Giving Tuesday is one of the most impactful days of the year for non-profits, as it inspires people around the world to give back to their communities. However, to make the most of it, nonprofits must leverage every tool at their disposal to reach as many potential supporters as possible. One often-overlooked tool? Your Google Business Profile.
Here’s how to optimize your profile to drive awareness, engagement, and donations before Giving Tuesday:
Verify and Update Your Profile Information
- Verify Your Profile: Ensure your profile is verified so it appears prominently on Google search and maps. This boosts your visibility and credibility.
- Accurate, Up-to-Date Information: Double-check that your address, phone number, and website are correct. Giving Tuesday can drive foot traffic to physical locations, so don’t miss this opportunity for in-person engagement.
- Add Your Category and Services: Set your organization’s category to “Nonprofit Organization” and list any specific services you offer. This helps Google show your profile in relevant searches.
Craft a Compelling ‘From the Business’ Description
- Write a concise, engaging description that tells visitors who you are, what you do, and why you do it. Make it personal, highlighting your mission and the impact of your work. Be sure to mention any Giving Tuesday initiatives, like matching campaigns, special events, or donation goals.
Leverage Google Posts to Share Updates
- Create Regular Posts: Use the Posts feature to share updates in the weeks leading up to Giving Tuesday. Talk about your organization’s impact, announce specific fundraising goals, or introduce donor-matching opportunities.
- Highlight Volunteer Opportunities: If you’re hosting a Giving Tuesday event or need extra volunteer support, use Google Posts to rally local volunteers.
- Include Links to Donate: Link directly to your donation page in these posts to make it as easy as possible for people to contribute.
Encourage and Showcase Supportive Reviews
- Ask Supporters for Reviews: A strong reputation on Google helps boost your visibility. Reach out to your most loyal volunteers, donors, or beneficiaries and ask them to share a review on your profile.
- Respond to Reviews: Show your gratitude by responding to each review, especially those received on or near Giving Tuesday. It demonstrates your appreciation and builds trust with new visitors.
Utilize Photos and Videos
- Post High-Quality Images: Images can help convey the heart of your organization. Share photos of recent events, volunteers, or the communities you serve.
- Upload Short Videos: Videos showcasing stories from beneficiaries or your team can be powerful. A short message from your team about your Giving Tuesday campaign could resonate with donors.
Add FAQs to Address Common Questions
- Use the Q&A feature on Google to answer common questions about your organization, mission, and how people can get involved. This helps donors make informed decisions quickly, which is critical on a high-traffic day like Giving Tuesday.
Leverage Special Attributes for Non-Profits
- List Donation Links: Many Google Business Profiles now allow nonprofits to include direct donation links. Add your donation page link, so it’s easy for people to donate directly from your profile.
- Highlight Community Engagement: Google allows non-profits to showcase specific initiatives, such as “Women-Led” or “Veteran-Led.” If applicable, use these attributes to foster trust and connection with potential supporters.
Promote Your Google Business Profile on Other Channels
- Encourage Followers to Engage with Your Profile: Link to your Google profile from your social media pages, newsletters, and website. This builds its authority, making it more likely to show up in local searches on Giving Tuesday.
- Cross-Promote Google Reviews: Highlight testimonials from your Google reviews on social media to encourage more people to visit your profile and learn about your impact.
How Hammersmith Support Can Help Your Non-Profit
A healthy Google Business Profile needs a spectacular website. Hammersmith Support websites are custom-built and unique for each client. One of the many benefits is we can help you set up local schema, which benefits the client’s Google Business profiles. If you have a local business and want to increase your online visibility, our SEO package may be a great fit for enhancing your profile and driving more traffic. See our work in action under the “nonprofit” category on our blog page!
Hammersmith Support works with companies of all sizes, providing each with a personal touch and expert services. Schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation, and you can request a quote on our site as well. We’re looking forward to discussing how we can support your organization.