A subprime lender’s Google Business Profile [GBP] is more than just an online listing.
It is an opportunity to reach potential borrowers where they are searching: on Google and on their Phone!
With a robust GBP, you ensure that customers looking for payday loans, cash advances, car title loans, or installment loans find you easily. Additionally, a GBP allows you to showcase the benefits of your services directly in search results, helping you convert online searchers into borrowers faster.
Creating a powerful Google Business Profile (GBP) is one of the most effective ways subprime lenders can attract new customers and stay competitive. This guide will cover essential GBP setup and optimization techniques that will enhance your online visibility, increase foot traffic to your storefront, and ultimately help you grow your loan originations. Whether you are operating exclusively online or through a storefront, a well-built GBP is key to scaling your loan portfolio efficiently.
Why Your Google Business Profile is a Must for Subprime Lenders
A Google Business Profile is more than just an online listing. For subprime lenders, it is an opportunity to reach potential borrowers where they are searching: on Google. With a robust GBP, you ensure that customers looking for payday loans, cash advances, car title loans, or installment loans find you easily. Additionally, a GBP allows you to showcase the benefits of your services directly in search results, helping you convert online searchers into borrowers faster.
Main Benefits of a GBP for Subprime Lenders:
- Increased Local Visibility: Lenders can stand out in local searches, leading borrowers in the area directly to your doorstep or online application.
- Enhanced Credibility: Verified business information, reviews, and updated content establish your brand as a reliable source for quick cash solutions.
- Customer Engagement: A GBP facilitates two-way communication through Google Reviews, direct messaging, and Google Posts.
Step 1 – Claim and Verify Your Profile
To begin, claim your business on Google by searching for your business name on Google Maps. If it’s already listed, click on the “Own this business?” link, and follow the instructions to claim it. If your business isn’t yet listed, create a new profile from scratch. Verifying your business is essential to ensure that you control the information that appears about your business online. You can choose a verification method via phone, email, or postcard.
Tips:
- Use consistent business details across all online directories (name, address, and phone number) to improve local SEO.
- Ensure that your business category matches your services, such as “Loan Agency” or “Payday Loan Service.”
Step 2 – Optimize Your Business Information
Once verified, make your GBP as informative and engaging as possible. Start with the following essential areas:
Business Description
Craft a description highlighting the benefits of your subprime lending services. This section allows you to briefly explain your loan offerings, such as payday loans, installment loans, and car title loans, while subtly including keywords like “quick cash” and “local payday lender.”
Hours of Operation
Provide accurate hours of operation and remember to update these for holidays. Many borrowers look for urgent financial solutions, so clear hours can improve your chances of attracting those customers.
Services and Products
Add specific loan products you offer. Google allows you to categorize these, which is particularly useful for displaying different loan types, such as payday loans, installment loans, cash advances, and title loans. You can also include brief descriptions, eligibility criteria, and any special terms.
Claim your Google Business Profile today to reach more borrowers in your area and showcase your subprime loan services.
Step 3 – Add High-Quality Photos and Videos
Visual content is vital in attracting potential customers. For lenders, the types of images and videos to consider include:
- Storefront and Interior Images: Show customers where they’ll be conducting business, especially if it’s their first time with you.
- Loan Process Visuals: A quick walkthrough video explaining the loan process can put customers at ease, demystifying how payday loans or title loans work.
- Team Photos: Humanize your brand by introducing your team. Borrowers will feel more comfortable dealing with real people.
Step 4 – Engage Customers with Google Posts
Google Posts are short updates that appear directly on your GBP. Use this feature to share:
- Special Offers and Promotions: Consider seasonal discounts on loan fees or limited-time promotions for repeat customers.
- Financial Tips: Help educate potential customers by offering tips on managing finances, building credit, or understanding different loan types.
- Referral Programs: If you offer referral incentives for customers who bring in friends and family, promote these here. For example, “Get $100 when you refer a friend who takes out a new payday loan!”
Posts are an excellent way to engage with borrowers and keep your profile fresh, signaling to Google and customers that your business is active.
Step 5 – Manage Reviews and Interactions
For a subprime lender, managing online reviews is crucial. Positive reviews help build trust and establish credibility, while a quick, professional response to a negative review can demonstrate excellent customer service. Here’s how you can manage reviews effectively:
- Encourage Happy Customers to Leave Reviews: After a successful loan transaction, request feedback. Let them know that their review helps other borrowers find reliable lenders.
- Respond Promptly: Engage with all reviews, whether positive or negative. For negative reviews, apologize, explain the steps taken to address the issue, and invite them to contact you directly to resolve any concerns.
Step 6 – Monitor Performance and Adjust as Needed
Google offers insights on your profile’s performance, including the number of views, search queries used to find your business, and actions customers take on your profile. Use these analytics to understand your audience better and refine your GBP strategy accordingly.
Additional Tips for Ongoing Maintenance:
- Regularly Update Your Content: Adjust hours for holidays, change product descriptions if loan terms evolve, and keep visual content current.
- Security and Ownership: Ensure you maintain control over who can edit your GBP, especially if multiple people in your organization have access.
Start optimizing your Google Business Profile today to attract more local borrowers. Reach out to us for expert guidance on maximizing your GBP’s potential!
Conclusion: Building a Great Google Business Profile is Just the Beginning
A well-crafted GBP is invaluable for subprime lenders looking to increase their loan originations.
By setting up and optimizing your profile, you position your business to capture the attention of potential borrowers when they need you most.
Remember, a GBP is not a one-and-done effort—it requires ongoing management and refinement to keep your business visible and competitive.
Follow these steps to make the most of this powerful tool and watch your subprime lending business grow!