for the next 30 days, ask every customer to leave a review. Print QR code cards, add a review link to your receipts, and train your team to make the ask. “If you enjoyed shopping with us, a quick Google review really helps!” Most people will do it if you make it easy.
Use Posts to Promote Summer Inventory
The Google Business Profile posting feature lets you share updates, offers, and events directly on your listing. Post weekly about summer sales, new arrivals, holiday-themed products, or upcoming events.
“Independence Day sale…20% off all red, white, and blue items through July 7th!” Include a photo and a button linking to your website or a “Call now” action. These posts stay visible for seven days, so a weekly cadence keeps your profile constantly fresh.
Check Your Insights
Google provides data on how people find your profile: what searches they used, whether they clicked for directions or called, and how your performance compares to previous periods. Check your insights now and compare to the first six months.
Are certain search terms bringing you traffic you didn’t expect? Double down on those. Are direction requests down? Maybe your photos or reviews need attention. Let the data tell you where to focus.
Thirty Minutes, Big Impact
A mid-year audit doesn’t take long. Thirty minutes of focused effort can reset your visibility for the entire second half of 2023. Your Google Business Profile is often the very first impression a potential customer has of your shop…make sure it’s a good one. As Q4 approaches, start thinking about customer retention strategies for the holiday rush and make sure your website is ready for year-end shoppers.
Need help managing your online presence? Check out our digital marketing products…built for San Antonio retail businesses.